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Ale Braised Bratwurst and Apple Sauerkraut

Ale Braised Bratwurst and Apple Sauerkraut

A mildly spicy bratwurst braised in a malty Scotch ale and served with a German style sauerkraut and chunks of tart apples.
4.86 from 7 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 479kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 Bratwurst fresh
  • 1 12- ounce bottle Ale
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 pound yellow onions sliced
  • 1 Granny Smith Apple halved, cored and cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 quart sauerkraut (in a bag or jar, not canned) well drained
  • Stout-style mustard
  • Thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the bratwurst and brown well, turning with tongs. Use tongs so you do not puncture the bratwurst with fork tines. 
  • Pour the ale into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, partially cover with a lid and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated about 15 minutes. Do not boil as the bratwurst will split.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the apple-sauerkraut. Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the onions, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. 
  • Stir in the apple chunks, caraway, brown sugar, lemon juice, and thyme. Cook an additional 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the sauerkraut tossing with the apples and onions. 
  • Cover with a lid and allow to sit until the sauerkraut is heated through and the flavors have melded. 10-15 minutes. 
  • Transfer the sausages to individual plates (whole, or cut into diagonal slices, spoon the apple sauerkraut alongside and a spoonful of the mustard. 
  • Serve with carrots and horseradish sauce

Notes

  • Only simmer the bratwurst in the beer, boiling will cause the skins to split.
  • Use tongs to turn the bratwurst, if they are pricked with a fork they will shrink in size.
  • Cook the onions until they are soft and translucent.
  • Cut the apples into about 1-inch pieces and cook only until slightly tender.
  • Do not cook the sauerkraut as it will destroy the probiotic enzymes.
  • Allow the residual heat from the onions and apples to warm the sauerkraut

Nutrition

Serving: 1Brat, 1 Cup Sauerkraut | Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 17.2g | Fat: 25.9g | Saturated Fat: 8.8g | Fiber: 8.9g | Sugar: 24.9g