5 Delicious Fresh German Sausage Recipes You'll Love

German cuisine is renowned for its hearty flavors and diverse sausage offerings. From the well-known bratwurst to the lesser-known variants, German sausages offer a delicious array of tastes that can transform any meal into a memorable feast. In this article, we will explore five delicious fresh German sausage recipes that you can easily make at home. Whether you're planning a family gathering or just want to enjoy some traditional flavors, these recipes will guide you through creating mouthwatering dishes using various types of German sausages.

1. Classic Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

Bratwurst, one of the most famous German sausages, pairs wonderfully with tangy sauerkraut. Here’s how you can prepare this simple yet satisfying dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 bratwurst sausages
  • 1 lb sauerkraut
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they are soft and golden.
  2. Add the sauerkraut to the skillet, cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Meanwhile, in another pan or on a grill, cook the bratwurst until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 10-15 minutes.
  4. Serve the bratwurst on a bed of sauerkraut, garnished with a few extra slices of onion if desired.

✨ Note: For an authentic flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or beer to the sauerkraut while cooking.

2. Currywurst - A Street Food Staple

Currywurst is not just food; it’s an experience, particularly loved in Berlin. Here’s a basic recipe to bring this street food into your kitchen:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 bratwurst or knackwurst
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
• Preparation:
  1. Cook the sausages until browned on all sides, either by grilling or pan-frying.
  2. Meanwhile, mix ketchup, curry powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until well combined.
  3. Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces or slit lengthwise. Serve them smothered in the curry sauce and topped with chopped onions.
  4. Optional: A sprinkle of curry powder on top for extra flavor.

👉 Note: Currywurst can be served with fries or bread rolls to soak up the delicious sauce!

3. Knackwurst with Potatoes and Chives

Knackwurst, known for its snapping sound when bitten into, can be paired with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 knackwurst
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
• Preparation:
  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with cream, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
  2. In a frying pan, cook the knackwurst until browned and heated through.
  3. Serve the sausages on top of the mashed potatoes, garnishing with chives for a fresh touch.

4. Weisswurst with Sweet Mustard and Pretzels

Weisswurst, a traditional Bavarian sausage, is typically eaten as breakfast or brunch, especially on Saturdays. Here’s how to enjoy this delicacy:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 weisswurst
  • Sweet Bavarian mustard
  • Bavarian soft pretzels
  • Beer or a light broth (optional for poaching)
• Preparation:
  1. Poach the weisswurst gently in hot, not boiling, beer or broth for about 10 minutes. Weisswurst should never be boiled.
  2. Serve immediately with sweet mustard and soft pretzels. Weisswurst is traditionally eaten without the skin, which you can peel off after cooking.

💡 Note: Weisswurst is traditionally eaten during a meal called Weisswurst Frühstück which also includes pretzels, sweet mustard, and possibly a weißbier.

5. Thüringer Rotwurst with Beer Mustard

Thüringer Rotwurst, a blood sausage from Thuringia, has a rich, dark color and a unique flavor profile. Here’s how to serve it:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 Thüringer Rotwurst
  • Beer mustard
  • Pickled onions
  • Homemade or store-bought pickles
• Preparation:
  1. Gently heat the sausages in a saucepan or grill until they are warmed through.
  2. Slice the sausages and serve with a generous dollop of beer mustard, alongside pickled onions and pickles for a balanced, sharp taste.

Having explored these five delicious fresh German sausage recipes, you’re now equipped to bring the taste of Germany into your home. Each recipe showcases the variety and depth of flavor found in German sausages, from the mild, white weisswurst to the intense, blood-rich Thüringer Rotwurst. Remember, these dishes are not just about the sausages but also about the accompaniments and the ambiance of enjoying a meal together.

What is the difference between bratwurst and knackwurst?

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Bratwurst and knackwurst differ in texture and flavor. Bratwurst is a versatile sausage often grilled, pan-fried, or simmered, with a mild to moderately spicy taste. Knackwurst, on the other hand, is characterized by a crisp, crackling bite due to its higher fat content and is typically smoked, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.

Can I substitute German sausages with American varieties?

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While you can use American sausages as substitutes, the flavor profiles won’t be exactly the same. German sausages are often more specific in terms of spice blends, fat content, and preparation methods, which contribute uniquely to their taste. For the closest experience, try to find the specific German sausage or at least a variety with similar characteristics.

Why is Weisswurst traditionally eaten before noon?

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Weisswurst was originally created to be eaten fresh, not kept, which in the past meant it was consumed soon after preparation. This tradition has carried on, and the sausage is generally eaten before noon to maintain its quality.

Related Terms:

• fresh german sausage recipes
• Saksalaiset makkarat
• Bratwurst
• Kartoffelsalat
• Currywurst
• bratkartoffeln