Hearty One-Pan Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut: An Authentic German Comfort Meal
Step into a world of rustic German comfort with this incredible one-pan Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut. It’s the quintessential hearty meal, perfect for warming up family gatherings or bringing a touch of Oktoberfest cheer right to your dinner table. Imagine succulent, juicy sausages nestled among tender potatoes, crisp, tart apples, and tangy sauerkraut, all brought together in a single skillet. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. Its simplicity makes it ideal for a busy weeknight, yet its rich, authentic taste feels special enough for any occasion.
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Discover the Delight of Knackwurst: A German Culinary Gem
For many, German and German-inspired cuisine evokes a sense of home and tradition. This recipe is deeply rooted in that heritage, centered around the star ingredient: knackwurst. These aren’t just any sausages; knackwurst are distinctly plump German hot dogs, renowned for their incredibly juicy texture and that satisfying, signature “snap” you experience with every bite. Their robust flavor profile is a cornerstone of this dish, infusing the entire skillet with a rich, savory depth that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
While knackwurst might be a specialty item that can be a bit challenging to locate in standard supermarkets, the search is always worthwhile. If you have a European deli or a specialty butcher shop in your area, chances are they’ll have these authentic sausages stocked. Don’t hesitate to ask your local butcher; they might even be able to order them for you. The distinct taste and texture of knackwurst truly elevate this skillet meal, offering an experience that regular hot dogs simply can’t replicate. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why they’re so cherished in German cooking traditions.
The Unbeatable Appeal of One-Pan Skillet Cooking
Beyond its incredible flavor, this Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut dish is a testament to the convenience and efficiency of one-pan cooking. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner straight from the skillet or preparing a meal ahead of time for effortless reheating, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s undeniably hearty, deeply comforting, and remarkably versatile. The beauty of a single-skillet meal lies not only in its streamlined cooking process but also in the way all the ingredients mingle and meld, allowing their individual flavors to deepen and harmonize.
This method drastically cuts down on cleanup, making it a dream for busy weeknights. The direct contact with the hot surface of the skillet also helps develop rich, caramelized flavors on the sausages and vegetables, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. The entire dish comes together with minimal fuss, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to mean endless dishes or complex techniques. This is truly comfort food redefined for the modern kitchen, pairing beautifully with a cold, crisp German beer or a thick slice of hearty rye bread to complete the authentic experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Knackwurst & Sauerkraut Skillet
Crafting this flavorful German-inspired skillet begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s balanced and satisfying profile.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are a game-changer for texture. They add an incredibly light, airy, and buttery crunch to the top of the skillet, providing a delightful contrast to the softer ingredients below. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, Panko stays crisp longer, ensuring a fantastic finish.
- Butter: Essential for both flavor and function. A portion of the butter will coat the Panko, transforming it into that golden, crispy topping. The rest is crucial for sautéing the onions, building a rich, aromatic base for the sauce. Butter adds an irreplaceable depth and richness that oil alone cannot provide.
- Knackwurst sausages: The star of the show! These plump, smoky German sausages are wonderfully juicy and flavorful. Their distinctive “snap” when bitten into adds a textural highlight. Look for a good quality brand for the best results; they are typically pre-cooked or smoked, meaning they just need heating and browning.
- Cooking oil: Any mild, neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil will work perfectly for searing the sausages. Its main purpose is to prevent sticking and facilitate a beautiful golden-brown crust on the knackwurst, locking in their juices and enhancing their savory flavor.
- Yellow onion: A foundational ingredient in countless savory dishes, a basic yellow cooking onion works perfectly here. When slowly cooked, it sweetens and softens, adding a crucial aromatic depth and savory base to the skillet, complementing the tang of the sauerkraut and richness of the sausage.
- All-purpose flour: This common pantry staple is used to create a roux, which thickens the pan drippings and broth into a rich, luscious sauce. It ensures the liquid clings to all the delicious ingredients, creating a cohesive and comforting texture.
- Chicken broth: The primary liquid for our sauce, I always opt for low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, ensuring it’s seasoned perfectly to your preference without becoming overly salty from the knackwurst or sauerkraut. It provides a savory base and helps meld all the flavors.
- Granny Smith apple: Don’t skip this! The tartness of Granny Smith apples is key to balancing the richness of the sausage and the strong tang of the sauerkraut. As they cook, they soften slightly and release a subtle sweetness and acidity that brightens the entire dish, preventing it from being too heavy.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These versatile potatoes are an excellent choice for this skillet. They have a creamy texture when cooked but are firm enough to hold their shape without becoming mushy. Cut into half-inch slices, they absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings beautifully, adding a satisfying starchy component to the meal.
- Sauerkraut: The iconic fermented cabbage adds its characteristic tangy bite. Be sure to drain it well to remove excess liquid. If you prefer a milder tang, you can even rinse it briefly under cold water and squeeze it dry before adding. For those who love a bold, piquant flavor, simply drain and add as-is.
- Brown sugar: While entirely optional, a small amount of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that brilliantly balances the vinegar bite of the sauerkraut and the tartness of the apples. It rounds out the flavors and creates a more harmonious profile.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley at the very end is more than just a garnish. It adds a vibrant pop of green and a burst of herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire dish, lifting the heavier flavors and adding a clean finish.
- Whole-grain mustard: For serving alongside, whole-grain mustard offers a wonderful textural element and a sharp, spicy counterpoint to the rich main course. Stirred with sour cream, it creates an irresistible creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
- Sour cream: Paired with the whole-grain mustard, sour cream provides a cool, creamy texture and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the knackwurst and sauerkraut, creating a delightful dipping sauce.
