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    Home » Recipes » Dinner & Sides

    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage

    Published: Aug 8, 2017 · Last modified: Oct 8, 2022 by Leslie Kiszka / This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 15 votes
    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage | Stress Baking

    Bratwurst and red cabbage is a flavorful, brightly colored dinner! Smoky sautéed vegetables are combined with sweet and sour red cabbage to make the perfect partner to juicy, flavorful beer-soaked bratwurst. Pair it with a mango ginger sangria for blackberry lime mint julep for an even brighter meal.

    Bratwurst links nestled in purple cabbage and orange bell pepper strips

    I feel like there’s a real lack of red cabbage recipes in the world. I know it’s probably because I’m German, but good grief do I love a big dish of red cabbage. But I also love bratwurst. Why not put sausage and red cabbage together?

    When Johnsonville reached out to me about doing a post to celebrate National Bratwurst Day, I was here for it because 1) I freaking love bratwurst and 2) I’ve been longing for fall for a while now and (as you may have read in my last post) it’s full speed ahead on the autumn train for me.

    Choo choo, fall – I’m coming for you.

    Johnsonville bratwurst and red cabbage

    Perfect for BBQ season

    Let’s kick it up a notch – why not purchase a whole bunch of Johnsonville brat packages and host a dinner party with your family and friends?

    Maybe you’re looking for an excuse to show off your sweet grilling skills.

    Maybe you bought a new house and need a reason to break in your new, fabulous backyard.

    Or maybe you’re like me and you just freaking love brats and any excuse to eat them! I’m not saying you have to share them, but it would probably be a good idea… you know, if you want to continue to have those family and friends you love so dearly.

    As for me, I like to stick with the stove and use a skillet or high-sided pan. The grill and I don’t get along super well – it produces a whole lot of heat and invariably the winds shift when I’m grilling and all that heat ends up in my face.

    I do make exceptions, but since I live in a pretty windy area, I tend to stay inside with my food-related activities. That’s why I thought now is as good a time as ever to whip up a couple of my favorite foods and turn them into the perfect dinner: brats and cabbage. 

    Bratwurst links nestled in purple cabbage and orange bell pepper strips

    Strong opinions on red cabbage

    Now I know that many people have very strong opinions when it comes to their red cabbage. Some people think it should always have bacon in it unless you hate happiness, others think it should never be cooked and only served in a cold slaw form, and there are people who believe if it hasn’t been pickled for months that you’ve lost your mind.

    If you are any of those people… just hear me out. 

    We’re going to mix it up with water, vinegar and sugar and let it simmer for half an hour. That’s it.

    The thicker pieces will still have a slight crunch (one of my favorite parts about it), but the rest is going to be perfectly tender with a delightful combination of sweet and sour flavors.

    And the color? Well, just look at it. It’s gorgeous. While the German in me is obsessed with the red cabbage, the real star of the show here is the bratwurst.

    Ingredients for red cabbage and bratwurst

    • Olive oil, for heating
    • 1 large onion, sliced (divided)
    • 1 small head red cabbage, sliced
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons sugar, can substitute honey
    • 4 Johnsonville Bratwursts
    • A can or bottle of your favorite beer, I recommend a lager
    • 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ⅛ tsp cumin
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper to taste
    Bratwurst links nestled in purple cabbage and orange bell pepper strips

    Should I boil my brats before cooking?

    We’re going to let them simmer in a beer broth for ten minutes, and then brown them – it gives them the most perfect texture.

    They’re juicy and flavorful, and pair beautifully with the sauteed onions and peppers that are seasoned with a combination of spices including smoked paprika.

    If you don’t have any, you have to get some. Plain ole’ paprika won’t do. Smoked paprika gives this dish a wonderful smoky flavor with a respectable kick of heat. 

