It’s not easy to pick the better sausage between knockwurst vs. bratwurst. These two popular German sausages have a delicious richness and savoriness that are capable of making any foodie’s mouth water.
However, there are some significant differences in their ingredients and manufacturing process that give them distinct tastes and textures. In this comparison, I will highlight these core differences and help you decide on your favorite sausage type.
In addition, I will bring additional recipes and serving tips to help you enjoy knockwurst and bratwurst better. Keep on reading!
An Overview Of Knockwurst
Knockwurst, sometimes called knackwurst, is a popular sausage type that originated in North German in the 16th century. Knockwurst comes in a variety of flavors and components.
The name knockwurst comes from the words Knacken (a German verb that means “to crack”) or Knackig (a German adjective that means “crisp”). “Wurst” means “sausage” in German, of course.
During the cooking process, knockwurst skin gets pressurized and swells like a balloon, hence the popular name.
When you bite a swollen knockwurst, its texture will pop and explode the inner juice. Nowadays, along with other German delicacies like pretzels and hamburgers, knockwurst has become a popular term in America.
Most knockwurst products are richly seasoned. Their main ingredients are fresh garlic, ground pork, and ground veal packed inside a hog casing. This sausage is left aging for a few days before being smoked over oak wood. (1)
Here’s What You Need To Know About Bratwurst
Bratwurst is also a German sausage type, commonly made of pork, beef, or veal. Its name is a combination of “brät,”, an Old High German word that indicates finely chopped meat, and Wurst (sausage).
The ingredients and recipes for making bratwurst vary from region to region. Some sources say that there are up to forty varieties of bratwurst in Germany. Meanwhile, the most popular bratwurst types originated in Franconia (located in northern Bavaria).
The way people serve bratwurst also varies in different regions, but it’s commonly used as a convenient snack to eat with white bread rolls and mustard. Bratwurst is also a popular street food and snack sold in German-speaking countries.
Bratwurst is no less popular in the US, especially in the Upper Midwestern region where many German-American families dwell. You can find bratwurst products of different flavors and ingredients sold in butcher shops and grocery stores. (2)
Do you know all the varieties of bratwurst sausage? Let’s get a fun education with this thorough guide!
What Are The Differences Between Knockwurst And Bratwurst?
Though knockwurst and bratwurst both capture the essence of grilled meat, they feature petty distinct flavors and ingredients. The serving styles and ideal recipes for the two sausage types also vary.
Ingredients
The main ingredients for making sausage are meat, water, binding agents, and seasoning materials. Though knockwurst and bratwurst combine all these elements in their components, the types of ingredients used are different.
Knockwurst
The common ingredients for knockwurst are ground veal and ground pork combined with fresh garlic in a hog casing. Garlic is an indispensable addition to any knockwurst products, giving their filling ground meat a signature garlicky undertone.
Knockwurst incorporates a significantly higher amount of seasoning than its counterpart. Flavorsome condiments like paprika, coriander, and mace are the favorite ingredients of knockwurst manufacturers.
Bratwurst
While knockwurst typically involves pork and veal, the core ingredients of bratwurst are beef and veal or any type of meat. However, different varieties of bratwurst may come with different kinds of meat.
Though minced meat is the core ingredient of the two sausage types, they contain different flavoring materials. The main seasoning for knockwurst is garlic, while bratwurst products rarely feature garlic.
In addition, bratwurst typically contains fewer flavorings than knockwurst, which are carefully selected and used in moderate amounts. Some traditional versions of bratwurst also involve nutmeg and marjoram in small proportions.
Appearance And Texture
The preparation process and ingredients used will give the sausage a distinct look, texture, and color. Luckily, you can easily notice the apparent differences between knockwurst and bratwurst at first glance.
Knockwurst and bratwurst can be either lumpy or smooth, depending on the manufacturer. However, the knockwurst texture is not as finely ground as bratwurst since it contains more spices.
In terms of shape, knockwurst sausage products are typically short and flat, which can be served as a snack and eaten by hand. The casing of knockwurst is also thicker and crispier, which will crack when you cut or bite it.
On the other hand, bratwurst is typically thinner and longer than its counterpart. Similar to the other large sausage types, bratwurst’s shape can fit nicely in a bun or in a hot dog roll.
