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    Home » Appetizers and Snacks Recipes » Savory Appetizers and Snacks Recipes

    Published: Jan 6, 2020 · Modified: Jun 19, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 29 Comments

    Bratwurst Appetizer Bites

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    A vertical two image collage of Bratwurst Bite Appetizers along with a title text overlay graphic.

    Easy Bratwurst Appetizer Bites are just the thing to serve during a party or for game day. They're also super simple to make and everybody loves them! SCORE!

    A horizontal photo of a plate of bratwurst appetizers with cocktail picks and a bowl of sauerkraut dipping sauce.

    My family (well, me really) goes crazy for all things German. This simple recipe for Bratwurst Bites combines flavorful cooked German bratwurst which is then wrapped in store-bought crescent rolls, and baked again until browned.

    The easy creamy sauerkraut dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these tasty little German sausage appetizer bites.

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Bratwurst appetizers wrapped in crescent rolls is available near the end of this post. OR click on the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    A closeup vertical photo of a bratwurst appetizer bite dipped in a bowl of sauerkraut dipping sauce with a cocktail pick.

    The ingredient list for making bratwurst appetizer bites:

    • 1 package (5 each) bratwurst
    • 1 tube crescent rolls (I used the non-perforated sheets, or use the triangles and press together to form sheets)
    • one egg
    • poppy seeds

    The ingredient list for the sauerkraut dipping sauce:

    • sauerkraut, drained
    • mayonnaise
    • black pepper
    • smoked paprika

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large skillet
    • baking sheet
    • parchment paper (optional)
    • small bowls
    • pastry brush
    • spoons
    • pizza wheel or knife

    How many bratwurst bites does this recipe make?

    As written, this recipe will make 25 bratwurst bites. 

    Want more? This recipe can be easily doubled (or tripled) as needed.

    For the love of grocery store convenience foods!

    I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say again, store-bought tubed crescent rolls are one of my favorite grocery store convenience items!

    I love to keep them on hand in my refrigerator on a pretty consistent basis. Especially during the holiday season, because you can never go wrong serving an appetizer where crescent rolls are part of the equation. At least not in my opinion.

    A horizontal photo of a plate of bratwurst appetizer bites with cocktail picks and a bowl of sauerkraut dipping sauce on a tan napkin.

    What if I'm not a fan of sauerkraut?

    If you're not a fan of sauerkraut you can still make the crescent wrapped bratwurst bites and dip them in something else.

    Alternative dipping sauce suggestions:

    • Maybe some whole grain German mustard mixed with a little honey.
    • Or what about a prepared onion dip?
    • Or a beer cheese dip would be extra delicious.
    • Here's a particularly amazing beer cheese dip recipe from Cook the Story that I think would make a tasty dip for these crescent wrapped bratwurst bites. So much so that I think I'm going to make the beer cheese dip the next time I make these bites because now I'm craving beer cheese dip! LOL

    More about the sauerkraut dipping sauce:

    Since my husband isn't the biggest fan of sauerkraut (but I still am), I decided to cut the bitterness of the kraut with a bit of mayonnaise and a touch of smoked paprika.

    The result is creamy, slightly tangy, slightly smoky, and utterly scrumptious!

    A photo collage of bratwurst appetizer bites with poppy seeds and sauerkraut dipping sauce and title text graphic overlay

    Can I make Bratwurst Bites in advance?

    • Yes. Prepare the bites, as written, up until bake time.
    • Cover loosely in the fridge for 1 - 2 days and then bring them to room temperature and then bake as directed.

    The easy step-by-step instructions:

    • Cut each bratwurst into 1" pieces.
    • Brown the brats in the oil over medium/high heat on all sides, turning occasionally.
    How to make crescent wrapped bratwurst bite appetizers. | Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    • Remove the cooked brats from the skillet and pat dry with a paper towel. Cool.
    • Unroll the crescent dough and pat it into a fairly uniform rectangle.
    • Use a knife or pizza wheel to cut the crescent dough in half width-wise, and then in ½" strips, lengthwise so you'll have 24 pieces total.
    How to make crescent wrapped bratwurst bite appetizers - Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    • Roll up each cooked bratwurst in the crescent dough strips and lay each rolled brat, seam side down on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with baking spray, or lined with parchment paper.
    How to make crescent wrapped bratwurst bite appetizers | Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    • Brush each brat bite with a tiny bit of egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)
    • Sprinkle each bite with poppy seeds
    • Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 15-17 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
    Making crescent wrapped bratwurst bite appetizers | Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    • Meanwhile, mix ½ cup prepared mayonnaise with ½ cup drained sauerkraut, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika.
    • Chill until ready to serve.
    • Serve the crescent wrapped bratwurst bites warm, or at room temperature, with the chilled sauerkraut dipping sauce.
    • Enjoy!
    Making crescent wrapped bratwurst bites with creamy sauerkraut dipping sauce. | Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    A vertical closeup image of bratwurst appetizer bites wrapped in dough and sprinkled with poppy seeds.

