Name: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: German / Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 lb smoked sausage or bratwurst, sliced; 3 cups sauerkraut, drained; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

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If you’re craving a hearty dish that brings a perfect balance of tanginess and savory warmth, this Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy slices of smoked sausage nestle in a bed of zesty sauerkraut, sweet apples, and tender onions, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a rustic, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with joy. Whether it’s a casual weeknight supper or an Oktoberfest celebration, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with sliced sausage and cooked rice mixed with small pieces of cooked onion and herbs. The sausage slices have a reddish-brown color with a slightly shiny surface, and they are scattered evenly throughout the light tan rice. The rice grains look soft and slightly sticky, with bits of translucent onion adding texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman’s hand is holding the bowl from the side. The overall look is warm and inviting, showing a simple and hearty meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple but essential ingredients come together in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Every component has a role, whether it’s the tang of sauerkraut, the mild sweetness from apples, or the rich savoriness of the sausage.

1 lb smoked sausage or bratwurst: Provides juicy, flavorful meat that forms the dish’s hearty base.
3 cups sauerkraut, drained: Adds a delightful tang and tender crunch that brightens the plate.
1 large onion, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and depth once baked alongside the other ingredients.
1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced: Balances the tartness with a subtle fruity sweetness and soft texture.
1 tbsp brown sugar: Enhances the flavors with a touch of caramelized sweetness that marries perfectly with sauerkraut.
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional): Adds a warm, aromatic note typical of traditional Eastern European cuisine.
1 tbsp olive oil or butter: Helps brown the sausage and bring everything together with a silky finish.

How to Make Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C), ensuring it’s ready to cook your ingredients evenly. Grease a baking dish generously to prevent sticking and to help everything brown beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Lay Down the Sauerkraut

Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This tangy base will soften as it bakes, releasing flavorful juices that soak into every layer above.

Step 3: Add Onions and Apples

Layer the sliced onions and apples over the sauerkraut, creating a delightful combination of sweetness and sharpness that complements the sausage wonderfully once cooked.

Step 4: Arrange the Sausage

Place the sliced smoked sausage or bratwurst on top of the sauerkraut, onions, and apples. These juicy, savory pieces will cook to perfection, absorbing the tangy and sweet notes beneath them.

Step 5: Season and Drizzle

Sprinkle the brown sugar and caraway seeds across the sausage and vegetable layers, then drizzle with olive oil or butter. These finishing touches will caramelize during baking, adding depth and aroma.

Step 6: Bake Covered Then Uncovered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the ingredients steam gently. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to achieve a beautifully browned, slightly crispy top.

How to Serve Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with a dish made of cooked white rice mixed with small yellow pieces, likely pineapple or cooked vegetables. On top of the rice are several thick, shiny, brown sausages cut into large chunks. A woman’s hand with a wooden spoon is stirring the food, giving a sense of movement to the rice and sausages. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the baked dish for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or rustic rye bread, both of which soak up the savory juices for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sausage and sauerkraut in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of grainy mustard. Alternatively, pile it high in a warm pretzel bun for a gourmet sausage sandwich that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day servings even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked sausage and sauerkraut in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350 °F or in a covered skillet over medium heat to retain moisture and freshness, avoiding microwave reheating to keep textures optimal.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?

Absolutely! Fresh sausage works well but keep in mind it may require a bit longer baking time and will offer a different flavor profile—not as smoky but equally delicious.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sauerkraut?

If sauerkraut isn’t available, try using fermented cabbage or even pickled cabbage to maintain the tangy element integral to the dish.

Is caraway seed necessary in this recipe?

Caraway seeds are traditional and add a wonderful aroma, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have any on hand.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, especially if you avoid any sausages that contain fillers or gluten-containing additives.

How can I add more depth of flavor to the recipe?

A splash of beer—about half a cup—added before baking infuses the dish with extra richness and authenticity reminiscent of Oktoberfest classics.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe is one of those comforting, flavorful dishes that never fails to bring people together around the table. Its ease, delicious layers of taste, and satisfying heartiness make it a go-to for chilly nights or festive occasions. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured favorite in your kitchen too!

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 26 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A rustic, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy smoked sausages baked with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and onions. This hearty, comforting meal is perfect for cozy dinners or festive Oktoberfest celebrations.

Ingredients

Sausage and Sauerkraut Mixture

1 lb smoked sausage or bratwurst, sliced
3 cups sauerkraut, drained
1 large onion, sliced
1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking, then evenly spread the drained sauerkraut across the bottom of the dish.
Layer Onions and Apples: Arrange the sliced onions and thinly sliced apples over the sauerkraut, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
Add Sausages: Place the sliced smoked sausages or bratwurst evenly on top of the layered sauerkraut, onions, and apples.
Season: Sprinkle the brown sugar and optional caraway seeds evenly over the sausage layer. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to add richness.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and slightly crisp on top.