Baked bratwurst and sauerkraut is a classic and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of savory sausages and tangy fermented cabbage. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity, making it a go-to option for an easy and satisfying meal.
Learning how to cook bratwurst in the oven is a breeze, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. The sausages slowly roast in the oven, gaining a crispy, golden-brown outer layer while keeping their juicy tenderness inside. Don't let the simplicity fool you-this easy-to-make meal promises a satisfying experience for your taste buds.
The tangy sauerkraut, with its zesty notes, perfectly complements the hearty bratwurst. The oven's even heat ensures that both components cook to perfection, making this dish a go-to option for a quick and tasty dinner. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite side, baked bratwurst and sauerkraut showcase the joy of uncomplicated yet delicious home cooking.
You can serve this braised bratwurst as a dish for a dinner meal with these easy dinner rolls or with hot dog buns.
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Why You'll Love this Baked Bratwurst
- Easy. Cooking beer bratwurst in the oven is simple and very easy to clean up. Just put all of the ingredients in one pot, set the timer, then braise in the oven until the sausages are fully cooked.
- Tasty and Inexpensive. For all of you summer grillmasters out there, cooking bratwurst in the oven may not come naturally, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the taste and quite happy about the time savings. It's also inexpensive to make.
Ingredients
This baked bratwurst dish keeps it simple but tastes amazing with its natural flavors standing out.
To make it in the oven, grab some bratwurst, sauerkraut, apple, pale ale beer, and mustard. These basic ingredients come together to give the dish a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and salty tastes. It's an easy and delicious recipe where the flavors speak for themselves.
- Bratwurst: German sausage with seasoned pork or beef.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, offering a tangy flavor.
- Apple: I used honey crisp apples to adds natural sweetness and freshness.
- Pale Ale Beer: A light, balanced beer for depth and richness.
- Onion:Provides savory and aromatic qualities.
- Garlic: Adds pungent and bold flavor.
- Paprika: Ground spice for warmth and mild spice.
- Mustard: Tangy condiment for balance and contrast.
- Salt and Black Pepper: I opted for a modest sprinkle of salt and black pepper. No need for excessive seasoning; the quality of bratwurst and sauerkraut is enough, eliminating the desire for extra spices.
How to Cook Brats in the Oven
Following are the simple steps for braising bratwurst in the oven.
Step 1: Brown the Bratwurst
In a braiser, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the bratwurst for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the bratwurst to a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatic Vegetables and Add Beer
In the same braiser, add sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Stir in garlic and paprika for 1 minute.
Step 3: Bake
Add beer, sauerkraut, Dijon mustard, bratwurst, and chopped apples to the braiser. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. Cover the pot and braise in the oven at 400°F for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, as measured by a meat thermometer. Enjoy the delicious result!
Storage
To store leftover bratwurst, follow these steps:
- Transfer leftover cooked bratwurst to an airtight container.
- Ensure a secure seal on the container to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Store in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 4 days.
- For longer-term storage, freeze the bratwurst, extending its lifespan
Reheating
By following these steps, you can effectively reheat leftover bratwurst, ensuring both safety and optimal taste.
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure leftovers reach a safe temperature of 165°F when reheating, measured with a food thermometer.
- Oven Reheating: Place leftover bratwurst in the oven at 350°F for approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Use Covering: Cover the bratwurst with foil or a lid during oven reheating to retain moisture and prevent drying.
- Microwave Option: Alternatively, reheat bratwurst in the microwave on low power.
- Stirring Method: If microwaving, stop and stir every 30 seconds to ensure even reheating.
Check Out More Tasty Sausage Recipes
- Baked Sausages with Mixed Vegetables
- Sausage with White Beans
- Bratwurst Pasta Recipe
- Chinese Sausage Fried Rice
- Instant Pot Sausage Gnocchi Soup
I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don't mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.
📖 Recipe
Cooking Bratwurst in the Oven
Ingredients
- 5 fresh Bratwurst links
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 garlic (minced) - optional
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika (optional)
- 2 cups sauerkraut (drained, full packed)
- 1¼ cups pale ale beer
- 2 small Honeycrisp apples (unpeeled and diced)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a braiser, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the bratwurst for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the bratwurst to a plate.
- Add sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Add garlic and paprika then stir for about 1 minute. Add dijon mustard, sauerkraut, beer, sausages, and apples. Cook for 2 minutes then turn off the heat. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Cover the pot with a lid (or use foil if you are using a regular casserole dish). Braise for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.Check the mixture about halfway through, if it's too dry you can add about ¼ cup of beer if necessary.
- Remove the pot from the oven. Stir the sauerkraut mixture before serving.
Jeff says
This looks so easy. I love bratwurst and will try making them this way next time.
Seema Sriram says
Beer is one ingredient I have never cooked with. I also noted you have two more in the combination - sauerkraut and apples. I am now curious to see how they taste together.
Beth says
A tried and true family favorite. I like to add a little more garlic and some spicy brown mustard but it is a delicious recipe. Thanks for the great dish and inspiration.
Rika says
You're welcome, Beth! I am glad that you and your family loved this recipe.
Heather says
Bring on the spicy mustard!!
Sharon says
This beer bratwurst is just what Oktoberfest calls for! The beer adds so much flavor.
Rika says
I agree Sharon! This is the perfect food for the Oktoberfest.
Best,
Rika