    Enjoy the TASTE OF GERMANY delivered straight to your door!

    Additional German-inspired recipes:

    • OKTOBERFEST SCHNITZEL MELT SANDWICH

    • GERMAN ONION SOUP (pictured below)

    "German Onion Soup has plenty of caramelized onions, beer, bratwurst and pretzel roll croutons which will soon become a family favorite! Surprise! I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming."

    A vertical photo of a white bowl filled with German onion soup, croutons, and cheese. A beer bottle, glass, and onion are in the background.

    • GERMAN SLOW COOKER PORK RIBS AND SAUERKRAUT (pictured below) -

    "Nothing speaks to the flavors of a German dinner more than pork and sauerkraut. This easy recipe for German Pork Ribs with Sauerkraut for the slow cooker brings the family to the dinner table with a minimum of effort."

    Closeup photo of a bowl of German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut with carrots and mushrooms.

    • GERMAN BRATWURST STRATA WITH PRETZEL ROLLS

    • GERMAN SPAETZLE CASSEROLE WITH CHEESE AND CRISPY ONIONS (pictured below) -

    "Buttered German egg dumplings (spaetzle) are layered in a casserole dish along with shredded Gruyere cheese and crispy, crunchy onions to bring you this delicious recipe for Layered German Spaetzle Casserole with Cheese & Crispy Onions."

    Closeup vertical photo of a casserole dish filled with layered spaetzle casserole with cheese and crispy onions with a German doll in the background.
    • BRATWURST BITES WITH SAUERKRAUT DIPPING SAUCE (pictured below) - This is the place!
    A closeup vertical title text collage images of bratwurst appetizer bites on a plate with sauerkraut dipping sauce and a photo tutorial of how to make them.

    See? I told you I love German foods and flavors!  🙂

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's easy bratwurst bites appetizers.

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

    Crescent Wrapped Bratwurst Bites with Sauerkraut Dipping Sauce

    Bratwurst Appetizer Bites with Sauerkraut Dipping Sauce

    Renee Goerger
    Bratwurst Bites with Sauerkraut Dipping Sauce are just the thing to serve during a party or gathering. They're also super simple to make, and everybody loves them! Make some today!
    4.39 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine German
    Servings 24
    Calories 78 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 bratwurst
    • 1 tablespoon canola oil
    • 1 tube non-perforated crescent roll sheet
    • 1 egg
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
    • ½ cup sauerkraut drained
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • pinch black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375-degrees.
    • Cut the uncooked bratwurst into 1" pieces to make 24 pieces.
    • In a large skillet, brown the bratwurst pieces (on medium/high heat) in the oil until browned and cooked through, turning occasionally (approximately 10 minutes).
    • Remove the cooked bratwurst to a paper towel to drain and cool.
    • Pop and unroll the crescent sheet. Slice the sheet in half lengthwise and then slice into ½" strips to equal 24 - 6" strips.
    • Wrap each cooked bratwurst piece in one of the 6" crescent strips.
    • Place each wrapped bratwurst onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
    • Brush each crescent wrapped bratwurst with a bit of the egg wash, being careful not to saturate the bites as this will make them stick to the tray.
    • Sprinkle each bratwurst bite with poppy seeds.
    • Bake in a preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
    • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the sauerkraut, mayonnaise, pepper, and smoked paprika. Keep cold until ready to serve.
    • Serve the bratwurst bites warm (or at room temperature), along with the chilled sauerkraut sauce.

    Video

    Notes

    Tools and equipment:
    large skillet, small bowls, pizza wheel (optional), baking sheet, parchment paper (optional), cutting board, chef's knife, spoons, and pastry brush

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1biteCalories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 125mgSugar: 1g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I hope you've enjoyed today's easy appetizer recipe for Brat Bites with Sauerkraut Dipping Sauce as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

    Overhead closeup image of a pile of brat bite appetizers with poppy seeds and sauerkraut dipping sauce.

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Custom Renee Signature

    More Savory Appetizers and Snacks Recipes

    • Best Gruyere Cheese Fondue
    • Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
    • Homemade Fried Sweet Potato Chips
    • Buffalo Popcorn

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue says

      October 27, 2022 at 7:33 am

      I would like to make these for a party I am going to. I want to serve warm so would it work to make ahead of time and keep warm in a crockpot or would they get soggy?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 27, 2022 at 7:43 am

        Good question, Sue!
        I do worry that they would get soggy, however with an easy hack I've learned making crock pot desserts, you may have luck using this trick.
        Place a few layers of paper towels between the lid and the crock to catch the moisture so it doesn't drip back down on the brat bites. I've not tried this trick myself with this particular appetizer but I'm guessing it will work. Don't have the crock temperature set to high either. Low should be all you need.
        I hope this helps and that it works. It should.
        Take good care, Sue, and have fun at the party.
        Renee

