Pan-Roasted Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions and Sauerkraut
Classic German bratwurst pan-roasted to a golden finish, served with sweet caramelized onions and tangy sauerkraut for a satisfying meal. This German-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs bratwurst sausages, yellow onion, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 (about 16 oz) bratwurst sausages
- 2 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups, drained sauerkraut
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 bratwurst sausages and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until browned evenly and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 thinly sliced yellow onions and 1 tsp salt. Cook slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups drained sauerkraut, 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp caraway seeds to the skillet with onions. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Return the bratwurst to the skillet, nestling them into the sauerkraut and onions. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through before serving.









