Delicious Vegan Bratwurst with Sauerkraut & Apples: Your Gluten-Free Oktoberfest at Home

Savor the flavors of fall with our homemade Vegan Bratwurst, crafted from oats, legumes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Pan-fried to perfection and served alongside tangy Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut and sweet, caramelized fried apples. This wholesome meal offers a delightful plant-based twist on a traditional favorite.

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, the festive spirit of fall festivals, vibrant pop-up markets, and lively Oktoberfests fills the atmosphere. It’s a time for cozy gatherings, warm food, and celebrating the bounty of the season. However, with life often moving at a fast pace – summer seemingly a blur and the demands of everyday life ever-present – attending these community events isn’t always possible.

If you find yourself in a particularly busy season, juggling responsibilities and longing for that autumnal charm, rest assured, you’re not alone. I understand the challenge of wanting to embrace the season’s delights without having the time to venture out. That’s why I decided to bring the essence of Oktoberfest right into your home, transforming a classic German celebration into a delicious, accessible, and nourishing meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free – a truly remarkable feat given the rich, traditional nature of German cuisine!

While I won’t claim that my version of “bratwurst” is an exact replica of the authentic German sausage, it is undeniably flavorful and boasts a wonderfully convincing appearance. It serves as a charming and satisfying plant-based alternative. My boyfriend, M, originally from Germany, is my trusty culinary compass, ensuring my German-inspired creations stay true to spirit, if not always to tradition. As my chief taste tester at F&V HQ, he gave these Vegan Brats his seal of approval. Though he playfully remarked that they “aren’t real bratwurst,” he enthusiastically enjoyed a couple, which in my book, counts as a resounding success!

So, for your next busy weekend when you crave a festive meal without leaving your comfort zone, I present this delightful Vegan Bratwurst with Sauerkraut. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish made with oats, legumes, and a careful blend of spices, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut and sweet, caramelized fried apples. It’s the perfect vegan and gluten-free solution for an at-home Oktoberfest celebration!

Why Choose Vegan & Gluten-Free?

Opting for a vegan and gluten-free take on traditional comfort food isn’t just about dietary restrictions; it’s a conscious choice for health, ethics, and sustainability. Our Vegan Bratwurst offers numerous benefits that make it a superior choice for a wholesome meal. Firstly, it’s naturally cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fats compared to its meat-based counterpart, contributing to better heart health. The inclusion of oats and legumes provides a significant boost of dietary fiber, essential for digestive wellness and prolonged satiety.

From an ethical standpoint, choosing plant-based means enjoying delicious food without contributing to animal agriculture, aligning with compassionate living. Environmentally, plant-based diets typically have a smaller carbon footprint, making this recipe a more sustainable option for your plate. Furthermore, for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, this recipe offers a safe and delicious way to enjoy the festive flavors of Oktoberfest without discomfort. You don’t have to compromise on taste or texture; this recipe proves that healthy, conscious eating can be incredibly satisfying and flavorful!

What You Need to Make Vegan Bratwurst

Crafting these delectable Vegan Bratwursts is surprisingly simple, requiring no specialized equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. The magic lies in a blend of pantry staples that come together to create a satisfying, savory sausage texture and flavor.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

• **Ground Flaxseed (for flax egg):** This acts as our crucial binder, replacing traditional eggs and adding healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• **Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats:** The foundation of our bratwurst, providing bulk, texture, and a hearty base. Ensure they are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• **Walnuts:** These add a wonderful richness, healthy fats, and contribute to the overall binding and texture of the sausage.
• **Eden Foods Organic Great Northern Beans:** Our choice legume for their creamy texture and mild flavor, which blends seamlessly into the bratwurst mixture, boosting protein and fiber content.
• **White Onion:** Provides a foundational aromatic base, adding depth and a subtle sweetness.
• **Eden Foods Organic Garlic Powder:** A staple for savory dishes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• **Tomato Paste:** Adds a rich umami depth and a touch of color to our vegan sausages.
• **Eden Foods Organic Paprika Powder:** Contributes a beautiful color and a mild, sweet peppery flavor, essential for a bratwurst-like taste.
• **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of herbs that provides a savory, aromatic complexity.
• **Himalayan Sea Salt:** Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
• **Eden Foods Organic Cumin:** Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other spices.
• **Eden Foods Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil:** For pan-frying, ensuring a golden, slightly crispy exterior on our bratwursts.