In terms of color, knockwurst tends to be kind of dark orange or red. Meanwhile, bratwurst features a light salmon pink color than knockwurst.
Flavors
Though the two sausage types involve ground meat, the different amounts of seasonings and varieties give knockwurst and bratwurst very distinct flavors. The taste also varies on different brands, but it’s not hard to differentiate the flavors of these two sausages.
The flavors of knockwurst are more complex, richer, and more powerful. Most knockwurst products feature a smoky and garlicky hint of added garlic.
Still, the intense and savory taste of knockwurst can combine well with various recipes. If you love the powerful hint of smokiness and garlicky undertone, knockwurst is a more suitable choice.
By contrast, since the manufacturers don’t use a lot of seasonings for bratwurst, this sausage type typically has a mild and balanced flavor. Bratwurst makes the meat’s flavor stand out better, plus a subtle sweet taste from its modest quantity of spices.
Therefore, bratwurst is commonly used as a carrier for other flavors and served with other condiments. If you love the natural flavors of minced meat but don’t like salty food, bratwurst is an excellent choice.
Where To Find
There’s a high chance that you can find bratwurst and knockwurst in the local grocery store and supermarket, especially in the US states with a large German – American population, especially Wisconsin. These German sausages are also popular in large cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago.
Still, the most reliable places to sell authentic German sausage are delis or artisan sausage stores. Another way is to consider buying them via online retailers (like Amazon).
You can find bratwurst and knockwurst on online selling websites or grocery stores!
Cooking Methods For Knockwurst And Bratwurst
Knockwurst and bratwurst are both popular German sausages that can pair well with the flavors of various recipes. However, the thing I love most about German sausages lies in their versatility and diversified cooking method.
You can either fry, bake, boil, or grill these two sausages, and they will deliver excellent flavors. Here are some popular cooking methods for knockwurst and bratwurst.
Frying Pan
Place one tablespoon of butter or cooking oil on the pan and set it on medium heat. Wait for the oil to get hot before adding the sausage. Cook for around 10-15 minutes, depending on your favorite doneness level.
You should flip the sausage occasionally to cook all of its sides evenly. Cook until the sausage’s surface turns golden brown, and remove it from the heat.
Boiling Water
Fill ¾ of the pot with water and simmer at low heat, then reduce the heat slightly so the boiling water can settle. Add in the sausage and cover the lid and simmer for around 10 to 15 minutes.
When the sausage is fully cooked, remove it from the water and let it rest shortly to drain before serving.
Oven
Set your oven to 300°F and place your sausage on a sheet tray or a baking dish. Then, put the sausages into the oven and cook for between 20 and 25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Allow a short resting time before serving.
This is how you oven-bake the most delicious bratwurst!
Grill
Set the grill on medium heat and put your sausages on. Remember to turn the sausages frequently to avoid burning one side and undercooking the other sides. After around 5 minutes, remove the sausages when they are fully heated.
The Right Ways To Serve Knockwurst And Bratwurst
Knockwurst and bratwurst are traditionally served as simple and quick snacks, but their serving styles have gotten more diversified nowadays. Today, people commonly enjoy these sausage types at parties, sporting events, and beer festivals.
Doing some research about the best side dishes for German smoked sausage, you’ll find sauerkraut. Also known as sour cabbage, it is fermented raw cabbage with a distinctive sour flavor. (3)
This ancient dish is not only delicious but also contains valuable nutrients and health benefits. Its refreshingly tart flavor will bring the richness of knockwurst and bratwurst to another level. But that isn’t the only thing you can try!
You can get creative with serving your sausages!
Knockwurst
Knockwurst is typically served on its own without needing any condiments or flavorings. When eating it as a snack, you should hold the sausage with a napkin since it has an oily and cracky surface.
Knockwurst can also pair well with bread rolls and many other side dishes. If you want to avoid gluten products like bread, try skewing bratwurst with veggies and onions in kebab skewers.
The traditional Bavarian mix of hot potatoes and knockwurst is another excellent way to enjoy this sausage. In this recipe, you will mix sliced knockwurst with boiled potatoes, plus a delicious topping of onion sauce and bacon.
