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    Home » Ethnic Inspired Recipes » German Inspired Recipes

    Published: Sep 18, 2016 · Modified: Sep 18, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 33 Comments

    German Bratwurst Strata

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    A Pinterest image for German Bratwurst Strata with a title text graphic.

    You need to add this recipe for Savory German Bratwurst Strata with pretzel rolls and sauerkraut to your list of Oktoberfest favorites. It has all the German flavors you love combined into one casserole dish, and then it's baked to perfection.

    Savory Bratwurst Casserole
    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • What is German bratwurst strata?
    • When is the right time to serve this savory sausage strata?
    • The step-by-step instructions:
    • Additional German and German-inspired recipes for you:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

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    Savory German Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Strata

    The ingredient list:

    • bratwurst sausage
    • pretzel roll buns
    • eggs
    • milk
    • stone ground mustard
    • beer
    • sauerkraut
    • caraway seeds
    • fresh thyme leaves
    • Swiss cheese
    • salt and pepper

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large skillet
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • whisk
    • chefs knife
    • cutting board
    • mixing bowls
    • 4-quart casserole dish
    • cooking spray
    • kitchen timer
    • oven mitts
    • cooling rack
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    What is German bratwurst strata?

    It's hearty, meaty chunks of German bratwurst simmered in beer and caraway before being combined with pieces of soft, flavorful pretzel rolls. 

    They're all mixed with tangy sauerkraut, stone ground mustard, and lots and lots of Swiss cheese before being smothered in an egg, milk, and mustard mixture and then baked to a delicious golden brown.

    When is the right time to serve this savory sausage strata?

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all come to mind.

    However, if you're wondering more about the time of year the answer is anytime, actually, but it's especially wonderful in the fall if you're hosting (or attending) an Oktoberfest potluck celebration and you want a relatively easy dish to make that will feed a crowd.

    Oktoberfest Savory German Bratwurst Sauerkraut Strata

    The step-by-step instructions:

    • Pierce holes in bratwurst and simmer in a skillet along with 12 ounces of beer and 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds.
    How to make Savory German Bratwurst Strata
    • Simmer the brats for 10 minutes. Cool, and cut the partially cooked brats into bite-sized chunks when they're cool enough to handle.
    • Reserve the cooking liquid for later.
    • Tear 6 pretzel buns into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
    How to make Savory German Bratwurst Strata
    • Add 1½ cups drained sauerkraut to the bowl with the pretzel buns, along with the chopped bratwurst. 
    Making Savory German Bratwurst Strata
    • In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, the reserved simmering sauce from the skillet, ¼ cup German stone ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
    • Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, pretzel, and sauerkraut in the bowl.
    • Mix well to combine.
    How to make Savory Bratwurst Strata with Sauerkraut
    • Cube 3 cups of Swiss cheese and add it to the bowl along with 2 teaspoons of thyme leaves. Stir well.
    • Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with olive oil.
    • Cover and bake in a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for 1½ hours.
    • Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes (or until the center of the strata is cooked through when a skewer is inserted in the center and comes out clean.
    • Serve hot.
    How to make German Bratwurst Strata
    Pretzel Roll Strata with Brats and Sauerkraut

    Additional German and German-inspired recipes for you:

    Sunken Apple Cake is a delicious German confection with a beautiful presentation. And, just like the name implies, beautiful apples are pressed into the thick batter before baking for moistness, taste, and appearance.

    German Bee Sting Cake is a yeasted cake with a beautiful texture, fantastic honey flavor (hence the name), a beautifully caramelized almond topping, not to mention a thick, creamy vanilla filling.

    This easy recipe for German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut for the slow cooker brings the family to the dinner table with a minimum of effort but maximum flavor! You're going to love this hearty dish.

    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 German Spaetzle Casserole. What could be better?

    I'm a sucker (make that "Zucker" lol, sorry) for an excellent German dessert, and this recipe for Traditional German Zuckerkuchen (sugar cake) is one of THE absolute BEST!

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    A tan round casserole dish filled with golden brown German Bratwurst Strata.

    German Bratwurst Strata

    Renee Goerger
    This hearty, meaty German-inspired strata is hot, cheesy, and super flavorful casserole that will serve a crowd.
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Casseroles, Main Course Casserole, Sausage main course
    Cuisine German, German Inspired
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 370 kcal

    Equipment

    • paring knife
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • whisk
    • 4 quart casserole dish
    • Mixing Bowls
    • kitchen timer
    • olive oil spray
    • cooling rack
    • oven gloves

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 pound bratwurst
    • 1 12-ounce beer
    • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
    • 6 soft pretzel rolls hot dog or hamburger
    • 1½ cups sauerkraut drained
    • 8 large eggs
    • 2 cups milk
    • ¼ cup stone ground mustard
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
    • 3 cups cubed Swiss Cheese
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375-degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)
    • Use a paring knife or fork to poke several holes into each bratwurst.
    • Add the beer and caraway to a large skillet.
    • Add the bratwurst to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes.
    • Remove the bratwurst to a cutting board and allow to cool.
    • Reserve the beer and the caraway from the skillet. Set aside to cool.
    • Tear the pretzel rolls into bite sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
    • Add the drained sauerkraut to the pretzel bowl.
    • Once cool, chop the bratwurst into 1" pieces.
    • Add the chopped brats to the pretzel bowl, along with the reserved beer from the skillet.
    • Stir well to combine.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper.
    • Pour the egg mixture over the brat and pretzel mixture.
    • Add the cubed Swiss cheese and thyme leaves into the bowl and stir very well to combine.
    • Spray a 3 quart covered casserole dish with olive oil spray.
    • Spoon the bratwurst and pretzel mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
    • Cover and bake in a preheated oven for 60-70 minutes.
    • Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the center is set and when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Notes

