Pan-Fried Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce

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

A classic German-inspired dish featuring juicy bratwurst sausages pan-fried to golden perfection, served with tangy sauerkraut and a smooth mustard cream sauce. This German-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bratwurst sausages, vegetable oil, sauerkraut for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 German cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 bratwurst sausages and cook for about 12 minutes, turning frequently until browned evenly and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
  2. Step 2: In another pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups sauerkraut, 1 tsp caraway seeds, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the onions; cook together for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauerkraut is heated and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp yellow mustard with 1/4 cup sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the bratwurst on a plate alongside the warm sauerkraut mixture, drizzled with the mustard cream sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce 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 Pan-Fried Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce?

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 bratwurst sausages from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce?

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 Pan-Fried Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce 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 Pan-Fried Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard Sauce?

German pork 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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