If you are craving a refreshing dish during the hot summer, try combining bratwurst in bean salad with vinaigrette and croutons topping. Meanwhile, the intense flavors and garlicky undertone of knockwurst are not suitable for delicate side dishes.
Bratwurst
The most popular way to enjoy bratwurst is to pack it in a bun or a bread roll. Since bratwurst features mainly a natural meaty taste with mild seasonings, you should add more condiments like mustard and onions to enhance its flavors.
My favorite way is to combine knockwurst with strong condiments like mustard in a potato salad with some peppery leaves and onions. Consider adding boiled red cabbage for an authentic and yummy German meal.
Meanwhile, people usually braise knockwurst in onions and beer when enjoying it with other food. This practice will add more complexity and richness to the sausage’s flavor and give it a delicious caramelized sauce.
You can also serve knockwurst with mashed potato or cut it into thin slices and mix them with vegetables in nachos or casserole.
Some Excellent Knockwurst Recipes You Should Try
The thing I love most about knockwurst lies in its tasty flavor and convenient serving style. You can combine this ingredient in various dishes and cooking methods, which will deliver fine flavors.
Glazed Knockwurst
Glazing knockwurst is a super simple and convenient way to prepare this delicious sausage. You can serve this rich and buttery dish with sauerkraut (red cabbage), the traditional ingredient that pairs best with smoked German sausages.
Beef Knockwurst & Sauerkraut With Potato Salad
To make this authentic knockwurst recipe, you just need to cook all the veggies and spices in one pot while searing the knockwurst sausage in another pan. Then, assemble the ingredients on the plate, top them with sauerkraut, and serve with more mustard!
The Best Homemade Recipes To Enjoy Bratwurst
Bratwurst can pair with multiple dishes and ingredients to bring you a nutritious and tasty meal. Here are some excellent recipes you should try to enjoy the delicious flavors of this sausage.
Original German Bratwurst Recipe
Prepare some beer and snacks to enjoy this original German bratwurst dish at weekend parties! When packed in tasty buns and lightly seasoned with butter, this bratwurst dish will make you feel good. Feel free to add more mustard and coarse sauerkraut to enhance its flavor.
Easy Bratwurst Pasta
Smoked sausage and pasta never get old as one of the tastiest and most popular duos. This delicious bratwurst pasta is easy to prepare, especially as a nutritious breakfast. Remember to serve the dish when it’s still creamy and warm to enjoy the finest flavors.
This is how you make the tastiest penne bratwurst pasta!
Kielbasa Vs. Bratwurst And Knockwurst: What You Need To Know
Bratwurst, knockwurst, and kielbasa are all popular pork sausages that typically involve veal and pork meat as the main ingredients. However, there are some differences between the three.
The first difference lies in origin. Kielbasa (pronounced “keel-baa-suh”) is a Polish staple, while the other two are undoubtedly German. But all these types of European sausage are very popular in the US.
Furthermore, knockwurst and kielbasa typically involve garlic in their components, giving them a strong garlicky taste and smell. Meanwhile, bratwurst manufacturers rarely use garlic.
Lastly, knockwurst has a more powerful savory taste and more complex flavors than bratwurst and kielbasa. Also, kielbasa products typically involve fewer seasoning spices other than garlic, which gives them a more subtle taste that is still very rich and flavorful.
Let’s have a behind-the-scenes look at how kielbasa is produced.
FAQs
Are you curious about the best sausage types around the globe? Check out the sections below, and I will introduce some interesting information about sausage you’ve never heard of.
The Final Verdict For Knockwurst And Bratwurst
In summary, knockwurst leans towards the grilled pork flavors with a strong garlicky undertone. Knockwurst also features less seasoning materials, making it an ideal choice for people preferring a more balanced flavor for their food.
Nevertheless, knockwurst and bratwurst are both delicious and high-quality German sausages. Therefore, the choice between them can boil down to your personal taste and preferences.
Just go for the one that you feel most appetizing. I recommend you switch between these two types to refresh your palate. Please share this post if you love it, and don’t forget to tell me what you think in the comment section!
References
- En.wikipedia.org. 2022. Knockwurst.
- En.wikipedia.org. 2022. Bratwurst.
- En.wikipedia.org. 2022. Sauerkraut.
