Bratwurst and Sauerkraut
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Why wait for Oktoberfest to indulge in some German goodness? German cuisine is known for being hearty, unpretentious, and flavorful, with a focus on meat, potatoes, and some sour and tangy flavors. Bratwurst and sauerkraut deliver exactly this, with juicy, savory sausage complemented by the tanginess of sauerkraut and sweetness of apples, served up on creamy mashed potatoes. It's a relaxed dinner option that delivers big flavor!
If you love these German sausages, make a bratwurst burger! Take the bratwurst meat from the casings to make burger patties, serving it up on a pretzel bun!
Bratwurst and sauerkraut is the ultimate autumn comfort food recipe. The brats are browned in a pan and then stewed with sauerkraut and apple juice. Apple slices are popped in at the end for a touch of sweetness. It's an easy, hearty dish the whole family will love!
What is bratwurst?
Bratwurst is a particular type of sausage that originated in Germany ā ābrat' means meat, and āwurst' means sausage. All bratwursts are sausages, but not all sausages are bratwurst ā so what sets this particular sausage apart? In terms of flavor, it can vary depending on the type you get, but it often has salt, pepper, caraway seeds, nutmeg, garlic, coriander, allspice, or marjoram. It's often made with pork, however sometimes you'll find it made with veal or beef, too. Bratwurst is savory with hints of spices, adding depth and complexity. When it cooks, the outside crisps up and the inside is tender and juicy.
Where can I find bratwurst?
Some supermarkets will carry bratwurst ā check in the fresh meat department near the Italian sausages or ask the staff if they're available. Another good spot to check is your local butcher or specialty food stores that focus on German cuisine. Don't forget to keep an eye out at farmers' markets as well; some vendors may have delicious homemade bratwurst available for purchase.
Ingredients notes
This bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe is savory, salty, with a little sweetness and tang! These are the ingredients you'll need:
- Bratwurst sausages:Ā Juicy and tender inside with a crisp coating, you'll find bratwurst sausages at your supermarket of local butcher.
- Other ingredients: Butter, apple juice, onion, sauerkraut, red baking apple, and fresh parsley.
- Mashed potatoes: potatoes, salt and pepper, butter, and whipping cream.
How to make bratwurst and sauerkraut
This honest and humble meal is super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a relaxed dinner. Mash some spuds, cook your bratwurst, and sautĆ© onions and apples with the sauerkraut ā easy! This is how it's done:
- Mash potatoes: Boil up some spuds and drain the water, adding the butter, cream, salt, and pepper before mashing it all together until it's deliciously creamy.
- Bratwurst: While your potatoes are cooking, start on the bratwurst by cooking them in butter until they brown up! Remove them from the pan.
- Sauerkraut: Saute the onions until golden, then add the tangy sauerkraut to the skillet. Stir it all together.
- Finish: Pop the bratwurst back in, covering everything with apple juice. Cover the pan and turn down the heat so it simmers on medium-low for 20 minutes. Add the apple slices and cook uncovered until they soften. Serve the sauerkraut and bratwurst over your mashed potatoes with a little fresh parsley on top. Prost!
Selecting your sauerkraut
You'll find sauerkraut most often sold in a jar in supermarkets, sometimes in a can, and some stores will also have fresh refrigerated sauerkraut. One tip is to avoid red cabbage sauerkraut as the color bleeds through your plate, turning everything a red-ish-blue-ish color.
If you're unsure, check the ingredients ā you'll want a sauerkraut with minimal items listed as traditional sauerkraut only contains cabbage, salt, and sometimes water. Fresh, refrigerated sauerkraut will often retain more crunch and tang. You can also find recipes for homemade sauerkraut online.
Beer brats
Have you heard of beer brats? Bratwurst cooked in beer is referred to with the nickname ābeer brats' and it's a delicious variation of this recipe. Meat is no stranger to being cooked in beer, adding richness, depth, and a touch of bitterness from the hops. Plus, when you cook with beer, its sugars caramelize, giving your brats that irresistible crispy edge.
Simply start by poking your bratwurst with a fork a few times each, creating little holes that let the beer to seep into. Pour a few cans of beer into a pot then let it heat up. Add the bratwurst in, letting them simmer in the beer, then use tongs to retrieve them and place them on the grill so they crisp up.
When it comes time to pick your brew, you might be wondering which can to reach for. A classic lager is a go-to choice, but you can get creative with any other beers you may fancy ā it doesn't have to be a beer that you love drinking, either, as the beer flavor will be more subtle. Pilsners and amber ales work like a charm, too.
If beer brats sound appetizing to you but you want to skip a step, look for pre-made beer brats that have been prepared with the beer flavor already infused ā easy!