Crafting Your Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this hearty skillet meal is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps to create a delicious and comforting dish.
Preheat your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C) and ensure the oven rack is positioned in the lower third. This allows for even cooking and optimal browning. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt about 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in the Panko breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated. This quick step creates a buttery, golden topping later on. Set this mixture aside.
Next, grab your trusty 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Heat a splash of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the knackwurst sausages and sear them for 2–3 minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Cast iron is exceptionally good for this because it retains heat so well, ensuring the sausages get that perfect crisp exterior without drying out the juicy interior. Once nicely browned, transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside, reserving the flavorful pan drippings in the skillet.
Using the same skillet and those flavorful drippings, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion along with a generous pinch of salt. Stir the onions with a heat-safe silicone spatula – this tool is fantastic because it allows you to scrape the bottom of the skillet clean, preventing anything from sticking and ensuring you capture all the delicious fond. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft, translucent, and just beginning to turn lightly golden, releasing their sweet aroma.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened onions, stirring constantly to coat them thoroughly. Cook for about a minute, allowing the flour to lightly toast. Then, gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking with a balloon whisk. This type of whisk is perfect for quickly incorporating the liquid into the flour, preventing lumps and creating a smooth, cohesive sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for about a minute, or until it has slightly thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
Now, it’s time to bring all the key players together. Add the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, Granny Smith apple wedges, and the well-drained sauerkraut to the skillet. If you desire a touch more sweetness to balance the tartness, stir in the optional brown sugar at this stage. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are coated in the savory sauce. Then, carefully arrange the browned knackwurst sausages back on top of the mixture in the skillet.
Cover the skillet tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it locks in the steam, ensuring the potatoes and apples cook evenly and become fork-tender without drying out the sausages. Transfer the covered skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork.
Once the baking is complete, carefully remove the foil. Scatter the reserved buttery Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until the breadcrumb topping turns beautifully golden brown and crispy. This adds an irresistible layer of texture and visual appeal.
Allow the skillet to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven; this helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh, chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous freshness. For an extra touch, stir the whole-grain mustard and sour cream together in a small prep bowl and offer it alongside as a tangy, creamy dipping sauce. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed meal!
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for a Flawless Skillet
Achieving the perfect Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut is simple with a few insider tricks:
- Choose your vessel wisely: While a cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for its excellent heat retention and even cooking, a braiser can also be an excellent alternative. Its wide, shallow design and tight-fitting lid make it equally suitable for both stovetop searing and oven baking, providing that desired one-pan convenience.
- Customize your sauerkraut’s tang: Sauerkraut can vary in its acidity. If you prefer a milder flavor, or if your sauerkraut seems particularly strong, don’t hesitate to rinse it under cold water and then squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the skillet. This helps reduce the piquant bite without sacrificing its unique character.
- Deepen the flavor with caramelized onions: For an even richer, more complex flavor profile, take your time when cooking the onions. Instead of just softening them, allow them to caramelize slowly over medium-low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. This process brings out their natural sweetness and adds incredible depth before you incorporate the flour and broth.
Beyond the Skillet: Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
While this Knackwurst & Sauerkraut Skillet is undeniably filling and satisfying on its own, it truly shines when complemented with simple yet thoughtful side dishes. To enhance the experience, consider these delightful pairings:
For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness will cut through the richness of the meat and sauce. A hearty loaf of crusty rye bread or pumpernickel is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious pan juices. To lean into the authentic German theme, consider serving it with classic sides like tender spaetzle, fluffy potato dumplings, or soft, warm pretzels accompanied by extra mustard.
When it comes to beverages, a cold German lager or pilsner is a natural and excellent match, its crispness complementing the savory and tangy flavors. For dessert, continuing the cozy, rustic theme with an apple crisp, warm strudel, or a simple rustic fruit tart would be the ideal sweet finish to a truly comforting meal.
Storing Your Delicious Leftovers
This Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
For reheating, you have a couple of options. For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the texture of the potatoes and sausages. Alternatively, you can use the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated to your desired temperature. This dish also freezes remarkably well; simply wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Chef Jenn’s Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut
Equipment
- 12-inch cast-iron skillet
- Silicone spatula
- balloon whisk
Ingredients
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 4-5 knackwurst German sausages – about 1 pound, cut into thirds
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 Granny Smith apple cored and sliced into wedges
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes scrubbed and cut into ½-inch slices
- 2 cups sauerkraut drained and rinsed and squeezed dry
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ¼ oz fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- ¼ cup cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small bowl, stir in panko, and set aside.
- Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet. Brown sausages for 2–3 minutes per side, then remove to a plate.
- Melt remaining butter in the skillet, add onion, and cook until softened.
- Stir in flour, then whisk in broth until smooth. Simmer briefly.
- Add potatoes, apple, sauerkraut, and brown sugar. Stir well and return sausages on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25–35 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove foil, top with breadcrumbs, and broil until golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with mustard-sour cream sauce.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- A braiser works just as well as cast iron for cooking and baking in one pan.
- Rinse and squeeze the sauerkraut if you prefer a milder bite.
- For deeper flavor, let the onions caramelize longer before adding the flour.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
More Delicious One-Pan and Sausage Recipes to Explore
If you loved the ease and flavor of this Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut, you’re in for a treat! We believe in making delicious meals accessible and efficient, and there are plenty more recipes waiting to be discovered that share the same spirit of comfort and convenience. Here are a few recommendations that highlight the versatility of sausages and the magic of one-pan cooking:
Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on hearty, flavorful cooking, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Dive in and discover your next family favorite!