Sauerkraut & Sausage Skillet

A hearty, rustic skillet dish featuring tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables—perfect for a cozy, comforting meal.

This is a dish my grandma used to make, filling our home with a comforting aroma that always signaled a special evening.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage: 400 g (14 oz) such as kielbasa or bratwurst, sliced into 1 cm (½ inch) rounds
• Medium onion: 1 thinly sliced
• Medium apple: 1 peeled, cored, and diced
• Garlic cloves: 2 minced
• Sauerkraut: 500 g (18 oz) rinsed and drained
• Low-sodium chicken broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
• Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
• Caraway seeds: 1 tsp (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
• Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp (for garnish)
• Vegetable oil or unsalted butter: 1 tbsp

Instructions

Prepare the skillet:

Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Brown the sausage:

Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.

Sauté aromatics:

In the same skillet, add onion and apple. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened.

Add garlic:

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine ingredients:

Stir in sauerkraut, chicken broth, mustard, caraway seeds (if using), and black pepper. Mix well.

Simmer:

Return sausage to the skillet, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Thicken:

Remove lid and cook for 3 more minutes to thicken slightly.

Serve:

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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We always enjoyed this dish during family gatherings, a simple yet delicious meal that brought everyone together around the table.

Required Tools

• Large skillet with lid
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

• Contains: Mustard (from Dijon mustard), possible gluten (if sausage is not gluten-free)
• May contain: Sulfites (in some sauerkraut)
• Always double-check sausage and sauerkraut labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 16 g

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This sauerkraut & sausage skillet is a comforting classic that's easy to make and guaranteed to please with its rich, savory flavors.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of sausage works best?

Smoked varieties such as kielbasa or bratwurst offer rich, savory flavors that complement sauerkraut.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free sausage and check sauerkraut packaging to avoid added gluten.

→ Should sauerkraut be rinsed before cooking?

Rinsing moderates tanginess; for more intense flavor, simply drain before use.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Boiled potatoes, rye bread, or sour cream are excellent accompaniments to enhance the meal.

→ Can apples be replaced with other fruits?

Pear adds a delicate sweetness; feel free to swap for a subtle flavor variation.

→ Is caraway seed necessary?

Caraway seed is optional, but it imparts a classic German flavor profile to the dish.