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Easy Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner: Best 30-Minute Meal

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This smoky, tangy sheet pan dinner recreates the flavor of a beloved German butcher shop. With juicy bratwurst and caramelized sauerkraut, it’s a quick and easy weeknight hero that comes together on one pan in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bratwurst links (about 1.5 lbs), raw and uncooked
  • 1 (14 oz) bag or jar sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium apple (Granny Smith), peeled and diced (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Line a large sheet pan (half-sheet pan, 18×13 inches) with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut, thinly sliced onion, diced apple (if using), olive oil, caraway seeds, and brown sugar. Toss until well combined.
  4. Spread the sauerkraut mixture evenly across the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
  5. Place the bratwurst links on top of the sauerkraut, spacing them out evenly. Press them down slightly so they are nestled into the mixture.
  6. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through (around the 12-minute mark), use tongs to flip the bratwurst.
  7. Check for doneness: bratwurst should be nicely browned and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The sauerkraut should be deeply golden and caramelized around the edges. For deeper browning, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Let the pan rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mustard on the side.

Notes

Do not skip flipping the bratwurst halfway through for even browning. Go easy on the salt because the bratwurst and sauerkraut are already salty. The apple is highly recommended as it adds sweetness and helps caramelization. Use a large sheet pan to avoid steaming the sauerkraut. Let the pan rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier bratwurst and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, sauerkraut, sheet pan dinner, 30-minute meal, German recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-sheet-pan-dinner-best-30-minute-meal/