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Cozy German Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

German Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet - featured image
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This one-pan German Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet is a quick and easy dinner that converts even the biggest sauerkraut skeptics. Caramelized onions and apples balance the tangy kraut, while juicy sausage makes it a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 ½ pounds German sausage (mix of bratwurst and smoked kielbasa, cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • ½ cup apple cider (unsweetened)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Whole grain mustard (for serving, optional)
  • Rye bread or crusty sourdough (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the onion into thin half-moons. Core the apple and slice into thin wedges. Cut sausages into 2-inch pieces. Drain sauerkraut in a colander (do not rinse). Measure apple cider and chicken broth.
  2. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the sausage: Add sausage pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are browned. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the skillet.
  4. Cook the onions and apples: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and apples to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent and apples have softened. Add a splash of apple cider if the pan looks dry.
  5. Add the aromatics: Sprinkle caraway seeds and black pepper over the onions and apples. Stir for 30 seconds. Add the bay leaf.
  6. Add the sauerkraut: Add drained sauerkraut to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  7. Pour in the liquids: Add apple cider and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Return the sausage: Nestle the seared sausage pieces back into the skillet, pushing them down into the liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  9. Cover and simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  10. Finish and serve: Remove lid. If too watery, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For a milder sauerkraut flavor, rinse the sauerkraut briefly before using. Use a mix of bratwurst and smoked kielbasa for best texture and flavor. The dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: German sausage, sauerkraut, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, Oktoberfest, bratwurst, kielbasa, apple, caraway

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-german-sausage-and-sauerkraut-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/