    This Savory German Bratwurst Sauerkraut Strata with Pretzel Rolls may be made (and refrigerated) up to 24 hours in advance of baking.
    If refrigerated, allow the strata to sit on the counter for 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    Leftovers may be frozen in an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months. 
    Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat (uncovered) in a 350-degree oven until hot.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 216mgSodium: 1209mgPotassium: 356mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 565IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 395mgIron: 2mg

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's German-inspired bratwurst casserole as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

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

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

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    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

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    More German Inspired Recipes

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      Bratwurst and Gravy Baked Potato
    • A cute cup with gingerbread men filled with gingerbread ice cream and a chocolate cookie.
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    • A golden serving spoon in a large white bowl filled with Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage.
      Oma's Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
    • Soft Pretzel Rods sprinkled with everything seasoning along with a dish of mustard.
      Soft Pretzel Rods (No-Boil Method)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    1. Johnna says

      September 21, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      This German girl approves. Wow, this has got to be absolutely fantastic!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 10:08 pm

        From one German girl to another, I'm glad you approve. Thanks, Johnna!

        Reply
    2. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

      September 21, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Such a fun recipe! Pair it with a cold beer and this may be perfection!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 4:16 pm

        A cold beer is a must! Happy Oktoberfest!

        Reply
    3. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

      September 21, 2016 at 8:03 am

      What a great meal! So elegant looking and full of such wonderful flavors. Absolutely delicious, I'm sure.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 1:15 pm

        Thanks so much, Joanie!

        Reply
    4. Renée says

      September 21, 2016 at 7:36 am

      Thank you, Kristen. I love German ingredients.

      Reply
    5. Megan @ MegUnprocessed says

      September 21, 2016 at 3:57 am

      Looks great! Beautiful shot too.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 7:34 am

        Thank you Megan!

        Reply
    6. Kim Beaulieu says

      September 20, 2016 at 9:32 pm

      I saw this on facebook and was just floored by it. It's such a cool recipe. You really knocked this out of the park Renee.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 7:35 am

        That mean a lot to me, Kim. Thank you so much!

        Reply
    7. Krista says

      September 20, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      I love that you used pretzel rolls! Yuuuum!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 7:35 am

        Had to. Love them with brats and beer 😉

        Reply
    8. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

      September 20, 2016 at 9:16 am

      Totally perfect for Oktoberfest! Adding this to my must make list asap!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 21, 2016 at 7:36 am

        Thanks, Angie. I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    9. Dee says

      September 20, 2016 at 12:07 am

      I haven't been to Oktoberfest in ages, but this would probably be the next best thing -- yum!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 20, 2016 at 7:04 am

        Thanks, Dee!

        Reply
    10. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      September 19, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      Oh my goodness, this is quite the jackpot of flavors! LOVE the creativity - and now I want a big serving of it! 🙂

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 20, 2016 at 7:04 am

        Love that saying "Jackpot of flavors" Thank you, Kimberly.

        Reply
    11. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

      September 19, 2016 at 4:32 pm

      I love German flavors, too - and oh my gosh, I just want to savor a big helping of this with a beer to wash it down.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 5:41 pm

        German cuisine is my go-to as soon as soon as the weather changes. A nice cold beer is the perfect accompaniment! Thanks, Heather.

        Reply
    12. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

      September 19, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      I never think to cook German food but I need to start! Love this amazing comforting dish.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 5:39 pm

        As soon as the weather turns cooler, my mind immediately goes to German cuisine.
        I'm glad you like the recipe, Ashley.

        Reply
    13. The Food Hunter says

      September 19, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      I love the idea of using the pretzel rolls in this!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 5:38 pm

        Thank you. Pretzels, brats and beer just naturally go together. I had no choice. LOL

        Reply
    14. Katerina @ diethood .com says

      September 19, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      Oh my goodness, this is sooo amaaazing!! I can't wait to make it for my family!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 5:38 pm

        Thank you, Katerina. I know your family will love it!

        Reply
    15. Stephanie says

      September 19, 2016 at 9:43 am

      I love that you used pretzel rolls! Yum!!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 1:16 pm

        Pretzel rolls and brats go hand in hand. I had to 🙂

        Reply
    16. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

      September 19, 2016 at 9:31 am

      I know what my husband is getting for dinner! It seriously looks amazing and we always love trying something new.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 1:17 pm

        Kacey, I know you'll be able to alter the recipe to fit the quantity you'll be needing. I hope your husband enjoys it!

        Reply
    17. Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says

      September 19, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Gosh this is seriously the most comforting meal ever.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 19, 2016 at 1:18 pm

        Thanks, Jocelyn! I think so too 🙂

        Reply

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