Oktoberfest Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Spiced Apples
Celebrate Oktoberfest with this mouthwatering dish featuring juicy bratwursts simmered in a delicious beer bath, combined with tangy sauerkraut and sweet, spiced apples. Perfect for grilling lovers, this recipe can be easily adapted for campfire cooking. The interplay of flavors makes every bite a nostalgic reminder of festive gatherings in Germany. Serve these hearty bratwursts in toasted buns, topped generously with zesty mustard and accompanied by your favorite German beer for an authentic experience!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bratwurst
6 (fresh, preferably Johnsonville)
Yellow Onion
1 small (sliced)
Granny Smith Apple
1 small (cored, quartered, and sliced)
Sauerkraut
1/2 lb (rinsed and drained)
Beer
12 ounces (at room temperature)
Spicy Brown Mustard
3 tablespoons (for serving)
Caraway Seed
1 teaspoon (optional)
Hot Dog Buns
6 (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to Medium heat for direct cooking.
2
Using a heavy-duty foil pan, layer the bratwursts in a single line.
3
Prepare the onion by trimming the ends, cutting it in half lengthwise, then slicing each half into thin 1/8-inch pieces.
4
Core the Granny Smith apple, quarter it, then cut into 1/8-inch slices.
5
Spread the sliced onions, apples, and rinsed sauerkraut evenly over the bratwursts in the pan.
6
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the beer, spicy brown mustard, and caraway seeds (if using).
7
Pour the beer mixture over the bratwursts and toppings in the foil pan.
8
Place the pan on the grill over Direct Medium heat. Grill for approximately 20 minutes, gently turning the bratwursts 2-3 times to ensure even cooking.
9
Once the bratwursts are cooked, carefully remove them from the pan and set them aside, keeping the sauerkraut mixture on the grill to continue cooking.
10
Grill the bratwursts directly over Medium heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until nicely browned, turning once for even color.
11
Serve the bratwursts nestled in hot dog buns, generously topped with the flavorful sauerkraut and apple mixture.
12
Add more spicy brown mustard on top to taste, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
33
Carbs
10
Protein
2.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oktoberfest Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Spiced Apples?
It is a festive German-inspired dish featuring bratwursts simmered in beer with tangy sauerkraut and sweet spiced apples, then finished on the grill.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include bratwurst, yellow onion, Granny Smith apple, sauerkraut, beer, spicy brown mustard, caraway seeds, and hot dog buns.
How many bratwursts does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 6 bratwursts and 6 hot dog buns.
What brand of bratwurst is recommended?
The recipe suggests using fresh bratwurst, preferably Johnsonville brand.
What kind of apple is best for this dish?
A small Granny Smith apple is recommended for its tartness and ability to hold its shape when cooked.
Should I rinse the sauerkraut before using it?
Yes, the sauerkraut should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pan.
What type of onion should I use?
A small yellow onion is best for this recipe.
How much beer is required for the beer bath?
You will need 12 ounces of beer at room temperature.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
Spicy brown mustard is used both in the simmer mixture and for serving.
Are caraway seeds necessary?
Caraway seeds are optional, but one teaspoon adds an authentic flavor to the sauerkraut mixture.
What grill temperature is needed?
The grill should be preheated to Medium heat for direct cooking.
How long do the bratwursts simmer in the pan?
The bratwursts and toppings should simmer in the foil pan for approximately 20 minutes.
Why are the bratwursts simmered before browning?
Simmering them in the beer and apple mixture ensures they are cooked through and infused with flavor before browning the outside.
How long should I grill the bratwursts directly?
After simmering, grill them directly for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until nicely browned.
Can this recipe be made while camping?
Yes, this recipe is easily adapted for campfire cooking using a heavy-duty foil pan over a grate.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in these grilled brats?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This recipe contains 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in the sauerkraut and apple mixture?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How should I slice the onion?
The onion should be cut in half lengthwise and then sliced into thin 1/8-inch pieces.
How should the apple be prepared?
The apple should be cored, quartered, and then sliced into 1/8-inch pieces.
What is the best way to serve the brats?
Serve them nestled in toasted hot dog buns and topped generously with the sauerkraut and apple mixture.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer can be used as a substitute for traditional beer in the simmering liquid.
Is this considered an authentic German recipe?
It is inspired by German Oktoberfest traditions and uses classic German ingredients like sauerkraut, beer, and caraway.
What is the total cooking time?
Total cooking time on the grill is about 23 to 25 minutes, excluding prep time.
Should the beer be cold when added?
The recipe recommends using beer at room temperature for the best results.
What kind of pan should I use on the grill?
A heavy-duty foil pan is ideal for simmering the brats and toppings directly on the grill.
Can I use red apples?
Granny Smith is preferred for its tartness, but a firm red apple can be used if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
What should I drink with this meal?
It is best accompanied by your favorite German beer for an authentic Oktoberfest experience.