Sheet Pan Bratwurst with Roasted Vegetables
Sheet Pan Bratwurst with Roasted Vegetables
Region: Midwest US (Wisconsin/German-American) Cuisine Type: German-American Meal Type: Main Course Total Time: 30 minutes Active Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4
Story
This streamlined sheet pan dinner captures the heart of Wisconsin's German heritage in a modern, weeknight-friendly format. Inspired by the traditional bratwurst plates served at Milwaukee's beer gardens and county fairs, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a classic Midwest meal with minimal cleanup. Everything roasts together on one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and comforting.
Ingredients
Main Components
- 4-5 bratwurst sausages (about 1.5 lbs)
- Authentic option: Fresh bratwurst from a German butcher or Johnsonville
- Grocery store option: Pre-cooked bratwurst (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes, halved
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
- 2 bell peppers (mix of colors), cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 cups green cabbage, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but traditional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
- 2-3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Hearty German or pretzel rolls (optional)
Instructions
Prep (10 minutes)
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare vegetables: Halve the potatoes (or quarter if large), cut onion into wedges, slice peppers into strips, and cut cabbage into 4-6 wedges.
Season vegetables: In a large bowl, toss potatoes, onions, peppers, and cabbage with olive oil, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper until well coated.
Cook (20 minutes)
Arrange on sheet pan: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pierce bratwurst with a fork 3-4 times and nestle them among the vegetables.
Roast: Place in preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning bratwurst halfway through at the 12-minute mark. Vegetables should be golden and tender, and bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Note: If using pre-cooked bratwurst, add them to the pan at the 10-minute mark.
Rest briefly: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minu