Bavarian Style Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Experience the hearty and savory flavors of Bavaria with this Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet. This dish combines rich, smoky sausage with tangy sauerkraut and a hint of sweetness, perfect for a cozy evening meal.

Ingredients for Bavarian Style Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet

Smoked sausage brings a rich, meaty flavor to the dish, balancing the tanginess of the sauerkraut. Choose your favorite type, whether it's kielbasa or a local variety. Sauerkraut, with its fermented tang, is the heart of this recipe, cutting through the richness with its bright flavor. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Onion, cooked until soft, adds a subtle sweetness and depth. Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a light base that doesn't overpower. Garlic adds a punch of flavor, while caraway seeds provide a traditional, earthy note that's classic in German cooking. Apple cider adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the sauerkraut's flavor. Brown sugar rounds out the acidity and ties all the flavors together. Finally, fresh parsley offers a pop of color and freshness when serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try frying the sausage slices before adding the onions for a crispier texture.
  • If you prefer a less tangy dish, rinse the sauerkraut briefly under cold water before draining.
  • Experiment with different types of sausages, like bratwurst, for varied flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Bavarian skillet pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes or a warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the richness perfectly. For a true Bavarian experience, enjoy it with a cold beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?
Yes, but you may need to cook it longer to ensure it's fully cooked through before adding the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable stock in place of apple cider for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, so you can prepare it ahead and warm it gently on the stove when ready to serve.

Bavarian Style Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they're soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Next, stir in the minced garlic and caraway seeds. Let them cook for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the seeds release their aroma.

Add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Spread the slices out in an even layer so they have a chance to brown nicely. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're browned on both sides. Now, stir in the sauerkraut, making sure it's well-drained, along with the apple cider and brown sugar. Mix everything together until well combined.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to meld the flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal.
  • Combines smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors in one dish.
  • Uses only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Authentic Bavarian flavors with readily available ingredients.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
2 cups sauerkraut, drained
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 cup apple cider
1 tbsp brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and caraway seeds; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in sauerkraut, apple cider, and brown sugar; mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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