German Dinner

Cook: 17 min Cuisine: German

A hearty German-style sausage dish featuring caramelized onions and tangy mustard, perfect for comforting dinners with crusty dark bread and loved by sausage enthusiasts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sliced onions
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 2 tablespoons dark mustard
  • 8 fully cooked bratwurst, scored 1/4-inch deep every inch
  • dark bread

Instructions

  1. Combine sliced onions and margarine in a pan.
  2. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
  3. Stir in dark mustard.
  4. Add the fully cooked bratwurst, scored 1/4-inch deep every inch.
  5. Cook, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes.
  6. Serve hot with dark bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try caramelizing the onions longer before adding the mustard. If you don't have dark mustard, a mix of Dijon and a touch of honey can work as a substitute. You can also use sauerkraut as a topping for the bratwurst for added tang. This dish pairs beautifully with Little Buckaroo Snack for a fun side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bratwurst and onions hot, accompanied by thick slices of dark bread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a simple green salad or roasted vegetables as a side. A cold German beer can also complement the flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the bratwurst moist, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Dinner contains roughly 2220 calories, with 11g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 187g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2037mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).

2220 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.7g 21% DV
Total Fat 186.8g 100% DV
Carbs 132.9g 48% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2037.4mg 89% DV
Potassium 359.1mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 103.2mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 254.4mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 4.1mg 5% DV
Calcium 56.8mg 4% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bratwurst instead of fully cooked ones?

Yes, you can use fresh bratwurst, but you'll need to cook them longer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. Start by browning them in the pan before adding the onions and mustard, and then cover to finish cooking.

What type of dark bread is best for serving?

Rye bread is a traditional choice for serving with German dishes, but pumpernickel or whole grain bread also works well. Look for dense, hearty varieties that can hold up to the bratwurst and onions.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the bratwurst with plant-based sausages, and ensure the mustard is vegan. You can also add more vegetables or legumes to enhance the dish's heartiness while keeping it satisfying.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

🍽 Looking for more dinner ideas? Take our Dinner Quiz for personalized recipe suggestions →
Dinner Ideas Hub
Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dinner recipes → All recipes →