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Bratwurst are a classic, delicious and indulgent way to do dinner. They’re perfect in the summer and fall on the grill or in the oven, and they’re so easy to customize for the ultimate weeknight meal or game day party food!
Recently, a lifelong friend and I were talking about how we both enjoy cooking, but that it doesn’t always have to be an elaborate recipe. Just good, simple, fresh ingredients and a great combination. That’s exactly what a classic bratwurst is!
We love a simple meal while we’re at the lake on the weekends, and burgers and brats are where it’s at! In fact, they’re 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 this simple bratwurst dinner into your line-up this week, and I bet the whole family will be thrilled!
Brats are perfect for game day! Don’t skip my incredible Super Bowl Recipe Guide for all your planning needs! I’ve also got an incredible round up of the best BBQ Sides to help you plan your next cookout.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Brats
- Family friendly
- Easy to customize to individual tastes
- Super Fast for a weeknight dinner
- Bursting with juicy flavor
- Perfect for parties and cookouts
This recipe makes one of the best Summer Dinner Ideas! Don’t skip these incredible Summer Appetizers, too.
There are several methods to cook your bratwurst, making them one of the most flexible dinner options around! You can broil, bake, steam, fry, grill, and even parboil your brats!
In fact, there are a lot of friendly arguments around the best methods to cook bratwurst. It’s fun to try new techniques!
Parboiling is a method where you actually immerse your bratwurst in liquid in a pot on the stove. You can include flavor enhancers like onions, garlic or butter. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then complete by browning on the grill or in a frying pan.
Brat beer baths are another way of keeping them warm and juicy, by simmering in a pot on the stove in beer and onions. You can also do this in a pan on the grill.
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.
Variations
- Mix up the toppings on your brats for a whole new flavor profile
- Buy brats from a local meat market for high quality options
How to Make
- 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.
Topping Suggestions
- BBQ Sauce
- Caramelized Onions
- Spicy Mustard
- Jalapeños
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Granny Smith Apples
Recipe 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!
Recipe Short Cuts
- Slice raw onions, no need to grill or sauté.
- Use Sauerkraut! It’s not fancy but many people love the flavor and it can be purchase pre-made.
- Add sliced pickles or relish for another topping shortcut.
How is bratwurst different from sausage?
Sausage is ground meat that’s found in fresh or dried casing links. Bratwurst is a specific variety of fresh sausage link, made with pork (and sometimes beef or veal)
How do you cook brats indoors?
Use a grill pan or a simple frying pan, sprayed with cooking spray. Add bratwurst and cook over medium-high heat for five minutes, turning frequently until evenly browned.
What does brat in bratwurst mean?
It’s quite simply a short nickname for bratwurst!
What does bratwurst taste like?
This German sausage has a strong flavor profile! Depending on the style you purchase, there are notes of garlic, pimentos, spices, seasonings, and smoke.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Do not leave out for more than two hours maximum.
- Refrigerate – Leftover bratwurst can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Unopened, uncooked brats can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks after purchase.
- Freeze – When stored in a freezer, pre-cooked sausage can last up to two months. Also consider the use-by date on the food packaging as well.
What to Do with 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
How to Serve
- Bratwurst are traditionally served on a hotdog style bun.
- They also work beautifully sliced for a low carb, Keto friendly meal.
QUICK TIP: 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!
Best 10 Sides to Serve with Brats
- Cabbage Salad
- Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
- Bow Tie Pasta Salad
- Street Corn
- Veggie Pasta Salad
- Homemade Creamy Potato Salad
- Firehouse Green Beans with Bacon
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Cheesy Corn Casserole
- Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Wondering What to Serve With Burgers and brats? Click through for a comprehensive list of 30+ printable tried and true burger sides!
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
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Game days, tailgates and backyard barbecues will never be boring again! What’s your favorite way to enjoy bratwurst?
More Easy Grilling Recipes
- Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Steak Kabobs
- Chicken Kabobs
- Beer Can Chicken
- Gourmet Burger
- Tequila Lime Shrimp Skewers
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Bratwurst
Bratwurst are a classic, delicious and indulgent way to do dinner. They're perfect in the summer and fall on the grill or in the oven, and they're so easy to customize for the ultimate weeknight meal or game day party food!
Yield
Ingredients
- 6 bratwursts
- 6 hot dog 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.
Tips
Recipe 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!
Recipe Short Cuts
- Slice raw onions, no need to grill or sauté.
- Use Sauerkraut! It’s not fancy but many people love the flavor and it can be purchase pre-made.
- Add sliced pickles or relish for another topping shortcut.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Do not leave out for more than two hours maximum.
- Refrigerate – Leftover bratwurst can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Unopened, uncooked brats can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks after purchase.
- Freeze – When stored in a freezer, pre-cooked sausage can last up to two months. Also consider the use-by date on the food packaging as well.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 338kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 23g (8%), Protein: 13g (26%), Fat: 21g (32%), Saturated Fat: 7g (35%), Cholesterol: 49mg (16%), Sodium: 771mg (32%), Potassium: 284mg (8%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 3g (3%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 92mg (9%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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