First things first...you're going to need some pretzel rolls, a variety of mustards and some authentic German beer to make sure this meal is done right! I was able to find all of the above at our local Bristol Farms, but if you can't find pretzel rolls, a delicious rye or pumpernickel will do the trick as well.
As for the beer, it doesn't really matter what flavor you choose, but you simply CANNOT celebrate Oktoberfest without beer. That's what I heard anyway.
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1-2 lbs bratwurst links
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1 1/4 cup prepared sauerkraut, drained
Butter for toasting pretzel rolls
Dill pickles {optional, but definitely recommended}
In a large skillet, over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and onions. Saute, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until onions begin to turn translucent and brown on the edges. Move onions to one side of skillet and add bratwurst links. Cook brats for about 2 minutes per side, continuing to turn each piece until all sides are evenly browned. Stir in apples, paprika and celery salt and mix well. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 4 minutes. Add drained sauerkraut and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes and then remove from heat.
Preheat oven to Convection Broil setting at 550 degrees. Slice each pretzel roll in half and lightly spread each half with butter. Place rolls onto middle oven rack and allow to toast, about 2 minutes. Watch the rolls carefully so they do not burn!
Remove rolls from oven and pile on the bratwurst, onions, apples and sauerkraut. Serve alongside a variety of mustards {I like to have a stone ground, a Dijon, a spicy horseradish mustard as well as plain ol' yellow} unless you have a favorite, then just stick to it. I like to taste different mustards with any type of sausage I'm eating...as well as pickles--lots and lots of dill pickles.
Pop open your beer of choice. Guten Appetit!!
I have never seen Pretzel Bread in the USA. I live in the Sacramento Area. If anyone knows of a place there which sells Pretzel Bread, please let me know!