Bratwurst burgers
Another variation is to make a burger out of your bratwurst! Have a look at our bratwurst burger recipe ā essentially you take the bratwurst meat out of the casing and make a burger patty with it for a new twist on burger night. Add some mustard mayo and the sauerkraut to a pretzel bun for a super easy and really tasty dinner!
What goes with bratwurst and sauerkraut
A little tang goes so well with German cuisine: add a scoop of sour cream or mayo mustard on the side makes this dish extra awesome! Other complementary side dishes include crisp spring mix salad, apple fennel salad, or a side of sauteed asparagus. KƤsespƤtzle is a cheesy pasta German side dish, or you can make a four cheese mac and cheese for a North American rendition.
Change up the potato and make a grilled potato salad, shoestring fries, or duchess potatoes instead. Or, for a lighter version, cauliflower mash!
Finish it off by having some healthy apple crisp or apple banana bread for dessert!
Recipe FAQs
What apples should I use in this recipe?
The best apples for this recipe are gala, ambrosia, or fuji. We like apples that are sweeter.
How do I store leftover bratwurst and sauerkraut?
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also store in the freezer for up to 3 months. As sauerkraut is fermented, it does keep well.
Are bratwurst gluten-free and dairy-free?
It does depend, as each manufacturer uses their own recipe. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free; however, some recipes may use binders or fillers that contain gluten or dairy. If you're unsure, it's always best to check the label to confirm or double-check with the staff.
If you are dairy-free, you should also swap out the butter and whipping cream for non-dairy versions.
Watch how to make it
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 bratwurst sausages
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cups sauerkraut (drained)
- 1 red baking apple (sliced)
- Minced parsley (to serve)
Mashed Potatoes
- 1 lb potatoes (diced )
- Ā¾ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Ā¼ cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Start by making the mashed potatoes. Place the diced potatoes into a medium-sized pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and then drain the pot. Add the butter, cream, salt, and pepper and mash the potatoes. Slowly stir in some of the reserved cooking water, until the potatoes are wonderfully creamy.1 lb potatoes, Ā¾ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, Ā¼ cup whipping cream
- While the potatoes are boiling, make the bratwurst. Melt the butter in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the bratwurst and cook until brown on both sides, about 10 minutes. Remove them from the pan.1 tablespoon butter, 8 bratwurst sausages
- Add the onion and cook until it turns soft and golden, then add the sauerkraut and mix well. Add the bratwurst to the pan then pour the apple juice over the top. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20 minutes, until the bratwurst is fully cooked.1 large onion, 3 cups sauerkraut, 1 cup apple juice
- Nestle the apple slices around the bratwurst and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Serve the bratwurst and sauerkraut over the mashed potatoes with a little minced parsley on top.1 red baking apple, Minced parsley
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
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I made this for an Oktoberfest party and it was a solid win. Thanks for such a fabulous recipe, and for making me look good!!
I didn’t see my comment posted, so wanted to leave my question again. This looks amazing, and I’d like to make it for an Octoberfest party I’m having next weekend. I’m having 20 people at the party. I’m assuming I can make the first batch ahead and keep in the fridge? Maybe except for the apples, and just add them when I reheat?
Hi Susan! While I haven’t made this in advance before, I think your plan sounds great. I would make the recipe through step 3 then reheat it and add the apple slices before serving. Have a great party!
Thank you for this recipe, love this.
This is hands down the best recipe for brats & kraut I’ve ever had! And I can’t tell you how many recipes I’ve gone through… I love north coast organic apple products as well, great pick! What kind of sauerkraut do you usually get? A lot of people prefer the canned stuff with vinegar but I prefer fermented sauerkraut like Bubbie’s (no vinegar or preservatives). I’m so making this again, probably going to be an every month meal. Thanks for sharing!
My favorite is my mom’s homemade sauerkraut. It’s so good! I’ve had Bubbies before and it’s really really good!
I can’t tell you how many brats I’ve eaten, and having been raised by Poles, I’ve been eating sauerkraut since I grew teeth. Yet I’ve never thrown apples into the mix! And why not? It sounds fantastic.
Apples are so good in it! Brats are the best, aren’t they?!!
I’m not normally a big fan of sauerkraut but I think I might still have to try this… I bet the sweetness of the apples would help to temper the sourness of the sauerkraut, which might make it just perfect for me š
It definitely does temper the sauerkraut. Also, not all sauerkraut is the same so you might want to try a few different brands to find the one you like best. My favorite is my mom’s homemade sauerkraut. I’ll have to see if she’ll share that recipe with me!
This is my fav….and my sauerkraut is almost ready to use……I lv your addition of the sour cream, Perfect
It’s the best!!