Sheet Pan German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples
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.
Ingredients
- 6 links (about 1.5 lbs) bratwurst sausages
- 14 oz can sauerkraut
- 1 medium, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges Granny Smith apple
- 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp for serving Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over it.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Serve hot with 2 tbsp Dijon mustard on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.