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Best Savory German Bratwurst Apple Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy bratwurst, caramelized apples, and savory onions in a tangy mustard sauce. Perfect for a cozy fall weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bratwurst sausages (uncooked, such as Johnsonville)
  • 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Slice apples (1/4-inch thick, skin on), slice onion into thin half-moons, and chop parsley. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat. Add bratwurst links and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned all over. Do not pierce the sausages. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to turn golden. Add a splash of apple cider if the pan looks dry.
  4. Add apple slices and caraway seeds to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until apples just start to soften and edges color.
  5. Pour apple cider into the pan and deglaze by scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in Dijon mustard until fully incorporated. Return browned bratwurst to the skillet, nestling them into the apples and onions. Spoon some sauce over the sausages.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sausages are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C).
  8. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning sausages to ensure a good sear. Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked bratwurst (160°F/71°C). Embrace the fond (browned bits) for maximum flavor. Slice apples evenly for consistent cooking. Taste the sauce before adding sausages back and adjust seasoning. For a gluten-free version, verify bratwurst and mustard are gluten-free. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or apple cider.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apple skillet, German recipe, one-pan meal, fall dinner, quick dinner, sausage and apples, caramelized apples, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/best-savory-german-bratwurst-apple-skillet-recipe/