Oktoberfest-Style Beef Bratwurst with Red Cabbage

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-08 · Updated 2026-04-08

Grilled bratwurst seasoned with caraway and garlic, served with sweet-sour red cabbage and buttered spaetzle. This German-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs beef bratwurst, caraway seeds, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

Ingredients

• 4 links beef bratwurst
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups cooked spaetzle
• 1 tsp fresh chopped dill
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The grilling tools we’d reach for here → Best Grilling Tools and BBQ Gadgets for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix caraway seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in small bowl. Rub evenly over bratwurst.
2. Step 2: Heat grill or skillet over medium heat. Grill brats for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: While brats cook, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
4. Step 4: Stir in shredded red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and salt. Simmer covered for 20 minutes until cabbage is tender and sauce has reduced by half.
5. Step 5: Toss cooked spaetzle with 1/2 tbsp butter and dill. Heat in skillet over medium-low for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
6. Step 6: Serve brats with red cabbage, spaetzle, and a sprinkle of extra dill.