Sausage Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet

A Cozy, One-Pan Supper

This recipe is my go-to on a chilly evening. It fills the whole house with a wonderful, savory smell. Everything cooks in just one pan. That means less washing up for me later. I love that.

It’s a simple dish, but it feels like a warm hug. The potatoes get nice and soft. The sausage is juicy and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds. What’s your favorite cozy meal to eat when it’s cold outside?

Why the Apple is a Secret

You might be surprised to see an apple in this recipe. I was too, the first time my own grandma made it. She said it was her little secret. I still laugh at that.

The apple adds a tiny bit of sweet to balance the salty sauerkraut. You won’t really taste a strong apple flavor. It just makes the whole dish taste more rounded and delicious. This matters because good food is all about balance. A little sweet makes the salty and savory parts even better.

A Little Story About Sauerkraut

My grandpa used to make his own sauerkraut in a big crock in the cellar. It would sit there for weeks. The whole basement had a tangy smell. I was always a little scared to try it.

But in this skillet, it becomes something special. The heat softens its sharp taste. It gets cozy with the potatoes and sausage. *Fun fact: Sauerkraut is just cabbage and salt that’s been left to ferment!* Do you have a food you were once scared to try but now love?

Putting It All Together

Start by browning your potato cubes in a little oil. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Then you add the onion and your secret apple. The kitchen starts to smell even better.

Next, stir in the sauerkraut and sausage. Put the lid on and let it all get to know each other. This waiting time is important. It lets the flavors mingle and become one big happy family in your pan.

More Than Just a Meal

This dish reminds me of my family. We would all sit around the table, sharing stories from our day. The food always tasted better because we were together.

That’s why this matters. Cooking a simple, hearty meal is an act of love. It nourishes our bodies, for sure. But it also feeds our hearts and our connections. Which ingredient in this recipe are you most curious to taste?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bratwurst or smoked sausage	1 pound	Cooked and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
Lard or coconut oil	2 tablespoons
Red potatoes	5 medium	Cube them
Apple	1 medium	Diced
Onion	1 medium	Diced
Sauerkraut	16 ounces	Homemade or store bought
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes	1/4 teaspoon	Optional

My Cozy Sausage & Sauerkraut Skillet

This recipe always reminds me of my Oma’s kitchen. The smell would fill her whole house. It is such a warm and happy memory for me.

It is a simple one-pan meal. You just layer everything in. The flavors all come together so nicely. It feels like a big, comforting hug.

• Step 1: Let’s get everything ready first. Cube your potatoes and dice the onion. If your sausage is raw, cook it all the way through. Then you can slice it up. I like to get this done before I start. It makes everything so much easier.
• Step 2: Warm up your oil in a big skillet. Add your potato cubes. Cook them until they get a little brown. This gives them a wonderful taste. While they cook, dice your apple. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t rush the potatoes! Let them get a little color for the best flavor.)
• Step 3: Now toss in your apple and onion. The apple is my little secret. It adds a tiny bit of sweet. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I still laugh at how my grandson always asks for extra apple.
• Step 4: Stir in the sauerkraut and sausage. Put the lid on and turn the heat down low. Let it all get cozy for about ten minutes. This is when the magic happens. The sauerkraut gets soft and everything becomes friends. What’s your favorite one-pan meal? Share below!
• Step 5: Almost done! Just add some salt and pepper. Give it a good stir. Then it is ready to serve. I love how simple this last step is.

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also have fun with it. Try one of these tasty twists next time you make it.

• The Veggie Lover: Skip the sausage. Use big, hearty mushrooms instead. They soak up all the good flavor.
• The Sweet & Savory: Try using a sweet potato. It goes so well with the apple. It makes the whole dish feel extra cozy.
• The Spicy Kick: Add a big spoonful of paprika. You could use a spicy sausage, too. It will warm you right up.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

This skillet is a full meal by itself. But I love to add a little something extra. A piece of dark, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the juices. A simple green salad on the side is also lovely. It adds a fresh, crisp taste.

For a drink, a cold apple cider is just right. It matches the apple in the dish. For the grown-ups, a crisp lager beer is a classic pairing. It cuts through the richness so nicely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Skillet Dinner Tasty Later

This meal keeps well in the fridge. Just let it cool first. Then put it in a sealed container. It will stay good for about three days.

You can also freeze it for a month. I use old butter tubs for freezing. I once used a fancy glass dish. It cracked in the freezer. What a mess that was.

Reheating is simple. Use a skillet on the stove with a little water. This keeps it from drying out. You can also use the microwave.

Batch cooking saves you time on busy nights. It means a hot meal is always ready. This matters because a good meal can turn a hard day around. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Skillet Problems

Sometimes the potatoes are not tender. The heat was too high. Cook them on medium until a fork goes in easily. I remember when I was in a rush. My potatoes were still hard.

Your dish might be too dry. Do not forget to cover the skillet. The steam makes everything soft and juicy. This matters because the right texture makes the flavors sing.

Is the meal too tangy for you? Rinse your sauerkraut before adding it. This makes it much milder. Getting these little things right builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Skillet Questions Answered

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your sausage label. Many are gluten-free, but you must look.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Just follow my storage tips above. It reheats beautifully.

What can I use instead of an apple?

A pear works nicely. It adds a similar sweet taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Use your biggest skillet. Or cook it in two batches.

Are the red pepper flakes important?

They are optional. They just add a little warm kick. Fun fact: Sauerkraut is just cabbage and salt!

Which tip will you try first?

My Kitchen Table

I hope you love this cozy meal. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. Food is best when shared with others.

I would love to see your creation. It makes me so happy to see your versions. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.