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Crispy Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet

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A hearty, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring seared bratwurst and caramelized sauerkraut deglazed with lager beer, offering a perfect balance of crispy texture and savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds raw, uncured bratwurst (pork and veal blend preferred)
  • 2 to 3 cups drained sauerkraut
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 cup crisp lager beer (e.g., Miller High Life or German pilsner)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice onions into half-moons and mince garlic. Drain sauerkraut in a colander, squeezing out excess liquid with your hands.
  2. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat with oil. Sear bratwursts for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crisp. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add garlic, caraway seeds, and bay leaves to the onions. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the drained sauerkraut to the pan. Pour in the lager beer, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Uncover the pan and stir in the Dijon mustard. Return the seared bratwursts to the skillet, nestling them into the kraut. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to heat through.
  7. Remove the lid and turn heat to medium-high. Let the kraut reduce any remaining liquid and crisp up. Turn sausages for a final quick sear. Remove bay leaves and serve.

Notes

Do not prick the sausages with a fork while searing to retain juices. Ensure sauerkraut is thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent steaming. If the mixture looks dry during the final step, add a splash of beer. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, skillet dinner, weeknight meal, German food, one pot meal, crispy sausages, beer braised

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/crispy-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-skillet-easy-weeknight-dinner/