Sausage Sauerkraut Turnovers | German Phyllo Appetizer

These Sausage Sauerkraut Turnovers, or Würstchen Sauerkraut-Taschen, are crisp German-inspired appetizers filled with bratwurst or bockwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and Bavarian smoked cheese. Wrapped in buttery phyllo dough and baked until golden, they make a warm, savory snack for Oktoberfest parties, holiday gatherings, beer tastings, or casual entertaining.

Phyllo pastry gives the turnovers a light, flaky crunch similar to strudel pastry, while the filling brings together classic German flavors: sausage, sauerkraut, smoked cheese, and butter. They can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, which makes them especially useful for parties.

Serve these sausage sauerkraut turnovers warm with German mustard, pickles, pretzels, beer cheese, or a crisp salad for an easy appetizer that feels festive, hearty, and unmistakably German.

What Are Sausage Sauerkraut Turnovers?

Sausage and Sauerkraut Phyllo Turnovers are savory German-inspired pastry pockets filled with sausage, sauerkraut, and cheese. The German name, Würstchen Sauerkraut-Taschen, translates roughly to little sausage and sauerkraut pockets.

In this recipe, strips of phyllo dough are brushed with melted butter, filled with sauerkraut, chopped grilled bratwurst or bockwurst, and small cubes of Bavarian smoked cheese. The strips are folded diagonally into triangles, then baked until crisp and golden.

They are small enough to serve as appetizers, but flavorful enough to feel hearty. The flaky pastry contrasts beautifully with the tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and melted smoked cheese inside.

A German Strudel-Style Appetizer

Phyllo dough works well in this recipe because it bakes into a thin, crisp, flaky pastry. The current recipe notes that phyllo pastry is very similar to German strudel pastry and can be used in similar ways.

That makes these turnovers feel like a savory, party-friendly cousin of German strudel. Instead of a sweet apple filling, they use classic Oktoberfest-style ingredients: sausage, sauerkraut, cheese, and butter.

The triangular shape also makes them easy to serve. Guests can pick them up by hand, dip them into mustard or sauce, and enjoy them warm from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sausage sauerkraut turnovers are crisp, savory, and easy to serve. They turn classic German ingredients into a handheld appetizer that works beautifully for parties.

You’ll love this recipe because it:

• Uses bratwurst or bockwurst
• Combines sausage, sauerkraut, and smoked cheese
• Bakes into crisp golden phyllo triangles
• Can be prepared ahead and baked before serving
• Works for Oktoberfest, holidays, game day, and cocktail parties
• Makes 12 easy appetizer portions
• Pairs well with mustard, beer, pretzels, pickles, and cheese boards

Sausage Sauerkraut Turnovers (Würstchen Sauerkraut-Taschen)

Sausage and Sauerkraut Phyllo Turnovers are crisp German-style appetizers made with buttery phyllo dough, grilled bratwurst or bockwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and Bavarian smoked cheese. Folded into golden triangular pastries and served warm, these make-ahead turnovers are perfect for Oktoberfest, holiday parties, beer garden snacks, and German-inspired entertaining.

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Ingredients

  

• 4 large sheets phyllo dough 10 x 12 inches
• 2-3/4 ounces butter melted
• 2 Bratwurst or Bockwurst sausages grilled and chopped
• 10 oz sauerkraut drained and rinsed
• 2-3/4 ounces Bavarian smoked cheese cut in small cubes

Instructions

 

• Cut the phyllo sheets lengthwise into three. Keep them covered under a sheet of cling film as you work so they won't dry out.
• Lay a strip along a board. Brush lightly with melted butter. Put a heaped teaspoon of Sauerkraut at one corner end. Press some chopped sausage on top, then 3 to 4 cheese cubes.
• Fold over the filling wrapped in the phyllo on the diagonal, so it is completely enclosed in a triangle. Then flip over again, on the diagonal, and again and again until you get to the end of the phyllo strip and have a neat triangular turnover.
• Place on a flat baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until you have 12 turnovers. Brush the tops and sides with the remaining butter.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tips

These turnovers are a great make-ahead appetizer. Assemble them earlier in the day, place them on a baking sheet, cover lightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

For the best texture, bake them just before serving. Phyllo is crispiest when fresh from the oven, and the cheese tastes best when warm and melted.

Avoid overfilling the turnovers, especially if making them ahead. Too much sauerkraut or sausage can make the pastry harder to fold and may cause the filling to leak during baking.

Tips for Working with Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so keep any sheets you are not using covered with plastic wrap or a slightly damp towel.

Brush the dough lightly with butter. Too much butter can make the turnovers greasy, while too little can leave the pastry dry.

Fold the turnovers tightly enough to enclose the filling, but do not press too hard. The layers should stay delicate so they bake up crisp and flaky.

If a strip tears slightly, keep folding. Small tears usually disappear once the turnover is layered and baked.

Oktoberfest and Party Serving Ideas

These sausage and sauerkraut turnovers are a natural fit for Oktoberfest parties because they bring together sausage, sauerkraut, cheese, and crisp pastry in one bite-sized appetizer.

Serve them on a platter with German mustard, sweet Bavarian mustard, pickles, radishes, pretzels, and beer cheese. For a larger spread, add sliced sausages, rye bread, cucumber salad, potato salad, and a German beer or sparkling mineral water.

They also work well for holiday parties, game day, brunch buffets, and cocktail hours because they are easy to pick up and serve warm.

What to Serve with Sausage Sauerkraut Turnovers

Good pairings include:

• German mustard
• Sweet Bavarian mustard
• Düsseldorf mustard
• Pickles or gherkins
• Radishes
• Soft pretzels
• Beer cheese dip
• Cucumber salad
• German potato salad
• Rye bread
• Sauerkraut salad
• German beer
• Sparkling mineral water
• Apple cider

For a simple appetizer plate, serve the turnovers with mustard and pickles. For a fuller Oktoberfest menu, add pretzels, potato salad, and beer.

Easy Variations

For a sharper flavor, add a little German mustard inside each turnover before folding.

For a cheesier version, add a few extra cubes of smoked cheese, but avoid overfilling.

For a sweeter-savory version, add a small spoonful of caramelized onion to the filling.

For a different sausage flavor, use knackwurst, smoked bratwurst, or another cooked German sausage.

For smaller party bites, cut the phyllo into narrower strips and use less filling in each turnover.

FAQ section

What are sausage and sauerkraut phyllo turnovers?

They are savory German-style appetizers made with phyllo dough filled with sauerkraut, chopped grilled bratwurst or bockwurst, and Bavarian smoked cheese.

What does Würstchen Sauerkraut-Taschen mean?

Würstchen Sauerkraut-Taschen means little sausage and sauerkraut pockets. It describes the pastry’s filling and folded pocket shape.

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes. The current page notes that these savory snacks can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving so they are warm and crisp.

How do I keep phyllo dough from drying out?

Keep the phyllo covered while you work. The current recipe recommends keeping the sheets covered under cling film as you assemble the turnovers.

What sausage should I use?

The recipe uses grilled bratwurst or bockwurst that is chopped before being added to the filling.

How do I keep the turnovers from getting soggy?

Drain and rinse the sauerkraut well, and avoid overfilling the phyllo strips. Brush with butter and bake until crisp.

What cheese works best?

Bavarian smoked cheese works well because it melts into the sausage and sauerkraut while adding a smoky flavor.

What do you serve with sausage sauerkraut turnovers?

Serve them with German mustard, pickles, pretzels, radishes, beer cheese, potato salad, cucumber salad, or German beer.

Course: Appetizers

Keyword: Oktoberfest