Bratwurst with sauerkraut is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of Germany straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer cookout or a cozy fall dinner, this hearty dish always hits the spot. The combination of juicy bratwurst sausages with tangy, tender sauerkraut creates a simple yet satisfying meal that never goes out of style.
Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, is known for its rich, savory flavor. When cooked just right – either grilled, pan-fried, or simmered – the sausage develops a crisp golden exterior while staying juicy on the inside. Pair that with sauerkraut, which is finely cut fermented cabbage, and you have a match made in culinary heaven. The sauerkraut’s slight tanginess perfectly balances the rich, meaty flavor of the bratwurst.
There are many ways to prepare this classic dish. One of the most popular is to simmer the bratwurst in beer with sliced onions before finishing it on the grill or stovetop. This not only keeps the sausages juicy but also infuses them with extra flavor. The sauerkraut is often sautéed with a little butter, onions, and sometimes apples or caraway seeds for added depth.
Serving bratwurst with sauerkraut is easy and versatile. You can enjoy it as a plated meal with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or warm German potato salad. Or go for the casual route – pile the bratwurst into a soft bun, top it generously with sauerkraut, and add a dollop of spicy mustard.
This dish is more than just food; it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re preparing it for Oktoberfest or simply craving something hearty, Bratwurst with sauerkraut is always a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a cold German beer, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal that’s easy, satisfying, and full of bold flavors that stand the test of time.
Ingredients
- 2 links bratwurst fresh, uncooked
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
- 1 medium onion sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add bratwurst and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove bratwurst from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook until softened.
- Add sauerkraut to the onions, stirring to combine, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the bratwurst to the skillet and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Serve bratwurst over sauerkraut mixture.
Nutrition
I dunno, wasn’t that great. Bratwurst too greasy for my taste. Maybe I overcooked them?
This is the best bratwurst recipe ever! My whole family loved it. So simple and tasty!
Yum! I added some garlic and bell peppers, made it incredible! Will cook again!
I thought you had to boil bratwurst before grilling it? This frying method seems wrong.
Sauerkraut is gross. No thanks! -__-
I totally get it! Sauerkraut can be an acquired taste. Maybe try it without it next time?
What?! Sauerkraut is awesome! It adds a tangy flavor that goes perfect with bratwurst.
I dunno, didn’t find it that great. Bratwurst was kinda dry and sauerkraut too sour.
Really tasty! The bratwurst were juicy and the sauerkraut added great flavor. Will make again!
yum! this is a classic German dish. just like my Omi used to make! 4 stars.
I don’t know, I made this and it was kind of bland. I expected more flavor. 2 stars.
Never thought sauerkraut was good until I tried this, but I still don’t know if bratwurst is healthy? 🤔
This is exactly how my grandma made it! Pure comfort food ❤️
So easy, I microwaved the sausages instead. Yeah, I’m lazy like that! 3 stars.
This recipe is garbage! Who wants to eat sour cabbage? 🤢 1 star.
I actually love sauerkraut! It gives the dish a great tangy flavor. 5 stars from me!
onions can be skipped. I hate onions! But bratwurst was good. 4 stars.
I forgot to drain the sauerkraut, so it turned out too wet for me. Whoops! 😅 3 stars.
Simply delicious! The bratwurst was juicy and the sauerkraut added the perfect tang. 5 stars!
So easy, my kids loved it! Even my picky eater ate all of it. Will definitely make again. 5 stars!
I’m so glad your kids enjoyed it! Sometimes picky eaters surprise you. I’ll have to try this recipe myself!
Meh, it’s just a sausage with some cabbage, not impressive. But my kids ate it, so I guess that’s a win.
Can you use any type of sausage for this? What if I don’t have bratwurst? 3 stars.
I used turkey bratwurst instead and it was still great. Better for my diet! 😊 5 stars.
5 stars! Perfect for a nice family dinner 😊
I tried this recipe but used cabbage instead of sauerkraut. Still turned out ok!
Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes but this blew my mind! So simple and delicious!
Meh, it was just alright. Didn’t really live up to the hype. Just some sausage and cabbage.
I understand where you’re coming from! It’s pretty simple, but sometimes the classics hit differently for others. Give it another try with some mustard!
This was really tasty! I loved the combo of bratwurst and sauerkraut. Will definitely make again!
Yummy in my tummy!! I added some mustard like my grandma used to do. So good.
Can you use hot dogs instead of bratwurst? I don’t have any and not goin out.
I don’t know, I think it’s kinda gross. Bratwurst’s too greasy for me, and sauerkraut smells weird.