Print

Best Easy German Bratwurst Skillet with Sauerkraut and Apples

German bratwurst skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and hearty one-pan meal featuring caramelized bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is packed with comforting German flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb bratwurst sausages (about 4–5 links)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into thin wedges
  • 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • ½ cup apple cider or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Slice the bratwurst into 1-inch thick rounds. Core the apples and slice them into thin wedges (about ¼ inch thick). Thinly slice the onion. Drain the sauerkraut in a colander and press gently to remove excess liquid.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or butter. Once shimmering, add the bratwurst pieces in a single layer. Let them brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden-brown.
  3. Remove the bratwurst and set aside on a plate. Do not wipe out the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the same pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add a splash of apple cider or broth if the pan looks dry.
  5. Add the apple wedges and drained sauerkraut. Sprinkle in caraway seeds (if using), salt, pepper, and brown sugar or honey. Stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the apples soften slightly.
  6. Pour in the apple cider or chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let bubble for about 1 minute.
  7. Return the bratwurst to the pan, nestling them into the sauerkraut-apple mixture. Cover with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness: bratwurst should be heated through and apples tender but not mushy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, use fresh bratwurst (not pre-cooked) and drain sauerkraut well to avoid a watery dish. Don’t rush the browning step—a deep golden crust adds flavor. Apples should be sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for balance. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, apples, German skillet, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/best-easy-german-bratwurst-skillet-with-sauerkraut-and-apples/