Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Oktoberfest Strudel?
It is a flavorful dish that combines sweet Granny Smith apples, savory bratwurst, and tangy sauerkraut wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include German butter, onion, Granny Smith apple, German wine-cured sauerkraut, caraway seeds, phyllo pastry, German sweet mustard, and bratwurst.
How do I prepare the apples for the filling?
You should peel, core, and dice one large Granny Smith apple, then saute it in butter for about 3 minutes until softened.
What type of sauerkraut is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of German wine-cured sauerkraut, which should be drained before use.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the strudel.
How long does it take to bake the strudel?
The strudel should be baked for 25-30 minutes until it is golden brown and crispy.
How many sheets of phyllo pastry are required?
This recipe requires 8 sheets of phyllo pastry stacked and layered with melted butter.
What is the purpose of adding caraway seeds?
Nutty caraway seeds are added to enhance the flavor of the sauerkraut and apple filling.
What kind of mustard is used in the filling?
German sweet mustard is spread evenly over the final layer of phyllo pastry before adding the filling.
How do I assemble the phyllo pastry layers?
Lay out one sheet, fold it in half lengthwise, brush with butter, and repeat until all 8 sheets are stacked.
How much border should be left when adding the filling?
When spooning the sauerkraut filling onto the pastry, leave a 1.5-inch border around the edges.
How should the bratwurst be sliced?
One pound of bratwurst should be thinly sliced and placed on top of the sauerkraut filling.
How do I seal the strudel roll?
Roll the pastry into a tight jellyroll shape and tuck in the short edges as you go to seal the filling.
What is the first step in making the mustard sauce?
Melt 1 tablespoon of German butter over medium-low heat and stir in flour to create a smooth paste.
What type of cream is used for the tangy mustard sauce?
The sauce uses 1 cup of light cream, which should be whisked in gradually to prevent lumps.
How is the mustard sauce finished?
Add 3 tablespoons of German sweet mustard to the cream mixture and continue to warm it until heated through.
What are the serving size options?
The strudel can be sliced into 8 portions for an appetizer or 4 generous portions for a main course.
How should the strudel be garnished?
The sauce can be garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or curry powder for extra flavor.
How do I prepare the onions?
Mince one cup of onion and saute it in German butter for about 3 minutes or until translucent.
Does the strudel need to be placed a specific way on the pan?
Yes, place the rolled strudel seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent it from opening while baking.
Can I use regular butter instead of German butter?
The recipe specifies German butter for authentic flavor, using about 3/4 cup melted for the pastry and 1 tablespoon for the sauce.
What should the filling consist of?
The filling consists of sauteed onions and apples mixed with drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds, topped with sliced bratwurst.
Is the mustard sauce served warm or cold?
The sauce should be served warm, drizzled or pooled around the warm strudel slices.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for the strudel and the sauce.
What gives the strudel its flaky texture?
The flaky texture comes from layering 8 sheets of phyllo pastry with melted German butter.
How do I prevent lumps in the mustard sauce?
Whisk the light cream in gradually and stir continuously to ensure the mixture remains smooth.
What role does the paprika or curry powder play?
They are used as a final garnish on the mustard sauce to provide an extra touch of flavor and color.
How much caraway seeds are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds.
What type of apples are best for this strudel?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness complements the savory bratwurst and sauerkraut.
Is the strudel brushed with anything before baking?
Yes, brush the top of the rolled strudel with the remaining melted butter before putting it in the oven.