Classic German Sausage with Sauerkraut Recipe | Make Today

Step into a world of hearty German tradition with our ultimate guide to a classic sausage with sauerkraut recipe! There's something truly special about the combination of perfectly cooked bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and a kick of mustard – it's a flavor symphony that transports you straight to a bustling beer garden in Bavaria. This isn't just any meal; it's a celebration of German culinary heritage, a dish that has graced tables for centuries, bringing families and friends together. Whether you're planning a casual backyard barbecue, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a festive gathering, this versatile German sausage bratwurst dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Get ready to master the art of making the best way to cook bratwurst, ensuring every bite is juicy, flavorful, and utterly authentic. It's time to create a truly memorable meal with bratwurst that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients:
• 4-6 raw bratwurst sausages (traditional pork or beef/pork blend)
• 2 lbs (approx. 900g) good quality sauerkraut, drained
• 1 cup German-style beer (lager, pilsner, or amber ale work best)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon or whole grain mustard, plus more for serving
• 4-6 sturdy hot dog buns or crusty rolls
• Optional Add-ins for Flavor Infusion:
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (for simmering with the sauerkraut)
• 1 apple, cored and diced (adds a touch of sweetness to the sauerkraut)
• Equipment:
  Grill (charcoal or gas) OR a large oven-safe pan/baking sheet for the oven method
  Large aluminum pan or Dutch oven (for simmering the bratwurst)
  Instant-read thermometer (for checking doneness)
  Tongs
  Cutting board and knife (for optional add-ins)

Directions

1. Prepare Your Cooking Method
   1. For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). If using charcoal, arrange coals for indirect heat on one side and direct heat on the other.
   2. For Oven Method (Perfect for "brats in the oven"): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a large oven-safe pan (like a roasting pan or Dutch oven) on the stovetop over medium heat, or a large baking sheet ready for later.
2. Combine the Sauerkraut Mixture
   1. In a large aluminum pan (suitable for the grill or oven) or a Dutch oven, combine the drained sauerkraut, 1 cup of German-style beer, and 2 tablespoons of mustard. Stir everything together until well combined.
   2. If using optional add-ins, stir in the fresh thyme, bay leaves, sliced onion, and/or diced apple now. This mixture will infuse your sauerkraut and sausages with incredible flavor.
3. Simmer the Bratwurst for Even Cooking
   1. Nestle the raw bratwurst sausages directly into the sauerkraut mixture in the pan. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
   2. On the Grill: Place the aluminum pan directly on the grill grates over indirect heat. Close the grill lid.
   3. In the Oven: Place the Dutch oven (covered) or oven-safe pan (covered tightly with foil) into the preheated oven.
   4. Simmer the bratwurst in the sauerkraut and beer mixture for 15-20 minutes. This gentle cooking method ensures the sausages cook through evenly, staying juicy and flavorful, preventing them from bursting on the grill. Use your instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 150-155°F (65-68°C) before moving to the next step.
4. Finish Bratwurst by Grilling to Crisp the Exterior
   1. Carefully remove the bratwurst from the sauerkraut mixture using tongs, letting any excess liquid drip off. Keep the sauerkraut warm in the pan (either on the indirect side of the grill or in the turned-off oven).
   2. On the Grill: Place the simmered bratwurst directly over the medium-high heat (direct heat side if using charcoal). Grill for 5-8 minutes, turning frequently, until the casings are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F (71°C).
   3. In the Oven (if not grilling): If you're not grilling, you can still get some browning! After simmering, remove the brats from the kraut. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Place brats on a baking sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes, turning once, until nicely browned and the internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). This is a great cooking bratwurst in oven method for a delicious finish.
5. Toast Buns and Assemble
   1. While the bratwurst are finishing, lightly toast your hot dog buns or rolls on the grill for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven for 3-5 minutes, until warm and slightly golden.
   2. Serve the crispy bratwurst in toasted buns, topped generously with the warm, flavorful sauerkraut mixture and an extra dollop of your favorite mustard. Enjoy your perfect recipe for bratwurst sausage!