This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Anytime you decide to prepare a classic dish like today’s Bratwurst and Sauerkraut – there are a few easy tricks that will make this simple meal absolutely delicious!
First – look for quality fresh ingredients such as a reputable brand name bratwurst sausage at your local supermarket. And if you are lucky enough to get local, freshly-made bratwurst from your neighborhood butcher or specialty store – even better!
My husband Jack and I are also partial to making this Bratwurst and Sauerkraut with fresh sauerkraut, which we typically find sold in the deli section at the supermarket. (Canned will also work but fresh is best!)
Second – use fresh and fragrant spices and seasonings. Celery salt, caraway seed and dry ground mustard are our spices of choice for this recipe, but if you have other favorites – go ahead and add them into the cooking liquid!
Finally – choose the right beer for your Bratwurst and Sauerkraut cooking liquid. We suggest a mild, pale beer because it won’t leave an aftertaste once you drain the sauerkraut just before serving. (We used Blue Moon Belgian White but any pale beer or ale with a sweet and smooth flavor will work just fine.)
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut is a delicious and versatile recipe, and it can be served on a roll as a sandwich with lots of spicy yellow mustard. Or, it can also be served with boiled white potatoes as an easy family-style dinner – your choice!
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10 uncooked bratwurst sausages
- 1 pound onions, large dice
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 pound fresh green cabbage shredded thin (We used a mandolin)
- 2 pounds fresh drained sauerkraut (or canned if fresh is not available)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, see note above)
- 1 12–ounce bottle of ale such as Blue Moon (see note above)
- Long sub rolls or boiled potatoes, for serving
- Mustard, for serving
Instructions
- If you plan to serve this dish as an entrée with boiled potatoes instead of as a sandwich, begin preparing the potatoes now.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat and add bratwurst. Brown each side for two minutes turning a quarter turn each time so all four sides get browned. If they are curled, I found that stacking them against each other while cooking will keep them from flipping on their side. Once browned, remove to a platter and set aside.
- In the same pan, raise the heat to medium high and add onions. Cook for four minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Add garlic, celery salt, caraway seeds and dry mustard. Stir and cook one minute.
- Add cabbage and cook for five minutes.
- Add drained sauerkraut, optional sugar, beer and browned bratwurst. Nestle the bratwurst into the mixture so they are totally covered. Bring to a boil, cover and lower to a simmer. Cook five minutes then remove cover and turn bratwurst. Raise heat to a medium simmer and with cover off cook 5-7 more minutes to cook off some of the liquid and to finish cooking the bratwurst. It is OK to still have some liquid in pan.
- Serve on rolls with spicy, yellow mustard or serve with boiled potatoes as a complete meal.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Notes
If using a light tasting beer like the Blue Moon we used in this recipe, the sugar listed below in the ingredients list may not be necessary. However if you are using a dark or more bitter beer, sugar should be used to avoid a bitter aftertaste.
You may also like:
I am making this dish for an Oktoberfest get together and was wondering if I can make this ahead of time and reheat in the oven?
Yes you can – I’d cover the pan with foil while it reheats so the oven doesn’t dry things out. Or – as an alternative – we’ve also transferred the dish (after cooking in a skillet) to a large slow cooker to keep warm for parties. That might be an option too!
I haven’t tried this recipe, but have been making sauerkraut and German food for years. The list of ingredients and cooking method look like they would make a killer dish.
Thank you – hope you’ll give it a try!
This was excellent, and so simple. I got good results using even cheap lager. Used homemade sauerkraut and served it with maultaschen, pickles, weissbier and Dusseldorf mustard for a full spectrum squarehead blowout.
Thank you! Glad the recipe was a hit!
Making these tonight!! Yum!!
Hope you love them Terry!
I loved this posts! I read your blog fairly often and you’re always coming out with some
great stuff! I shared this on my Facebook and my followers loved
it! Keep up the good work!:)
Thank you!
Love bratwurst!! I have a question regarding the sauerkraut. I prefer to buy it in a glass jar and am wondering if it should be ringed before heating up. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may offer.
Nancy 🇨🇦
The liquid should be drained regardless of the packaging. I don’t see the need to wring it out however.