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Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet

Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet ~ German sausages with apples, onion, sauerkraut and potatoes in one skillet on the stovetop, perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest and the fall season!

Sausages and sauerkraut in cast iron skillet.

After months of sweltering St. Louis heat, I'm always so relieved when fall arrives.  This year it's a little late in getting here, but there's finally a crisp chill in the air.  I came across some German sausages at the store, picked up a package, and made this sausage and sauerkraut skillet with apples and potatoes for Oktoberfest.  It's perfect this time of year.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED

Recipe ingredients on board labeled with text.

I make this on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet.  You need fresh pork sausage, German-style or bratwurst will work, granny smith apples, some onion and potatoes.  We like Bavarian-style sauerkraut, it's milder and sweeter and usually has some caraway seed in it.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet, step by step process collage, steps 1-4

Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet, step by step process collage, steps 5-7

  1. Brown the sausages.
  2. Add the onions and brown.
  3. Toss in the apples and cook a bit more.
  4. Then the potatoes, sauté for a few more minutes.
  5. Add the sauerkraut and apple juice.
  6. Then a little brown sugar, for extra yumminess.
  7. Nestle the sausages in the mixture and simmer until sausages are done, potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has cooked down.

German Sausage Skillet in cast iron pan.

RECIPE NOTES AND TIPS

You might be wondering if this is too sweet.  It's not, there is a nice balance between sweet and sour, and the tart apple and onion.  It all cooks down until most of the liquid evaporates, and all the flavors meld together perfectly.  And a swipe of German-style or Creole whole grain mustard gilds the lily.

German sausage skillet in white serving bowl with cut up sausage.

I'm all for one skillet meals, this is so simple to make on the stovetop.  German Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato skillet ~ not sure how authentic this is, but it's perfect for the fall season, regardless.  Have some rye bread or soft pretzel rolls and butter on hand and you're all set!  Prost, Kelly🍴🐦

Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet, close up in serving bowl with spoon, sausages cut into pieces

You might also like these other two favorites for celebrating Oktoberfest ~ Grilled Beer Brats and Sauerkraut and German Potato Salad.

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Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet, in cast iron skillet.

Sausage, Apple, Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet

German sausages with apples, onion, sauerkraut and potatoes, in one skillet on the stovetop.  Perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest and the fall season.
4.89 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 312kcal

Ingredients

  • 4-6 fresh pork sausage links, German-style or bratwurst
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored, cut into slices
  • ½ pound small yellow waxy potatoes, cut in half
  • 1 (14-oz.) can sweet Bavarian style sauerkraut with caraway seeds, drained
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seed (optional)
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (I use dark brown)
  • Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
  • German or Creole grainy mustard for serving

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a glug of olive oil.  Pierce sausages several times and then brown on all sides in skillet, about 10 minutes.  Remove and set aside.
  • Add a little more olive oil and a knob of butter to skillet.  Toss in onions, add a pinch of salt, and sauté until lightly browned and starting to soften.  If needed, add a little more butter and then the apple slices, toss gently and cook with the onions for a couple of minutes.  Lastly, add the potatoes and toss with onion-apple mixture and cook, stirring frequently for a few more minutes.  Season lightly with salt.
  • Add the drained sauerkraut, apple juice and brown sugar, and, if desired, more caraway seed.  Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. 
  • Nestle sausages in apple-sauerkraut-potato mixture, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove lid and simmer another 20-25 minutes until sausage is cooked through, potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve, with grainy mustard and rye bread or soft pretzel rolls with butter.  Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You might be wondering if this is too sweet.  It’s not, there is a nice balance between sweet and sour, and the tart apple and onion.  It all cooks down until most of the liquid evaporates, and all the flavors meld together perfectly.  And a swipe of German-style or Creole whole grain mustard gilds the lily.

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal Carbohydrates: 32g Protein: 9g Fat: 17g Saturated Fat: 6g Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Cholesterol: 42mg Sodium: 488mg Potassium: 507mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 20g Vitamin A: 39IU Vitamin C: 12mg Calcium: 42mg Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!
4.89 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Kay

Monday 5th of December 2022

I didn't have sauerkraut, so I tried red cabbage. It was delicious.

Alyce Peters

Saturday 26th of February 2022

Loved it and so did hubby!

Loni

Thursday 22nd of April 2021

SOOO good!!! My family LOVED it and asks for it every couple weeks!

Felicia

Friday 14th of June 2019

This was delicious! I made it exactly as written. My husband loved it!

Meathead

Friday 2nd of November 2018

OK, it looks like it's time to get serious...