Beer Brats with Sauerkraut: Tangy, Juicy, and Simmered in Malty Apple-Beer Comfort

These Beer Brats with Sauerkraut & Apple are soft, savory, and full of deep German-style comfort — snappy bratwursts simmered in beer with tangy kraut and sweet-tart apples that soak up all that rich, malty flavor.

It’s the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and umami — built for a cold-weather dinner, Oktoberfest platter, or brat board that drinks like a pint.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Skillet

• 4–6 uncooked bratwursts
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith)
• 2 cups sauerkraut (rinsed and drained if very briny)
• 1½ cups beer (Vienna lager, Märzen, or brown ale — smooth, malty, not hoppy)
• 1 tbsp whole grain or Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Brats

• Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high.
• Brown bratwursts on all sides, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Build the Base

• In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until starting to soften.
• Add apples and cook 2–3 more minutes.
• Stir in mustard, sauerkraut, caraway seeds (if using), and pour in the beer. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer to Perfection

• Nestle brats back into the pan.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until brats are cooked through (internal temp 160°F) and everything is soft and flavorful.
• Uncover for the last 5–10 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly and let the brats re-brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Toasted pretzel buns or buttered rye toast
• Mustard roasted potatoes or German-style potato salad
• Cider-braised greens or pickled cucumbers

Make It a Board

• Slice brats and serve on a wooden board with kraut, sliced apples, mustards, soft pretzels, and sharp cheese
• Add radishes, dill pickles, or whole grain mustard

Beer Pairing

In the Pot

• Vienna lager or Märzen (toasty and smooth)
• Brown ale for nutty sweetness
• Apple ale or cider-beer hybrid for extra apple pop
• Avoid bitter IPAs or sours — they clash with the kraut and apple

In Your Glass

• The same beer used in the skillet
• Hefeweizen or wheat beer for a soft, bready lift
• Rauchbier for smoky depth
• Apple cider for sweet-tart pairing

Final Thoughts

Beer Brats with Sauerkraut & Apple are the full spectrum — salty, sweet, tangy, and malty in one comforting, beer-laced dish.

They’re skillet-ready, spoonable, and exactly what you want when the weather turns or the pint glass fills up. Cheers to juicy brats, braised kraut, and beer in every forkful! 🥬🍺🌭

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.