    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage: Smoky sauteed vegetables are combined with sweet and sour red cabbage to make the perfect partner to juicy, flavorful beer-soaked bratwurst! | stressbaking.com
    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage: Smoky sauteed vegetables are combined with sweet and sour red cabbage to make the perfect partner to juicy, flavorful beer-soaked bratwurst! | stressbaking.com

    I don’t want to tell you how to eat your own food, but let me make a recommendation:

    Place your colorful combination of veggies on the plate, and carefully nestle the bratwurst on top. Slice your bratwurst as you go, ensuring that each bite will be warm and juicy. Eat each bite with a forkful of veggies, and lose yourself in this amazing flavor combination.

    I promise, the process will be worth it.

    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage: Smoky sauteed vegetables are combined with sweet and sour red cabbage to make the perfect partner to juicy, flavorful beer-soaked bratwurst! | stressbaking.com

    What to serve with bratwurst and cabbage

    I love to serve this as a big ol’ platter alongside some other sharable favorites for group gatherings. Try serving it with:

    • Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
    • Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
    • German Potato Salad
    • Watermelon & Blackberry Mint Salad
    • Quick & Easy Mexican Corn Dip
    • DIY Strawberry Shortcake bar

    After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!

    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage: Smoky sauteed vegetables are combined with sweet and sour red cabbage to make the perfect partner to juicy, flavorful beer-soaked bratwurst! | stressbaking.com

    Bratwurst and Red Cabbage

    5 from 15 votes
    Smoky sautéed vegetables are combined with sweet and sour red cabbage to make the perfect partner to juicy, flavorful beer-soaked brats!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
        ✓ Read the recipe from beginning to end
          ✓ Check oven calibration
            ✓ Check expiration dates
              ✓ Properly measure ingredients
                ✓ Check butter temperature

    Recommended Equipment

    • Frying pans
    • Mixing spoon

    Ingredients
     
     

    • Olive oil, for heating
    • 1 large onion, sliced (divided)
    • 1 small head red cabbage, sliced
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons sugar, can substitute honey
    • 4 Johnsonville Bratwursts
    • A can or bottle of your favorite beer, I recommend a lager
    • 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ⅛ teaspoon cumin
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add half of your onions and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
      Olive oil | 1 large onion
    • Add cabbage, water, vinegar, sugar. Let simmer on low 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.
      1 small head red cabbage | 1 cup water | ½ cup cider vinegar | 3 tablespoons sugar | Salt to taste | Pepper to taste
    • After cabbage has cooked for about 10 minutes, start cooking the sausages. In a high sided saute pan, add brats and beer. Add just enough water to help cover the brats.
      4 Johnsonville Bratwursts | A can or bottle of your favorite beer
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Drain the liquid, then add a drizzle of oil to the pan and turn the heat up to medium. Brown the brats on all sides until their internal temperature is 165°F, then turn off the heat and remove them from the pan. Place them on a plate, covered with aluminum foil to keep them warm.
      Olive oil
    • Return heat to medium and add another drizzle of oil to the pan. Once hot, add the other half of your onions and saute for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
      1 large onion | Olive oil
    • Add bell peppers and cook for another few minutes until both onions and pepper are softened. Add garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes and cumin, and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Salt and pepper to taste.
      1 orange bell pepper | 1 yellow bell pepper | 3 garlic cloves | 1 teaspoon dried oregano | ½ teaspoon smoked paprika | ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes | ⅛ teaspoon cumin
    • Add prepared cabbage to pan (sans liquid) and carefully stir to combine. Add sausages back to the pan, cover, and heat until sausages are warmed. Serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 3888IU | Vitamin C: 261mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Author Leslie Kiszka
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating!

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    This post was sponsored by Johnsonville, but as always the text and opinions are all mine.

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    Leslie Kiszka in a red dress

    About Leslie

    I'm the hot mess behind every recipe you see here! I use baking as an outlet for relieving stress and anxiety to provide you with approachable homemade recipes and a little humor, for good measure.

    learn more about Leslie →

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    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kenna

      November 27, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good!! Made it exactly as the recipe states. Wouldn’t change a thing!

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        November 27, 2022 at 6:10 pm

        I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you so much for the kind words.

        Reply
    2. Este

      November 04, 2022 at 8:27 am

      Do this without beer?? Haven’t made recipe yet. Using vegan brats.

