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Easy One-Pan Bavarian Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet

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This quick Bavarian bratwurst and sauerkraut skillet comes together in about 25 minutes with one pan and minimal chopping. The caramelized sauerkraut transforms a humble ingredient into something you’ll actually crave, even if you think you don’t like sauerkraut.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fresh bratwurst links (about 1 pound)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the sauerkraut: Dump sauerkraut into a colander and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Let it drain, then grab handfuls and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
  2. Brown the bratwurst: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, place bratwurst links in the pan. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until deeply browned. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Cook the onion: Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onion to the same pan. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden. Add a splash of chicken broth if dry.
  4. Caramelize the sauerkraut: Add rinsed and squeezed sauerkraut to the pan with onions. Sprinkle caraway seeds and black pepper. Stir and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Stir once and cook another 2-3 minutes until sauerkraut has color and crispy bits.
  5. Simmer everything together: Nestle browned bratwurst back into the pan on top of sauerkraut and onions. Pour chicken broth around the sides. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet.
  6. Finish cooking: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook covered for 8-10 minutes until bratwurst reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove lid and let skillet rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat. Serve bratwurst on a bed of caramelized sauerkraut with whole-grain mustard and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not pierce the bratwurst casings while cooking to keep them juicy. Rinsing and squeezing the sauerkraut dry is crucial for caramelization. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. For a beer variation, swap chicken broth for a light lager or pilsner.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, one-pan, quick dinner, Bavarian, skillet, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-one-pan-bavarian-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-skillet/