Oven-Braised Beer Brats with Caramelized Onions & Apples

 

A hearty, flavorful dish where bratwursts simmer in a savory beer broth with sweet caramelized onions and  apples.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 bratwursts

• 1 cup beer (lager or ale works well)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  

  Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Caramelize onions &  apples:

     • Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

     • Add onions and apples, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown (~20-25 min).

     • Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (~1 min).

  3. Brown the brats (optional):

     • Push onions and apples to the sides, then add bratwursts. Sear for 2-3 min per side for extra flavor (optional).

  4. Simmer in beer broth:

     • Nestle bratwursts into the onion-apple mixture.

     • Pour in beer and beef broth, ensuring brats are mostly submerged.

     • Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  5. Braise in oven:

     • Transfer uncovered to the oven and bake for 30-40 min, until brats are cooked through and infused with flavor.

  6. Serve:

     • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or sauerkraut.

  Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, use a dark beer like a stout or porter. If the broth is too thin after baking, simmer on the stovetop for 5 min to reduce.