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Oktoberfest Bratwurst Beer Cheese Skillet

This easy, one-pan skillet dinner features sizzling bratwurst, soft onions, and a rich beer cheese sauce, perfect for cozy weeknights or festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, German
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 pieces bratwurst sausages Use German-style bratwurst for the best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp neutral vegetable oil Can substitute with canola oil, avocado oil, or light olive oil.
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced Sweet onions can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup German lager beer, divided A nonalcoholic beer can be used if desired.
Beer Cheese Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk Add gradually to prevent lumps.
  • 1/2 cup lager beer
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Try alternatives like gouda or Monterey Jack.
For Serving
  • to taste pieces soft pretzel bites Perfect for scooping up the sauce.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the bratwurst and sliced onions, cooking for about 8 minutes. Turn the sausages to brown on all sides while the onions soften.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of beer and cover the skillet. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the bratwurst are cooked through (160°F internal temperature) and onions are soft.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1 minute until no dry flour remains.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of beer. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Plate the bratwurst with onions, drizzle with beer cheese sauce, and serve with soft pretzel bites.

Notes

Store the bratwurst and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can freeze bratwurst for up to 2 months, but the cheese sauce is best made fresh.