BAKED BRATS IN CARAMELIZED SAUERKRAUT

Baked Brats in Caramelized Sauerkraut image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 raw bratwurst sausages
olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green apple, peeled and chopped
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
3 cups lightly drained sauerkraut
1 cup apple cider

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350F
Brush the brats lightly with olive oil.
Brown them in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side, until they take on some nice color. Note: I do this right in the same pan I'm going to bake in, so make sure it can accommodate everything, and is oven safe. A 9 or 10 inch cast iron skillet or grill pan works perfectly, I use this one.
Remove the brats to a plate and set aside. Add the onions and apples to the same pan and saute over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Stir in the brown sugar.
Add the spices and continue to cook, stirring often, for 2 more minutes.
Add the sauerkraut and cider to the pan and mix well. Make sure to get all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, that's great flavor!
Bring the pan up to a boil, then add the brats to the pan and nestle them deep down into the kraut so they will braise in the oven.
Bake, uncovered, for about 40-45 minutes, just until the brats are cooked through (internal temperature should be 160F) and the sauerkraut is nice and caramelized. Note: Give the sauerkrat a stir once or twice during cooking to redistribute the juices.
Serve immediately, with plenty of grainy Dijon mustard.