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Easy Apple Cider Braised Bratwurst Skillet – Best Guest Dinner

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A quick and impressive one-skillet dinner featuring juicy bratwursts braised in apple cider until tender, then caramelized into a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for weeknight meals or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds fresh bratwurst sausages (about 6 links)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ½ cup chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Apple slices, thin (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  2. Brown the bratwursts: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the bratwursts in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned all over. Use tongs to turn them gently to avoid breaking the casings. Remove the bratwursts to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in about ¼ cup of the braising liquid and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Braise the bratwursts: Return the bratwursts to the skillet, nestling them into the onions. Pour the remaining braising liquid over the top. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the sausages—add a splash more broth if needed. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20 minutes.
  6. Caramelize the sauce: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the liquid bubble and reduce for 8-10 minutes, turning the bratwursts occasionally, until the sauce is thick and syrupy and the sausages are glazed. Watch closely toward the end so it doesn’t burn.
  7. Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and thin apple slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t pierce the bratwursts to keep them juicy. Use a heavy pan for even heat. Watch the heat during reduction to prevent burning. Season at the end. The lid is essential during braising.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apple cider, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, German sausage, fall recipe, easy dinner, dinner party

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-apple-cider-braised-bratwurst-skillet-best-guest-dinner/