With these simple, wholesome ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying vegan meal that truly captures the spirit of Oktoberfest!

How to Make Vegan Bratwurst

The process of making these vegan bratwursts is straightforward, relying on a blender or food processor to combine the ingredients into a workable mixture. Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. **Prepare the Flax Egg:** In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water. Set this mixture aside for about 5 minutes. This allows the flaxseed to absorb the water and create a gel-like consistency, which will act as the binder for our bratwurst.
2. **Process Dry Ingredients:** Add the gluten-free rolled oats and walnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse them until they form a fine, flour-like meal. This step ensures a smooth texture for the bratwurst.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry:** To the oat and walnut mixture, add the prepared flax egg, drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, chopped white onion, garlic powder, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and cumin. Process all ingredients until they are thoroughly combined into a thick, cohesive mixture. If the mixture seems too sticky, you can add a tablespoon or two of additional oats to achieve the right consistency.
4. **Chill the Mixture:** Transfer the bratwurst mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it firms up the mixture, making it much easier to handle and shape into sausages.

5. **Shape the Bratwursts:** Once the mixture is chilled and firm, use a ⅓ cup measuring cup to scoop out portions. With lightly moistened hands (or using plastic wrap/parchment paper if the mixture is still a bit sticky), gently form each portion into oblong sausage shapes. Aim for 6-7 evenly sized bratwursts. Place the formed bratwursts on a large plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. **Pan-Fry:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, carefully transfer the shaped bratwursts to the pan. Fry them for about 10 minutes, rotating frequently to ensure all sides are evenly browned and a nice crust develops. Remember that these vegan bratwursts are more delicate than their meat counterparts, so handle them gently when flipping to avoid breaking them.
7. **Set Aside:** Once cooked and golden brown, remove the vegan bratwursts from the pan and set them aside while you prepare the sauerkraut and apples.

This process results in perfectly cooked, flavorful vegan bratwursts that are ready to be paired with our delightful sauerkraut mixture. The gentle handling and proper chilling ensure a wonderful texture that holds up well.

What You Need to Make the Sauerkraut with Apples and Onions

While Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut is exceptionally delicious on its own, adding pan-fried apples and onions elevates it to a truly seasonal and balanced side dish. The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the tanginess of the sauerkraut, while the onions add a savory depth that is simply irresistible.

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful accompaniment:

• **Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut:** The star of this dish! Its naturally fermented goodness provides a vibrant, tangy base that is both delicious and beneficial for gut health.
• **Apple:** A large apple, cored and sliced, will introduce a lovely sweetness and soft texture that beautifully balances the kraut’s tartness. Choose a firm, slightly sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
• **Yellow Onion:** Sliced yellow onion will caramelize gently in the pan, adding a savory, aromatic layer that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

That’s it! With these three simple ingredients, you’ll create a side dish that’s rich in flavor and perfectly complements the vegan bratwurst.

How to Prepare Sauerkraut with Apples and Onions

Transforming these simple ingredients into a flavorful side is quick and easy, primarily using the same pan where you cooked your bratwurst, allowing any residual flavors to meld beautifully.

1. **Prepare the Pan:** After removing the bratwursts, check your skillet. If it appears dry, add another small drizzle of olive oil. Return the pan to medium-high heat. If there’s still some oil left from frying the bratwursts, you may not need to add any more.
2. **Sauté Apples and Onions:** Once the pan is warm, add the sliced yellow onion and apple. Sauté for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion becomes fragrant and translucent, and the apple slices are tender and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. **Incorporate Sauerkraut:** While the apples and onions are cooking, drain the entire jar of Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut in a colander for a few minutes. This removes excess liquid, preventing the dish from becoming watery. Once drained, add the sauerkraut to the pan with the sautéed apples and onions.
4. **Heat Through:** Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring the sauerkraut, apples, and onions are thoroughly combined. Continue to heat for several minutes until the sauerkraut is warmed through and all the flavors have harmonized. This final step creates a wonderfully balanced and savory-sweet accompaniment to your vegan bratwurst.

