Description
This Grilled Beer Brats recipe combines juicy bratwurst sausages with caramelized onions and bell peppers simmered in beer for a flavorful and hearty meal. Perfectly grilled brats topped with tangy sauerkraut and whole-grain mustard served in hot dog buns make an ideal casual summer cookout dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Brats and Vegetables
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
Liquids
- 16 oz. beer (lager or pilsner recommended)
Serving
- 6 hot dog buns
- Whole-grain mustard, to taste
- Sauerkraut or relish, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Grill Brats: Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on the grill and heat to high. Meanwhile, grill the bratwurst sausages over direct heat until they are nicely charred on both sides, approximately 6 minutes total, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Cook Vegetables and Simmer in Beer: Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, the charred bratwursts, and pour in the beer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook undisturbed over medium heat for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer will caramelize the onions and peppers and reduce the beer, infusing the brats with rich flavor.
- Serve: Remove the brats, onions, and peppers from the skillet. Serve each bratwurst in a hot dog bun topped generously with the caramelized onions and bell peppers. Add whole-grain mustard and your choice of sauerkraut or relish to finish the dish.
Notes
- Use a lager or pilsner beer for a mild, complementary flavor; avoid overly bitter or hoppy beers.
- If you don’t have a lid for the skillet on the grill, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture.
- Grilling the brats first seals in the juices and adds smoky flavor before simmering in beer.
- For a spicier twist, add some sliced jalapeños with the peppers and onions.
- Make sure to use a heavy cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution when cooking on the grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bratwurst with bun and toppings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
