Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy bratwurst baked alongside tangy sauerkraut and sweet apples for a comforting, one-pan meal with traditional German flavors. This german-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs can sauerkraut, medium, thinly sliced yellow onion, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 30 min Serves 4 German cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over it.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 6 bratwurst sausages on the pan, spacing evenly. Scatter 14 oz sauerkraut, 1 sliced Granny Smith apple, and 1 thinly sliced yellow onion around the sausages.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tsp caraway seeds, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly over the entire pan. Toss the sauerkraut, apple, and onion lightly with the oil and seasonings.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through, until the bratwurst are browned and cooked through and the sauerkraut is slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with 2 tbsp Dijon mustard on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples?

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 can sauerkraut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples?

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 Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples 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 Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples?

German grilling 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.