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Kid-Friendly German Bratwurst Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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This quick and easy one-pan bratwurst skillet with sauerkraut and apples is a family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Sweet apples balance tangy sauerkraut, making it a crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bratwurst sausages (about 1 pound total, fresh or pre-cooked)
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and sliced into thin wedges
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or apple cider)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For serving (optional): whole-grain mustard, fresh parsley, warm crusty bread or mashed potatoes

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Slice the bratwurst into 1-inch thick rounds. Core the apples and slice into thin wedges about 1/4 inch thick. Thinly slice the onion. Drain the sauerkraut in a colander but do not rinse.
  2. Brown the bratwurst. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the sliced bratwurst in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onions and apples. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the apple wedges and brown sugar (if using). Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until apples start to soften and caramelize.
  4. Add the sauerkraut and seasonings. Toss the drained sauerkraut into the skillet along with the caraway seeds (if using). Stir and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  5. Combine everything and simmer. Return the browned bratwurst to the skillet, nestling them into the sauerkraut and apple mixture. Pour in the chicken broth (or apple cider) and stir gently. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until apples are tender and bratwurst is heated through.
  6. Finish and serve. Remove the lid and stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, with whole-grain mustard on the side.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil. If using pre-cooked bratwurst, brown for 2 minutes per side. To make it sweeter, use apple cider instead of chicken broth and add extra brown sugar. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat well.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst skillet, German bratwurst, one-pan dinner, kid-friendly, sauerkraut, apples, easy weeknight dinner

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