Spiced German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard

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

Juicy pan-fried bratwurst sausages seasoned with traditional German spices, served alongside tangy sauerkraut and sharp mustard for a rich, hearty meal. This german-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs large, thinly sliced yellow onion, butter, caraway seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 thinly sliced yellow onion and 1 tsp caraway seeds to the skillet, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the onions soften and caramelize, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Push the onions to the side and place 6 bratwurst sausages in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups drained sauerkraut, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper with the onions and sausages. Cook together for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve the bratwurst with the warm sauerkraut mixture and 1/4 cup Dijon mustard on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard 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 Spiced German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard?

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 butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard?

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 Spiced German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard 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 Spiced German-Style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Mustard?

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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