Oven-Baked Brats & Onions are a deliciously simple German-inspired meal that brings together juicy bratwurst sausages, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy sauerkraut, all served on soft hoagie buns. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting and flavorful dish with classic German ingredients
- Oven-baked brats for a hands-off, easy cooking method
- Sweet caramelized onions and tangy sauerkraut make for a perfect topping
- Simple to prepare, yet feels like a special meal
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings
- Easily customizable with your favorite mustard or additional toppings
- Serves a crowd or family in just 40 minutes
- A great alternative to grilling brats indoors
- Great served with fries, potato salad, or a side of pickles
- The perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 bratwurst sausages
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or your favorite mustard)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 4 soft hoagie buns
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake the brats: Place the bratwurst sausages on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
- Caramelize the onions: While the brats are cooking, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the brats: Once the brats are done, remove them from the oven and place them in the hoagie buns.
- Add toppings: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of each bun. Top with the caramelized onions and a spoonful of sauerkraut.
- Serve: Serve the brats hot with extra mustard on the side.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Mustard: Use spicy brown mustard or a hot mustard for an extra kick.
- Add Cheese: Melt cheese like Swiss or cheddar over the brats before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Grilled Option: Grill the bratwurst instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
- Sauerkraut Upgrade: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauerkraut to balance the sweetness.
- Onion Variation: Use red onions or shallots for a different flavor profile.
- Add Pickles: Top with sliced pickles for an extra tangy crunch.
- Spicy Sauerkraut: Mix the sauerkraut with a little bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Kraut & Bacon: Add crumbled bacon to the sauerkraut for a smoky, savory twist.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store leftover brats and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sausages and toppings separately to maintain freshness.
Freezing:
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the sausages can be frozen (without the buns and toppings) for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Reheating:
Reheat the brats in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Reheat the caramelized onions and sauerkraut in a skillet for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other sausages for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute bratwurst with other sausages like Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even veggie sausages.
Can I skip the sauerkraut?
If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, feel free to leave it off, or replace it with sautéed peppers, pickled veggies, or even coleslaw for a fresh contrast.
How do I know when the brats are fully cooked?
The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are browned on the outside. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The brats can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the sandwiches. The onions and sauerkraut can also be prepared in advance.
Can I use a different type of bun?
Absolutely! You can use any kind of bun you prefer, such as a pretzel bun or a whole wheat bun, for added flavor or texture.
Can I grill the onions instead of sautéing them?
Yes, grilling the onions adds a smoky flavor to the dish and is a great alternative to caramelizing them in a skillet.
How can I make the brats spicier?
To add spice, use hot Italian sausage or add a dash of chili flakes to the mustard or sauerkraut.
What sides go well with oven-baked brats?
This dish pairs well with potato salad, roasted vegetables, French fries, or even a simple green salad.
Can I make this dish without mustard?
If you prefer not to use mustard, try replacing it with horseradish, a tangy relish, or even a creamy dressing like ranch.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Brats & Onions offer a simple yet flavorful take on a classic German dish. With juicy bratwurst sausages, caramelized onions, and tangy mustard and sauerkraut, this dish makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it as a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please!
Oven-Baked Brats & Onions
These oven-baked brats are cooked to perfection with caramelized onions, served on soft buns with a generous helping of mustard and sauerkraut for a classic, flavorful German-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst sausages
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or your favorite mustard)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 4 soft hoagie buns
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the bratwurst sausages on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
- While the brats are cooking, heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the brats are done, remove them from the oven and place them in the buns.
- Spread a layer of mustard on the inside of each bun. Top each brat with caramelized onions and a spoonful of sauerkraut.
- Serve the oven-baked brats hot, with extra mustard on the side.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicy kick, use spicy mustard or add jalapeños to the brats.
- For a more indulgent version, you can add melted cheese on top of the caramelized onions.
- These brats can also be served with a side of potato salad or coleslaw for a more hearty meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brat with bun and toppings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg