Long title. I know. But according to SEO and Google search criteria. Apparently long titles is good! So I present Oktoberfest Pumpkin Beer Braised Bratwurst with Sauerkraut!
I did a thing. I cooked with BEER. Who am I?!
I also teamed up with my friends at The Honest Bison. I used their AMAZING Bison Bratwurst in this recipe and you should too!
Before COVID-19 altered all of our lives, I had the opportunity earlier this year to go to Germany for a work trip! It was mid to late February. It was cold, there was apparently a German hurricane (who knew there could be an inland hurricane like this?!), and basically didn't get to see anything while on my first trip to Europe. 🙁
BUT! I did get to try real German bratwurst and sauerkraut and it did NOT disappoint!
You could taste the essence of beer, the onions, garlic, spices, and the sauerkraut was the freshest and best I have ever had!
Pass the brats bitte!
Let's get into my elevated fall inspired version of German bratwurst and sauerkraut.
THE PROCESS
First the butter is browned and because that golden butter (or ghee works too) adds another level of magic to the onions and apples.
Oh yes. There is an apple in here too. The caramelization of the onion, apple, and garlic create an apple orchards fantasy when we add the bratwurst and pumpkin beer.
And basically the dish becomes a one pan dish as the sauce simmers and becomes more delicious in 20 minutes.
Next, we grill the bratwurst to crisp it up and give it the finished glossy look.
The sauce continues to thicken and simmer with the help of some arrowroot flour.
Serve with sauerkraut, sauce with onions, and apples, plus some air fryer potatoes! SO GOOD.
This dish SCREAMS fall. Celebrate Oktoberfest with these Oktoberfest Pumpkin Beer Braised Bratwurst and Sauerkraut.
For other of my favorite fall recipes see below!
Instant Pot Japanese Style Short Rib Ramen
Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes with cinnamon ghee butter
The BEST Maple Bourbon Bacon Burgers
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Oktoberfest Pumpkin Beer Braised Bratwurst with Sauerkraut
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the ultimate Oktoberfest recipe. Pumpkin beer braised bratwurst served with fresh sauerkraut, potatoes, and a delicious sauce that has caramelized onions and apples.
Ingredients
- 2 packages of Bison Bratwurst from The Honest Bison *
- 2 tbs grass fed butter or ghee
- 1 sweet onion, sliced thin
- 1 apple, sliced thin (I used a Granny Smith- but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or any other baking apple will work!)
- 2 bottles of pumpkin beer (use glutenfree if GF)
- 1 tbs chopped sage leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbs arrowroot powder
- Fresh sauerkraut
Instructions
- Heat butter in heavy high rimmed skillet (I used cast iron). Add onion and saute for 8 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the apples and garlic. Saute for 3-5 more minutes.
- Add bratwurst and beer. Bring to a boil then lower to a slight simmer. Partially cover to cook the bratwurst for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile preheat a griddle to sear the bratwurst.
- Turn cast iron heat down to medium low and stir in the arrowroot powder and allow to reduce and thicken (5 minutes)
- While the sauce thickens, sear the bratwurst in the heated griddle pan until there are grill marks.
- Serve brats alongside with sauce, sauerkraut, and your favorite side. I chose air fryer potatoes.
Notes
I used bison bratwurst which tastes hearty, savory,and filled with autumn spices. PERFECT for this recipe. But a good quality bratwurst would be a decent substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: One Pan Dish
Brittany says
This recipe looks so incredible! I've been wanting to explore the different options when it comes to using sauerkraut. I can't wait to try. Thank you for sharing!
Chrissy says
This looks fantastic! I can't wait to try this!
Fred says
This looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it. By the way, thank you for the conversational way you write to us and how well you explain the dishes. If I can pull them off I imagine anyone can. So, thank you! I really appreciate your work.