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Savory Bratwurst & Sauerkraut Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

bratwurst and sauerkraut skillet - featured image

This savory bratwurst and sauerkraut skillet with mustard glaze is a quick, one-pan dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Caramelized bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and a sticky, slightly sharp mustard glaze come together in under 30 minutes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bratwurst sausages (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients. Slice the bratwurst into 1-inch rounds. Thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic. Drain the sauerkraut but don’t rinse it.
  2. Make the mustard glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  3. Sear the bratwurst. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced bratwurst in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Cook the onions. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until soft and starting to caramelize. Add a splash of chicken broth if the pan looks dry.
  5. Add the garlic and caraway. Stir in the minced garlic and caraway seeds (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the sauerkraut and broth. Add the drained sauerkraut and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
  7. Return the bratwurst to the pan. Nestle the seared bratwurst pieces back into the sauerkraut mixture. Pour the mustard glaze over everything. Stir gently to coat.
  8. Finish cooking. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bratwurst is cooked through and the glaze has thickened into a sticky coating.
  9. Serve immediately. Spoon onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Don’t rush the searing step for the best flavor. Watch your salt, as sauerkraut and bratwurst are already salty. Let the glaze reduce to a sticky consistency. For a milder sauerkraut flavor, rinse briefly before draining.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, skillet, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, 30-minute meal, German recipe, comfort food