Milwaukee-Style Bratwurst with Caraway Sauerkraut

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared bratwurst served with tangy caraway-infused sauerkraut, capturing the traditional flavors of Milwaukee's regional cuisine. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 35 minutes pairs links (about 1 lb) bratwurst sausages, medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups drained sauerkraut, 1 tsp caraway seeds, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 5-6 minutes until sauerkraut is heated through and fragrant. Season with black pepper to taste.
  3. Step 3: In a separate pan, add 4 bratwurst sausages and cook over medium heat for 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F).
  4. Step 4: Toast 4 pretzel buns lightly in the oven or on a pan for 2-3 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Assemble each bratwurst in a pretzel bun topped generously with the caraway sauerkraut and a dollop of stone-ground mustard.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Milwaukee-Style Bratwurst with Caraway Sauerkraut take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Milwaukee-Style Bratwurst with Caraway Sauerkraut?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Milwaukee-Style Bratwurst with Caraway Sauerkraut?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Milwaukee-Style Bratwurst with Caraway Sauerkraut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Milwaukee-Style Bratwurst with Caraway Sauerkraut?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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