Smoked Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner

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

A hearty sheet pan meal featuring smoky bratwurst sausages roasted alongside tangy sauerkraut and sweet onions for an easy, flavorful dinner. This german-american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 40 minutes pairs drained sauerkraut, large, 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 German-American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large rimmed sheet pan, toss 2 cups drained sauerkraut, 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion, and 1 medium peeled apple sliced into wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp caraway seeds, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 6 smoked bratwurst sausages evenly over the sauerkraut mixture on the sheet pan.
  3. Step 3: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning sausages halfway, until bratwursts are browned and cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner 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 Smoked Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner?

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 drained sauerkraut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner?

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 Smoked Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner 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 Smoked Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner?

German-American bbq & smoked 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.

Related recipes