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Quick Apple Cider Braised Bratwurst Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring bratwurst braised in apple cider with onions and apples, creating a sweet-savory glaze that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bratwurst sausages
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: Slice the onion into thin half-moons. Core the apple and slice it into thin wedges. Measure the apple cider and broth.
  2. Brown the bratwurst: Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once sizzling, add the bratwurst links and brown on all sides, turning every 2-3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and turn translucent (3-4 minutes).
  4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add apples and thyme: Stir in sliced apples, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme sprigs.
  6. Return brats to skillet: Nestle the browned bratwurst back into the simmering liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Braise until cooked through: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, flipping brats halfway through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  8. Finish and serve: Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and let sauce bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the brats for deep flavor. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent the cider from reducing too quickly. Add apples when returning brats to the pan to avoid them dissolving. For a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst, apple cider, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet dinner, fall recipe

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