Print

Easy Oktoberfest Bratwurst Skillet

Easy Oktoberfest Bratwurst Skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A rustic, one-pan fall dinner featuring seared fresh bratwurst, caramelized onions, and tangy sauerkraut deglazed with beer for a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh raw bratwurst sausages
  • 14 ounces sauerkraut (drained, with 2 tablespoons of juice reserved)
  • 2 medium-large yellow onions, sliced thin
  • 12 ounces lager or pilsner beer
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice onions into thin half-moons, mince garlic, and slice bratwursts lengthwise (not all the way through). Drain sauerkraut and reserve 2 tablespoons of juice.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add butter, waiting until it foams.
  3. Sear bratwursts in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove to a plate, leaving fond in the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  5. Add garlic, paprika, and caraway seeds to the onions. Stir constantly for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in beer and reserved sauerkraut juice, scraping up brown bits. Bubble for 2 minutes to reduce.
  7. Add drained sauerkraut and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
  8. Return bratwursts to the skillet, nestling them into the mixture. Cover and simmer on low-medium heat for 5 minutes.
  9. Remove lid and let excess liquid boil off for a minute. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid boiling the brats first; searing creates a crucial crust. If sausages brown too fast but remain raw inside, finish in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes. Ensure sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent a soupy dish. Leftovers improve overnight and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/easy-oktoberfest-bratwurst-skillet-best-fall-dinner/