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Oktoberfest Bratwurst Skillet: Easy 20-Min Dinner

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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and caramelized onions, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy cold-weather dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bratwurst sausages, fresh or pre-cooked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed (reserve 2 tablespoons liquid)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 bay leaf
  • For serving (optional): whole grain mustard, fresh parsley, rye bread or crusty rolls

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Slice onion into thin half-moons. Mince garlic. Drain sauerkraut, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Pat bratwurst dry with paper towel.
  2. Brown the bratwurst: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bratwurst and cook 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  3. Cook the onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the same pan, scraping up browned bits. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, caraway seeds, and black pepper. Cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauerkraut base: Add drained sauerkraut, brown sugar, bay leaf, reserved sauerkraut liquid, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return the bratwurst: Nestle browned bratwurst back into the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve bratwurst on a bed of sauerkraut, garnished with parsley and whole grain mustard if desired.

Notes

For best results, brown the bratwurst first to develop a crust. Use good quality refrigerated sauerkraut for better texture. Let the skillet rest 2-3 minutes before serving. To prevent bratwurst from splitting, prick with a fork before cooking and keep heat moderate.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/oktoberfest-bratwurst-skillet-easy-20-min-dinner/