Grilled brats make a classic, delicious and indulgent dinner, and the toppings you choose will take them to a whole new level. Bratwurst are perfect on the grill, and they’re so easy to customize for the ultimate weeknight meal or game day party food!
I love a simple meal while my family is at the lake on the weekends, and burgers and brats are where it’s at! In fact, brats are great during any season, and once you know a few tricks for cooking them and adding the right toppings, you’ll be amazed at what a crowd pleaser these are.
Add grilled brats into your dinner line-up this week, and I bet the whole family will be thrilled! Brats are also perfect for game day. Don’t skip my incredible Super Bowl Recipes for all your planning needs!
Ingredients
- Bratwurst – Choosing a good quality bratwurst will take this simple dinner to a whole new level. We like to grab brats from our local German deli.
- Hot dog buns – Any kind of bun will work, but you can use a pretzel style bun or bakery versions for another delicious upgrade. Learn why you should toast burger buns for a fabulous upgrade!
Brat Toppings
Set up a grilled brats toppings bar for your next event!
- While grilling your bratwurst, open your bun and add Brie to both sides. Put the buns on the grill with cover for a minute or so to allow the Brie to slightly melt.
- Add diced Granny Smith apples to the melted cheese, then place your brat and top with mustard. It’s the most incredible combination!
- BBQ Sauce
- Raw, Sauteéd or Caramelized Onions
- Spicy Mustard
- Jalapeños
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Granny Smith Apples
- Sauerkraut
- Sliced pickles or relish
Test Kitchen Tips
- Warm your buns on the grill or in the microwave. Learn why you should toast burger buns for a fabulous upgrade!
- To make grilled brats ahead of time, let them simmer on a sheet pan with a little beer and onions (oven set to warm). It keeps them warm and moist!
How to Use Leftovers
Bratwurst make excellent leftovers, with so many ways to slice and dice to your heart’s content.
- Add to soup
- Add to pasta
- Make a casserole
- Fry slices in a skillet with veggies or stir fry
- Scramble with eggs
- Add to a frittata
Bratwurst
Ingredients
- 6 bratwursts
- 6 buns hot dog or bratwurst buns
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-low (300°F) in 2 zones.
- Put bratwurst on indirect side and grill for 8 minutes. Turn and grill for 8 additional minutes. Internal temperature should reach 155°F.
- Transfer bratwursts to direct heat and grill 1 minute.
- Add buns and top with desired toppings.
Julie’s Tips
- Warm your buns for a minute on a pan on the grill, or in the microwave.
- If you’d like to make your bratwust ahead of time, let them simmer in a sheet pan with a little beer and onions. It keeps them warm and moist!
Toppings
- While grilling your bratwurst, open your bun and add Brie to both sides. Put the buns on the grill with cover for a minute or so to allow the Brie to slightly melt.
- Add diced Granny Smith apples to the melted cheese, then place your brat and top with mustard.
- BBQ Sauce
- Raw, Sautéed or Caramelized Onions
- Spicy Mustard
- Jalapeños
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Granny Smith Apples
- Sauerkraut
- Sliced pickles or relish
Storage Notes
Do not leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours while serving. Leftover bratwurst can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored in a freezer, pre-cooked sausage can last up to 2 months. Also consider the use-by date on the food packaging as well.Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Explore More
Serving Suggestions
Wondering What to Serve With Burgers and brats? Click through for a comprehensive list of 30+ printable tried and true burger sides!
