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Flavorful Apple Cider Braised Bratwurst with Mustard Glaze

apple cider braised bratwurst - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy pork bratwurst braised in sweet apple cider and finished with a tangy mustard glaze. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and comes together in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups unfiltered apple cider
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 6 high-quality pork bratwursts
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil

Instructions

  1. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  2. Heat the neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the bratwursts for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan if necessary, or push to the sides.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the center of the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the apple cider and add the bay leaf. Stir to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid.
  8. Braise the sausages for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove sausages and bay leaf to a plate. Increase heat to medium-high.
  10. Stir in Dijon and whole grain mustard. Reduce sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
  11. Whisk in butter until melted and smooth.
  12. Return sausages to the pan, turning to coat in the glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the heat is low during braising to prevent casings from splitting. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash of water. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy brown mustard.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apple cider, braised sausages, mustard glaze, weeknight dinner, comfort food, fall recipes, easy sausage recipe