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Cozy Oktoberfest Bratwurst Skillet: Easy 1-Pan Meal

Oktoberfest Bratwurst Skillet - featured image

A comforting, one-pan German-inspired meal featuring smoked bratwursts braised with sweet apples, sharp cabbage, and onions. This easy weeknight dinner captures the spirit of Oktoberfest without the need for a grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 smoked bratwursts
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, diced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions into thin half-moons, shred the cabbage, and dice the apples into small cubes.
  2. Score the bratwursts with two or three shallow cuts along their length to prevent bursting.
  3. Heat butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the bratwursts for 3-4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté the onions for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add the diced apples and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and caraway seeds. Stir to combine.
  7. Return the browned bratwursts to the pan, nestling them into the vegetables. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and sausages are cooked through.
  9. Remove the lid and let excess liquid reduce for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

For a sweeter profile, substitute chicken broth with apple cider or beer. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. Turkey brats can be used for a lighter option. Ensure brats and mustard are certified gluten-free if needed. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, Oktoberfest, one-pan meal, German sausage, cabbage, apples, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food