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Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions

Juicy skillet-cooked pork bratwurst served in toasted buns with slow-caramelized yellow onions and spicy brown mustard.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine German-American
Servings 5 bratwurst sandwiches
Calories 490 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 fresh pork bratwurst links about 20 ounces / 567 g total
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced (about 1 pound / 450 g)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 5 hot dog or bratwurst buns
  • 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard

Instructions
 

  • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, kosher salt, and black pepper, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 22 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are very soft and deep golden brown. If the skillet begins to darken too quickly, add 1 tablespoon of the measured water and scrape up the browned bits. Transfer the onions to a plate and keep warm.
  • Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the bratwurst and the remaining water. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove the lid and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, turning frequently, until the water has evaporated, the sausages are browned on all sides, and the thickest part of each bratwurst reaches 160°F.
  • Return the caramelized onions to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, gently moving the onions around the bratwurst so they pick up the browned flavor from the pan. The onions should be soft, glossy, and deep golden.
  • Transfer the bratwurst and onions to a plate. Place the buns cut-side down in the warm skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
  • Divide the spicy brown mustard among the toasted buns. Place one bratwurst in each bun and top each serving with about 1/3 cup caramelized onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Keep the onions over medium-low heat so they soften and caramelize without burning.
  • If the skillet becomes too dry while the onions cook, use a tablespoon of the measured water to loosen the browned bits.
  • Always verify fresh pork bratwurst with an instant-read thermometer; the center must reach 160°F.
  • Store cooked bratwurst and onions refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
  • Store buns separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and assumes one bratwurst, one bun, caramelized onions, and the listed portion of mustard.
Nutrition information is estimated per serving. Exact values will vary with the brand and size of bratwurst, buns, and mustard used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bratwurst sandwichCalories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 17gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 1120mgPotassium: 510mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 2.3mg
Keyword bratwurst and onions, bratwurst with caramelized onions, easy bratwurst dinner, skillet bratwurst
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