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Oma's German Sausage Patties (Bratwurst Burger)

Traditional German sausage may not sound healthy. However, if you can control what is in them - the amount of fat and filler - you can make them healthier. Serve these with some German potato salad on the side ... and don't forget the mustard.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds meat (beef, pork, and/or veal, see hints below)
• ½ cup rolled oats, uncooked
• ¼ cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon each: sage, pepper, thyme, savory

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together WELL! Literally knead the meat to distribute the spices. 
2. Cover airtight and refrigerate for about 6 hours (OR use right away - I usually do 'cause I can't wait!). 
3. Divide into 12 sections and form into patties. 
4. Pan fry over medium heat, about 5 minutes per side, until cooked. If your patties are fairly thick, you need to cook them longer - covering them for some of the time will make them cook quicker.

Notes/Hints:

• Other spices to try are: marjoram, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, allspice. Experiment and have fun! This is how you can change these into different German Sausage Recipes - only available at your house!
• To pre-taste the meat before frying, make a small ½  to 1-inch "meatball" and cook on "HI" in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds, until done. Although the texture will be tough, you will be able to check the seasonings and if you need to alter any.
• For the rolled oats, you can use either quick or old-fashioned (which are healthier). You can also increase the amount to 1 cup, but then increase the water to ½ cup.
• I usually use a mixture of equal parts of beef, pork, and veal. Try using just pork, or beef and pork. If you like them hot, just add more red pepper flakes - or omit them altogether. You've really created a variety of German sausage recipes and can make them kid friendly dinner recipes by satisfying their tastes (and the oats makes it extra healthy.)
• Mustard and potato salad on the side are musts!

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Updated January 6,2026