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        November 04, 2022 at 10:54 am

        I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard others have used ginger beer or beef stock.

        Reply
    3. Mary Richards

      September 14, 2022 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars
      I had red cabbage from my garden and was looking for a recipe to use it — this was perfect! Beautiful colors and great favors, just in time for (almost) fall!

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        September 17, 2022 at 5:18 pm

        Yaaaay, I love it!

        Reply
    4. Jasmina

      January 22, 2022 at 8:27 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night and absolutely loved it!
      I actually used dry cider instead of beer and it turned out great.
      Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        January 23, 2022 at 12:11 pm

        Ooooo, that sounds amazing! I’m gonna have to try that myself sometime!

        Reply
    5. Anne Sharkey

      September 22, 2021 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      The temp just dropped in the Midwest and just in time for Oktoberfest to really get going. This is just what I needed after a long week (…oh wait, it’s only Wednesday). Simple but delicious food!

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        September 22, 2021 at 7:25 pm

        Yay! So glad you like it.

        Reply
    6. Ally

      August 31, 2021 at 8:45 pm

      5 stars
      Made this recipe for my husband and I it was excellent
      He loved the red cabbage he could believe it was not from a jar
      It was easy to follow recipe
      Will be making it again
      Thank you for a great recipe

      Reply
    7. Anne

      November 21, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      I wasn’t sure about this recipe, but decided to give it a try. Glad I did, it’s keeper! I will be making it again.

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        November 22, 2020 at 8:14 am

        I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks so much for coming back to leave a comment and rating.

        Reply
      • Charlie

        October 25, 2022 at 3:02 pm

        5 stars
        Well frankly what the actual f**k. Honestly really enjoyed the meal, but who in christs name comes up with these wack ass combinations. Pickled cabbage with beer soaked sausages and fajita peppers? Madness. Thank you. Five stars.

        Reply
        • Leslie Kiszka

          October 25, 2022 at 3:25 pm

          I’m sorry/you’re welcome? LOL – just happy you enjoyed it in the end, Charlie! :)

    8. Alyxandria

      June 14, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      amazing!! the flavors are amazing & it warms the soul! :)

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        June 14, 2020 at 7:47 pm

        I agree! I’m so glad you liked it – thanks for coming back to leave a comment and rating, I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    9. Morgan

      April 01, 2020 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      Could you use smoked sausages for this? All I have at the moment :)

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        April 02, 2020 at 2:13 pm

        You sure can!

        Reply
    10. brianna

      February 13, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Hello, can I use green bell peppers instead?

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        February 13, 2020 at 2:01 pm

        Definitely!

        Reply
        • Peggy Lewis

          April 22, 2020 at 7:27 pm

          The taste and beauty is a 5 star. I had to give it a 3 because of confusion over the onions. Personally I followed the directions and when it came time I cut more onion to sauté with the pepper. I think this is a nice layering of flavors!

        • Leslie Kiszka

          April 22, 2020 at 7:33 pm

          I’m sorry you felt it a 3 star recipe because of my typo regarding using half the onions in each of those steps, but thank you for letting me know so I could quickly fix it so others don’t experience that confusion as well. I’m glad you enjoyed the dish regardless!

        • Peggy Lewis

          April 22, 2020 at 9:45 pm

          5 stars
          After a very quick response from Leslie, I want to change my rating to. 5 star! This is a wonderful recipe with the sautéed onions added at the second stage. There’s a bit of kick and intense layers of flavor.

        • Leslie Kiszka

          April 23, 2020 at 1:41 pm

          Aw, thank you Peggy!

    11. Leslie Haasch

      August 09, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Me too! :)

      Reply
    12. lookswithlinds

      August 09, 2017 at 10:12 am

      This looks so yummy and healthy! Love that they are giving back to the community as well!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        August 09, 2017 at 10:39 am

        Definitely yummy, and such a great way to give back!

        Reply
    13. Alyssa

      August 09, 2017 at 9:52 am

      Looks yummy, and I love that they’re giving back to the community!

      Reply

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