Easy & Flavorful Keto Loaded Brats (Sheet Pan Meal!)
Get ready for a burst of savory flavor with these Easy & Flavorful Keto Loaded Brats! Juicy bratwursts are seared to perfection, then piled high with tender, colorful bell peppers and onions, and finally baked under a blanket of melted cheese. This simple, one-pan (mostly!) meal is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a satisfying dinner!
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 bratwursts (ensure low-carb, no sugar added if strictly keto)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 medium bell peppers, diced (vary colors for visual appeal – red, yellow, orange, green)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (KETO NOTE: Use sparingly or choose a very low-sugar brand, as some contain added sugar)
- Optional: Sliced hot peppers (e.g., jalapeños) for topping
Equipment:
- Large skillet (oven-safe preferred, or separate non-oven-safe skillet)
- Spatula or tongs
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Veggies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dice the bell peppers and onion.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers.
- Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the vegetables start to soften and get some color (tender-crisp).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Cook for another minute, then remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
- Sear Brats: In the same large skillet (no need to clean it), add the avocado oil and increase heat to medium-high.
- Add the bratwursts to the hot pan and sear them on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. They won’t be cooked through at this point.
- Assemble & Bake: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seared bratwursts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top each bratwurst generously with the sautéed pepper and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the brats and vegetables. If using, add sliced hot peppers now.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the brats are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Keto Loaded Brats!
Tips for Success:
- Bratwurst Choice: Read labels to ensure your bratwursts are low in carbs and don’t contain added sugars or fillers.
- Balsamic Vinegar: While delicious, balsamic vinegar contains natural sugars. Use sparingly or opt for a very low-sugar brand if you’re strict keto. A splash of red wine vinegar can be a good substitute.
- Vegetable Doneness: Sauté the vegetables to your preferred tenderness. Some like them with a bit more bite, others very soft.
- Uniform Searing: Ensure the brats get a good sear on all sides for optimal flavor and texture.
- Customization: Feel free to add other keto-friendly toppings like sugar-free mustard, sauerkraut (check for no sugar added), or extra hot sauce after baking.
- One-Pan Prep: While the recipe uses a skillet and a baking sheet, the vegetables and brats can be cooked in succession in the same skillet before transferring for baking.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
These Keto Loaded Brats are a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the bratwurst and cheese.
- High Fat: Yes, from the bratwurst, butter, oil, and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, by focusing on bratwurst, non-starchy vegetables, and cheese.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the bratwurst is sugar-free and low-carb, and the balsamic vinegar (if used) is a low-sugar variety or used in small quantities. All other listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on bratwurst as some processed meats can contain gluten.
Read on how to prepare a Keto Maple Bacons.
Enjoy!