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Easy Oktoberfest Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe

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This one-pan bratwurst and sauerkraut skillet is ready in under 30 minutes, packed with big, satisfying flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or Oktoberfest celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bratwurst sausages
  • 14–16 ounces sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
  • 1 cup light lager or pilsner beer
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Whole grain mustard for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: slice onion into thin half-rings, drain sauerkraut (do not rinse), and pat bratwurst dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and melt until sizzling. Add bratwurst and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Use tongs to flip without piercing.
  3. Remove brats from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Stir in drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds (if using). Pour in beer and let bubble for 1 minute, scraping up remaining browned bits.
  5. Return brats to skillet, nestling them into the sauerkraut mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with a lid or foil, and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
  7. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and let liquid reduce for 2-3 minutes until glossy and mostly evaporated. For extra crispy brats, uncover for the last 5 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately: spoon sauerkraut and onions onto plates, top with bratwurst, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve with whole grain mustard.

Notes

Do not skip the browning step for best flavor. Do not pierce the brats. Use a beer you’d actually drink. Do not rinse the sauerkraut. Keep heat low during simmering. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, Oktoberfest, one-pan, skillet, quick dinner, German recipe

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/easy-oktoberfest-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-skillet-recipe/