Savory German Bratwurst Strudel with Creamy Mustard Sauce
This delightful Savory German Bratwurst Strudel combines flaky phyllo pastry with a savory filling of bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet granny smith apples. Enhanced with a hint of fragrant caraway seeds, this dish presents a perfect harmony of flavors that is ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The creamy mustard sauce adds a rich, zesty touch that complements the strudel beautifully, making it a standout centerpiece for any meal. Serve it warm for an inviting and comforting dish that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter, melted
3/4 cup (melted)
Onion, minced
1 cup (minced)
Granny Smith Apple
1 large (peeled, cored and diced)
German wine-cured sauerkraut
1 1/2 cups (drained)
Caraway seeds
2 teaspoons
Phyllo pastry sheets
8
German sweet mustard
1/4 cup
Bratwurst
1 lb (thinly sliced)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
Flour
1 tablespoon
Light cream
1 cup
German sweet mustard
3 tablespoons
Paprika
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
3
Incorporate the diced apple and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes until softened.
4
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds. Mix until well combined.
5
On a large baking sheet, lay out one sheet of phyllo pastry. Fold it in half lengthwise and brush the top with about 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
6
Repeat the process by layering and buttering the remaining phyllo sheets, creating a stack.
7
Spread the German sweet mustard evenly over the last layer of phyllo.
8
Place the sauerkraut mixture along the long edge closest to you, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around the sides. Top it with thin slices of bratwurst.
9
Carefully roll the phyllo over the filling jellyroll style, folding in the short edges to seal. Place the strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
10
Brush the top with the remaining melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and crisp.
11
While the strudel is baking, prepare the mustard sauce. In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour to create a smooth roux.
12
Gradually whisk in the light cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, whisk in the German sweet mustard until evenly blended and heated through.
13
Slice the warm strudel and serve it on plates with a generous pool of mustard sauce. Dust the sauce with a sprinkle of paprika for an added touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory German Bratwurst Strudel?
It is a savory pastry dish featuring a filling of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and apples wrapped in flaky phyllo dough and served with a creamy mustard sauce.
What type of bratwurst should I use?
You should use 1 lb of bratwurst, thinly sliced. Any traditional German-style bratwurst will work well.
Why are Granny Smith apples used in the recipe?
Granny Smith apples are used for their tartness and firm texture, which balances the savory bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut.
How do I prepare the sauerkraut for the filling?
The German wine-cured sauerkraut should be thoroughly drained before being mixed with the other filling ingredients.
What role do caraway seeds play?
Caraway seeds add a fragrant, traditional German flavor profile that complements the sauerkraut and sausage.
How many sheets of phyllo pastry are required?
The recipe requires 8 sheets of phyllo pastry, which are stacked and buttered to create a flaky crust.
How do I handle phyllo pastry so it doesn't dry out?
Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp cloth while you work, and brush each layer quickly with melted butter.
What kind of mustard is used in the strudel?
The recipe calls for German sweet mustard, which is spread inside the strudel and used as a base for the creamy sauce.
Can I substitute the German sweet mustard?
While German sweet mustard is authentic, you could use a honey mustard as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
The strudel should be baked in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the strudel need to bake?
Bake the strudel for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
What is the first step in making the filling?
The first step is melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and sauteing minced onions for about 3 minutes until translucent.
How do I layer the phyllo pastry?
Lay out one sheet, fold it in half lengthwise, brush with butter, and repeat until all 8 sheets are stacked.
How is the strudel rolled up?
Place the filling along the long edge, fold in the short edges to seal, and roll it jellyroll style.
How do I prevent the strudel from becoming soggy?
Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained and the apple is softened during the sauteing process to reduce excess moisture.
How is the mustard sauce prepared?
Create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in light cream and German sweet mustard until thickened.
What is the purpose of the roux in the sauce?
The roux, made of equal parts butter and flour, serves as a thickening agent to give the mustard sauce a rich, smooth consistency.
What type of cream is best for the mustard sauce?
Light cream is specified in the recipe to create a sauce that is rich but not overly heavy.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
A dusting of paprika over the mustard sauce is recommended for an added touch of color and flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
The filling can be prepared ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake the strudel just before serving for maximum crispness.
How should the strudel be served?
Slice the warm strudel and serve it on plates with a generous pool of the creamy mustard sauce.
How do I store leftover strudel?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for a few minutes to help the phyllo pastry regain its crisp texture.
Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo?
Yes, puff pastry can be used, but the texture will be heavier and more buttery rather than the thin, flaky layers of phyllo.
What kind of onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of minced onion, typically a yellow or white onion for a balanced flavor.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
While not in the original recipe, a layer of Swiss or Gruyere cheese would complement the bratwurst and sauerkraut nicely.
Is this dish suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, the recipe description notes it as an ideal centerpiece for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
How thin should I slice the bratwurst?
Slice the bratwurst as thinly as possible to ensure it fits easily within the pastry roll and heats through evenly.
How do I seal the edges of the strudel?
Fold the short edges of the phyllo inward before you finish rolling to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
What flavor profile does the mustard sauce add?
The sauce adds a rich, zesty, and slightly sweet touch that beautifully complements the savory bratwurst and tart apple.