The Quality Difference: Why Eden Foods Products Shine

In the creation of this delightful Vegan Bratwurst, I exclusively turned to my trusted favorites from Eden Foods. Their commitment to quality, organic practices, and wholesome ingredients truly makes a difference in the final taste and nutritional value of any recipe.

Undoubtedly, the star of this show is the Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut. This isn’t just any sauerkraut; it’s a testament to traditional fermentation. Made from sweet cabbage that is meticulously harvested, finely shredded, and naturally fermented with sea salt for a minimum of six weeks, it develops a complex flavor profile that is both tangy and perfectly balanced. What truly sets it apart for me is its purity – it comes in a glass jar, free from any artificial preservatives or undesirable ingredients. This kraut adds a perfect touch of acidity and saltiness that can elevate even the blandest of recipes. I often find myself adding it to salads and sandwiches when they need an extra burst of flavor. Paired with the caramelized apples and onions, it forms the ideal, gut-healthy base for our Vegan Bratwurst, a sentiment even my German boyfriend wholeheartedly endorses!

Beyond the sauerkraut, Eden Foods supplied other crucial components for the Vegan Bratwurst itself. I utilized Eden Foods Organic Great Northern Beans to provide a creamy texture and significant protein to the bratwurst mixture, working in harmony with the oats and walnuts to create that satisfying bulk and mouthfeel. For seasoning, Eden Foods Organic Garlic Powder, Eden Foods Organic Paprika Powder, and Eden Foods Organic Cumin deliver an exquisite, beautifully seasoned flavor profile that mimics traditional bratwurst spices. And of course, Eden Foods Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a true pantry hero, was used for pan-frying, ensuring our bratwursts achieve a perfect golden crust. Choosing Eden Foods means choosing integrity in your ingredients, and it truly makes a noticeable difference in the quality and enjoyment of your meal.

How to Serve Vegan Bratwurst & Pro Tips

Once your vegan bratwursts are cooked and your sauerkraut with apples and onions is warm and fragrant, it’s time to bring it all together for a truly satisfying meal.

To serve, return the cooked vegan bratwursts to the pan with the sauerkraut mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This ensures the bratwursts are perfectly reheated and the flavors can meld even further. Arrange the hearty sauerkraut and vegan bratwursts on a plate, and for a final flourish, consider topping with optional fresh herbs. I particularly enjoy adding minced fresh parsley; it not only provides a beautiful color contrast but also offers a hint of refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

While I used the classic Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut, don’t hesitate to experiment! Eden Foods Organic Three Onion Sauerkraut would also be a fantastic choice here, adding an extra layer of savory depth.

Tips for Success & Perfect Pairings:

• **Chilling is Key:** Don’t skip the refrigeration step for the bratwurst mixture. It makes a significant difference in how easily the sausages can be shaped and how well they hold together during cooking.
• **Gentle Handling:** Remember, these vegan bratwursts are more delicate than meat sausages. Be gentle when shaping and flipping them in the pan to maintain their integrity.
• **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook the bratwursts in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and a nice crust. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
• **Mustard Magic:** For an authentic touch, serve your vegan bratwurst and sauerkraut with a dollop of your favorite mustard – a spicy brown mustard or a whole grain mustard would be excellent!
• **Beyond the Plate:** These bratwursts are also fantastic served in a gluten-free bun with extra sauerkraut, just like a traditional hot dog!
• **Beverage Pairings:** Complement your Oktoberfest meal with a non-alcoholic German beer, sparkling cider, or a crisp apple juice.

Storage & Meal Prep:

Leftover vegan bratwurst and sauerkraut can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This recipe is also a fantastic option for meal prepping; you can make a larger batch of bratwursts and sauerkraut at the beginning of the week for quick and delicious meals later.

This delicious fall recipe is perfect for enjoying the festive spirit of Oktoberfest right from your kitchen. It’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor. Enjoy every wholesome bite!

More Oktoberfest Recipes

• Portobello Mushroom Schnitzel

I Want to Hear From You

If you make this Vegan Bratwurst with Sauerkraut recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience!

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review below so I can use your valuable feedback to create even more delicious recipes for you.

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XO Lauren

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