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Best Kid-Friendly German Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner featuring smoked sausage, mellow sauerkraut, sweet apple, and caramelized onions. Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters, this budget-friendly meal comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium apple (Gala or Fuji), peeled and grated
  • 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 (14-ounce) can or jar sauerkraut, undrained
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: peel and thinly slice the onion, peel and grate the apple, slice the sausage into 1/2-inch rounds, open the sauerkraut but leave it undrained, and measure out the broth.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling to coat the bottom.
  3. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges.
  4. Add the grated apple and cook for 1 minute, stirring until softened.
  5. Push the onion-apple mixture to the sides of the pan. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer in the center. Let brown undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir and brown the other side for another 2 minutes.
  6. Add the sauerkraut (with its liquid), caraway seeds, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir once halfway through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. If too acidic, let simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes. Add salt if needed.
  10. Serve immediately over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley and mustard if desired.

Notes

Do not rinse the sauerkraut; the brine adds flavor. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter. For a gluten-free version, serve with rice or roasted potatoes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage, sauerkraut, skillet, kid-friendly, quick dinner, one-pan, German recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/best-kid-friendly-german-sausage-and-sauerkraut-skillet/