This hearty, German-inspired dish brings together homemade spaetzle, savory bratwurst, roasted sweet potatoes, and sweet caramelized onions for a comforting and rich meal. Combining the softness of the spaetzle with the bold flavors of bratwurst and the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A satisfying and hearty meal with a wonderful balance of flavors
- The homemade spaetzle adds a soft, chewy texture that complements the crispy sausage and caramelized onions
- Roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness to the dish
- Great for comfort food lovers, especially those who enjoy hearty German cuisine
- Quick and easy to prepare, with a delicious combination of ingredients
- Can be made in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easily customizable with different sausages or additional veggies
- The fresh sage garnish adds an aromatic finish to the dish
- Perfect for those who enjoy one-pan meals with a touch of elegance
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the spaetzle:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
For the dish:
- 4 bratwurst sausages
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped (for garnish)
directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and golden.
- Make the spaetzle dough: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add the eggs and water, stirring until the dough is smooth and thick but still slightly sticky.
- Cook the spaetzle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the dough into the boiling water. Cook the spaetzle in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove the spaetzle and set aside.
- Cook the bratwurst: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the bratwurst sausages and cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausages from the skillet, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the roasted sweet potatoes, bratwurst slices, and cooked spaetzle to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped sage leaves.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Sausage Options: Swap bratwurst for other types of sausages like Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegan sausage for a plant-based version.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, kale, or bell peppers for more veggies and color.
- Herb Variations: Use thyme, rosemary, or tarragon in place of or alongside the sage for a different aromatic touch.
- Cheese: Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese like Swiss, cheddar, or parmesan for added richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the onions or bratwurst for a little heat.
- Sweet Potatoes Alternatives: Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, butternut squash, or parsnips for a different flavor profile.
- Crispy Spaetzle: After boiling the spaetzle, sauté it in butter for a few minutes to create a crispy texture.
- Creamy Sauce: Drizzle a creamy sauce like mustard cream or a simple garlic butter sauce over the dish for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the spaetzle, bratwurst slices, and roasted sweet potatoes separately for up to 2 months. Reheat by sautéing everything together in a skillet.
Reheating:
Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made spaetzle?
Yes, you can use store-bought spaetzle if you’re short on time, but homemade spaetzle adds a lovely texture and flavor to the dish.
Can I make the spaetzle in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spaetzle ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before using it in the dish.
What other toppings can I use for this dish?
You can top it with sautéed mushrooms, a drizzle of gravy, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Yes, any type of sausage you enjoy will work. You could use a spicy sausage for a little heat or a milder sausage for a more neutral flavor.
How do I prevent the spaetzle from being too sticky?
Make sure to add enough water to the dough to keep it smooth and slightly sticky, but not overly wet. If the dough is too thick, add a little more water.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap the bratwurst for a vegetarian sausage or simply omit the sausage altogether for a delicious, vegetable-forward dish.
Conclusion
Spaetzle with Bratwurst, Sweet Potatoes, and Caramelized Onions brings together comforting German-inspired flavors in a single dish. With homemade spaetzle, savory bratwurst, roasted sweet potatoes, and sweet onions, this meal offers a hearty and satisfying experience. Whether served for dinner or as a comforting weekend meal, it’s a wonderful dish to enjoy with family and friends.
Spaetzle with Bratwurst, Sweet Potatoes, and Caramelized Onions
This hearty German-inspired dish features homemade spaetzle paired with savory bratwurst, roasted sweet potatoes, and sweet caramelized onions, creating a comforting meal full of rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Cooking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- For the spaetzle:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- For the dish:
- 4 bratwurst sausages
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden, tossing halfway through.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the spaetzle. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg. Add the eggs and water, stirring until the dough is smooth and thick but still slightly sticky.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the dough into the boiling water, cooking the spaetzle in batches for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove the spaetzle and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the bratwurst sausages and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausages from the skillet, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized.
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes, bratwurst slices, and cooked spaetzle to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh sage leaves.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of cream or sour cream to the spaetzle dough.
- To make this dish even heartier, you can add a side of sauerkraut or a salad.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg