Name: Sizzled Bratwurst with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and quartered (1 1/4 pounds); 4 fully-cooked bratwurst, each pierced once with a knife (12 ounces); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed; Pinch of grated nutmeg, preferably fresh; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Sauerkraut, for serving (optional); German mustard, for serving (optional)

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Introduction

Sizzled bratwurst with mashed potatoes is a comforting and hearty meal that brings together savory sausages and creamy potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish features bratwurst cooked to a golden sizzle and smooth mashed potatoes with a hint of nutmeg.

A white plate with a green and gold leaf patterned rim holds a dish with three main parts arranged side by side: on the left are two browned sausages with a slightly charred texture, in the middle is a pile of light beige sauerkraut with thin shredded texture, and on the right is a mound of creamy white mashed potatoes topped with a pool of brown gravy. At the top edge of the mashed potatoes sits a small dollop of bright yellow mustard. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and quartered (1 1/4 pounds)
4 fully-cooked bratwurst, each pierced once with a knife (12 ounces)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
Pinch of grated nutmeg, preferably fresh
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauerkraut and German mustard, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the potatoes by placing them in a medium saucepan and covering with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot, covering to steam until fluffy, around 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: While potatoes cook, add bratwurst, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tablespoon butter to a medium skillet. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer, flipping once halfway through, until bratwurst are plump and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Uncover the skillet and raise heat to medium. Continue cooking until the water evaporates and bratwurst sizzle in their fat. Sear both sides until browned to your liking, 2 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove skins from steamed potatoes using tongs—the peels should slip off easily. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pot and mash potatoes until smooth. Stir in warmed milk and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Cover if bratwurst are still sizzling.
Step 5: Plate the bratwurst and mashed potatoes, making a small well in the potatoes to pour in the bratwurst fat from the pan. If using, warm sauerkraut in the empty skillet over low heat and serve alongside with a squirt of German mustard.

Tips & Variations

For fresh bratwurst, adjust cooking times: simmer longer until fully cooked, then sear as directed.
Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to mashed potatoes for extra richness.
Serve with sautéed onions or caramelized apples for a flavorful twist.

Storage

Store leftover bratwurst and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the bratwurst in a skillet to keep the sizzle, and warm the mashed potatoes gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a little milk if needed to loosen them.

How to Serve

A white plate with a green and gold patterned rim holds two browned sausages on the left side with grill marks and a slightly crispy texture. Next to the sausages is a heap of pale yellow sauerkraut with a soft, shredded look. To the right, there is a serving of smooth mashed potatoes shaped in a small mound with a well in the center filled with brown gravy and some black pepper sprinkled on top. Above the mashed potatoes is a small dollop of bright yellow mustard. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bratwurst instead of fully cooked?

Yes, but you will need to cook fresh bratwurst thoroughly through simmering before searing to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

What can I use if I don’t have nutmeg?

If you don’t have nutmeg, you can omit it or substitute with a small pinch of ground allspice or cinnamon for a warm, subtle flavor in the mashed potatoes.