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Kid-Friendly German Bratwurst Apple Skillet Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring savory bratwurst and sweet caramelized apples, perfect for busy weeknights. This budget-friendly meal comes together in under 30 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) bratwurst sausages
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes): Slice bratwurst on a bias into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pieces. Core apples and cut into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick wedges. Slice onion into thin half-moons.
  2. Brown the Bratwurst (6-8 minutes): Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bratwurst in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics (4-5 minutes): Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion to the same skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Add the Apples (3-4 minutes): Add apple wedges to the pan with onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples start to soften and caramelize.
  5. Deglaze and Simmer (5-7 minutes): Pour in apple cider or chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Finish the Dish (2-3 minutes): Return browned bratwurst to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and bratwurst is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve straight from the pan or over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala to avoid mushiness. Don’t skip browning the bratwurst for best flavor. For a lower-carb option, serve with green beans or salad. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apple, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, kid-friendly, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, German recipe, fall recipe

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/kid-friendly-german-bratwurst-apple-skillet-dinner/