Imagine a hearty, mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of traditional German cuisine in just one bite. This Sausage and Sauerkraut Dinner is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines smoky sausages, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples in a symphony of flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy German restaurant. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or craving a comforting one-dish meal, this recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that's both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: German
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 can sauerkraut, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces. This will help them cook evenly and create an appealing presentation.
- Chop the onion into medium-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Core and slice the apples into thin wedges, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly in a colander, gently pressing out excess liquid to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the drained sauerkraut as the base, creating an even bottom layer.
- Distribute the sliced sausage evenly over the sauerkraut, ensuring good coverage.
- Scatter the chopped onions and apple slices across the top of the sausage.
- Sprinkle caraway seeds over the entire dish, which will add a traditional German flavor profile.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, using a light hand as the sausage and sauerkraut already contain significant seasoning.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the sausage is heated through and the apples are tender.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow slight caramelization and browning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or boiled potatoes to complete the traditional German meal.
Tips
- Choose high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor—German-style würstchen or kielbasa work wonderfully.
- Don't skip draining the sauerkraut; excess liquid can make your dish soggy.
- Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the richness of the sausage.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of German beer or white wine to the dish before baking.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Serve with whole grain mustard or horseradish on the side for an authentic German touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
