Print

Easy German Bratwurst Skillet with Apples | Best 30-Minute Meal

german bratwurst skillet with apples - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 30-minute skillet meal featuring juicy bratwurst, sweet caramelized apples, and a tangy cider-mustard sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is made with simple ingredients and delivers big flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fresh bratwurst sausages (about 1 lb)
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and sliced into ¼-inch thick wedges
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
  • Extra whole-grain mustard (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes): Core and slice apples into ¼-inch thick wedges. Thinly slice the yellow onion. Measure out apple cider, whole-grain mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  2. Brown the Bratwurst (8-10 minutes): Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Once melted and foamy, add bratwurst links. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Transfer to a cutting board to rest.
  3. Rest and Slice the Brats (5 minutes): After resting, slice each bratwurst on a diagonal into 1-inch thick pieces. Set aside.
  4. Sauté the Aromatics (5-7 minutes): In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and apples are softened with golden edges (5-7 minutes). Scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Build the Sauce (2 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider and whole-grain mustard. Pour into the skillet with apples and onions. Add brown sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir and let bubble for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Combine and Finish (3-4 minutes): Return sliced bratwurst to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Spoon sauce over brats. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until flavors meld and brats are heated through.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of apple cider or water. For a more traditional German flavor, replace half the apple cider with a light lager or wheat beer.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apples, skillet, 30-minute meal, German, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-german-bratwurst-skillet-with-apples-best-30-minute-meal/