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4.6 from 51 votes

Brats with Sauerkraut

The German-style brats with sauerkraut are traditional comfort food at its best. Only two main ingredients, but so much pleasure!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German

Ingredients

  • 4-8 bratwurst depending on size and appetite
  • 1 can of sauerkraut about 1.8 lb/ 800 g, Note 1
  • 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 medium apple
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup beer Note 2
  • Fine sea salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Brown sausages: Heat a skillet large enough to hold the sauerkraut as well. Add 1 tablespoon oil and brown the sausages on all sides; they should not be cooked through as they will continue cooking with the kraut.1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil + 4-8 bratwurst
  2. Chop: In the meantime, chop the onion finely, peel, and dice the apple.1 medium onion + 1 medium apple
  3. Saute: Remove the brats from the skillet. If there isn’t enough sausage fat left in the skillet, add another 1 tablespoon olive oil. Next, add the onion and saute for about 3 minutes. Add the apple and saute for another 3 minutes.
  4. Caramelize: Sprinkle the sugar on top and let caramelize for 1-2 minutes.1 teaspoon sugar
  5. Combine: Add drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir in the beer or another cooking liquid of choice. 1 can of sauerkraut + 1 teaspoon caraway seeds + 1-2 bay leaves + 1 cup beer/ 250 ml + fine sea salt and ground black pepper
  6. Simmer sauerkraut: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Cook: Nestle the brats into the cabbage, cover, and cook until the brats are done, about 10-15 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer (internal temperature160°F/ 71°C) or by cutting one sausage in the middle; it should not be pink anymore

Notes

  • Sauerkraut: Either fresh (homemade or from the butchers), from a can, jar, or bag. Search for a German product for genuine taste and texture. I recommend Mildessa/Hengstenberg. (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab).
  • Sub beer with white wine, apple cider, chicken or beef stock, or apple juice.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1brat with ¼ of the sauerkraut Calories 420kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 18g Cholesterol 63mg (21%) Sodium 2309mg (96%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 10g (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 420

% Daily Value*

Serving 1brat with ¼ of the sauerkraut
Calories 420kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18g 106%
Cholesterol 63mg 21%
Sodium 2309mg 96%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 10g 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.