        Reply
    2. Laura says

      October 05, 2022 at 10:47 am

      These look delicious! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I'm going to make these to take to a brewery this weekend for part of a dinner we're having with the Octoberfest beers. Can't wait to try them!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 05, 2022 at 2:38 pm

        That's awesome, Laura. Thank you for letting me know and it's completely my pleasure to share recipes with you.
        I hope the folks at the brewery enjoy these brat bites. They'll be perfect with beer!
        Enjoy!!
        Renee

        Reply
    3. Diana says

      September 24, 2021 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Love that they're bite-sized, everyone enjoyed them! Thank you for sharing, will definitely make again!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 24, 2021 at 9:15 am

        Awesome! Thanks so much for letting me know and for the 5-star review!
        Have a great day!
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Beth says

      January 06, 2020 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      These look amazing! We are big fans of all foods German so I'm excited to serve these at our next party or game day - whichever comes first!

      Reply
    5. Taryn says

      January 06, 2020 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Making this for the superbowl this year!

      Reply
    6. Kelly says

      November 12, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      Quick question - can I fully prepare these the evening before they will be served? I will not have access to a stove the day I need to serve them, so I would need to bake them the night before and then store overnight. Thank you!

      Reply
    7. Beth Block says

      October 25, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      Do you leave the skin on the sausage? I'm trying to cut them but pressure of cutting into bite size pieces squeezes the meat out of the skin.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 25, 2019 at 3:53 pm

        Hello, Beth!
        I hope this answer reaches you in time to help.
        I do NOT take the casings off the sausages.
        You may be having problems cutting the sausages because your knife may need to be sharpened, OR possibly you need to use a sawing motion with the knife blade instead of pushing down on it.
        Some suggestions for fixing this problem would be to sharpen your knife or perhaps use a serrated knife instead, and don't forget to use a back and forth sawing motion. You needn't apply a lot of pressure while cutting the sausages, just let the knife do all the work.
        Another fix would be to freeze the sausages slightly (for about 15 minutes) before slicing.
        I hope these suggestions are helpful.
        Thanks for the question.
        Renee

        Reply
    8. Suzanne says

      October 03, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      Can you make the dip a day ahead?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 03, 2019 at 12:55 pm

        Hi, Suzanne!
        Yes. You can even make it a few days in advance and then keep it in the fridge if you want.
        The only thing I would suggest is that you make sure the sauerkraut is extra dry when doing so.
        This way the dip won't get watery as it sits.
        Good question. Hope this helps.
        Enjoy!
        Renee

        Reply
    9. Sharon says

      May 12, 2019 at 7:07 am

      Are using a fresh brat or smoked brats for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        May 12, 2019 at 8:58 am

        Hi, Sharon!
        I used a fresh (cooked) brat, but a smoked brat would also be delicious! Use your favorite!
        Enjoy your day!
        Renee

        Reply
    10. Jeanne says

      January 25, 2019 at 10:05 am

      Why can’t you roll the whole sausage in puff pastry, brush the egg and then cut them into bite size pieces? Opinions?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        January 25, 2019 at 11:30 am

        Hi, Jeanne!
        You can definitely do that. I wrote the recipe for crescent rolls, but puff pastry dough should also work.
        Wrapping the entire sausage might be difficult because of the natural curve of a cooked sausage.
        Try it and let me know how it worked for you.
        Renee

        Reply
    11. Rebecca Trainor says

      January 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      These look delicious! Need an appetizer fot a German themed dinner....can't wait to try them! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        January 20, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        My pleasure, Rebecca! I'm sure they'll be a hit at your dinner! Enjoy!!

        Reply
    12. Vicki says

      November 08, 2018 at 11:26 am

      Can these be made ahead and frozen?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 08, 2018 at 12:34 pm

        Yes. After they've been cooked and frozen, thaw them uncovered before reheating so they don't take on any moisture that would make the dough soggy.
        Also, watch them in the oven carefully so they don't over brown.
        Have a wonderful day!

        Reply
    13. Christia says

      October 16, 2018 at 9:14 am

      There are an annoying amount of commercials on your site. Overkill. Sad. I would rethink that.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 16, 2018 at 9:39 am

        I appreciate your opinion. However, it's how I actually make money from my blog. Sorry if you find that sad. Enjoy your day!

        Reply
    14. Ecfinn says

      October 05, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks for sharing. I plan on making these vegan using Beyond Sausage (crescent roll dough is already vegan) and vegenaise for the mayo...the dip sounds awesome! I will report back.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 06, 2018 at 10:18 am

        I'm sure they'll be great. I'm glad you're making this recipe your own! That's what it's all about!!

        Reply
    15. Sarah says

      August 28, 2018 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      Don't skimp on the dipping sauce! It is the BOMB dot com.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 28, 2018 at 8:59 am

        Agreed! The sauce is everything!! Thanks, Sarah!

        Reply
    16. Britni says

      August 28, 2018 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      These are so good in the dipping sauce, yum!!!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 28, 2018 at 8:59 am

        Seemed like a no-brainer when you talk about an Oktoberfest recipe. Glad you like it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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