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Cozy Apple Cider Braised Bratwurst Skillet

cozy apple cider braised bratwurst skillet - featured image
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A one-pan fall comfort dish featuring bratwurst braised in apple cider with apples and onions, resulting in tender sausages and a glossy, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 bratwurst links (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Whole grain mustard, for serving (optional)
  • Crusty bread or mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: slice the onion into thin half-moons and core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch wedges. Measure out the apple cider and chicken broth.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the bratwurst links. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown all over. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add a splash of apple cider if the pan looks dry.
  4. Add the apple slices, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until apples start to soften.
  5. Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and stir in the Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return the browned bratwurst to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid. If a thicker sauce is desired, simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use unfiltered apple cider. Avoid apples that turn to mush, like McIntosh. To make dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil. For a gluten-free version, ensure bratwurst is certified gluten-free. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apple cider, skillet, fall, one-pan, comfort food

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/cozy-apple-cider-braised-bratwurst-skillet/