Grilled Bratwurst
Juicy, flavorful bratwursts simmered in beer and onions, then grilled to perfection for a smoky char. The ultimate backyard BBQ or tailgate food, ready in under 30 minutes and perfect in a toasted bun with mustard.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Onions
- b.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Bratwursts
- b.Nestle the bratwursts into the skillet with the onions in a single layer.
- c.Pour the beer over the brats. The liquid should come about three-quarters of the way up the sides of the sausages.
- d.Bring the beer to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the brats simmer for 10-12 minutes, turning them once halfway through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the casings to split.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Grill
- b.While the brats are simmering, preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- c.Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Bratwursts
- b.Using tongs, carefully transfer the simmered bratwursts to the preheated grill. Reserve the onions and beer in the skillet.
- c.Grill the brats for 5-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until they are beautifully browned with distinct char marks on all sides.
- d.Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish Onions and Toast Buns
- b.While the brats are grilling, increase the heat under the skillet to medium and continue to cook the onions and beer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly.
- c.During the last minute of grilling, place the buns cut-side down on the grill to toast until lightly golden.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Remove the brats and buns from the grill.
- c.Place one grilled bratwurst in each toasted bun.
- d.Top generously with the beer-braised onions, a drizzle of stone ground mustard, and a spoonful of sauerkraut, if using. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Never pierce the bratwurst casing with a fork before or during cooking, as this allows the flavorful juices to escape, resulting in a dry sausage.
- 2Simmer, don't boil! A hard boil can cause the casings to burst. A gentle simmer ensures the brats cook through evenly while remaining juicy.
- 3Choose a quality, uncooked bratwurst for the best results. Fresh brats from a local butcher are often superior to pre-packaged options.
- 4A lighter beer like a lager, pilsner, or ale is ideal. Avoid overly hoppy or dark beers like IPAs or stouts, which can make the dish bitter.
- 5Rest the brats for 2-3 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the sausage, making them more flavorful and moist.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add one sliced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the onions for a spicy kick.
With PeppersWith Peppers
Sauté one sliced bell pepper (any color) along with the onions for a classic sausage and peppers flavor profile.
Cider BraisedCider-Braised
For a non-beer alternative with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, substitute the beer with an equal amount of hard apple cider or non-alcoholic apple cider.
Cheese StuffedCheese-Stuffed
Use cheddar-filled bratwursts (cheddarwursts) for an extra cheesy and decadent version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Bratwurst is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork, the primary ingredient in bratwurst, is a great source of B vitamins like thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and B12, which are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Provides Essential Minerals
This dish offers important minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Iron is vital for oxygen transport, while zinc and selenium support immune function and antioxidant defense.
Frequently asked questions
A single grilled bratwurst in a bun with onions and mustard typically contains between 500 and 650 calories, depending on the specific sausage, bun size, and amount of toppings.