Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in a flavorful feast! Bratwurst, those plump and savory German sausages, are a summer staple that pairs perfectly with the great outdoors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want a quick and delicious dinner, these 20 recipes for bratwurst will elevate your grilling game to new heights.
From classic combinations like beer and onion to innovative twists featuring honey mustard glaze and spicy jalapeño peppers, our collection has something for every palate. Whether you like them smothered in cheese, wrapped in bacon, or served with a side of sauerkraut, we’ve got the perfect recipe to make your taste buds do the polka!
So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s get started on this tasty journey through the world of bratwurst!
Beer and Onion Bratwurst Skillet
Savor the flavors of Germany with this hearty skillet dish that combines juicy bratwurst, caramelized onions, and a hint of beer. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup beer (any style)
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20 minutes).
3. Add the bratwurst sausages to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per side).
4. Pour in the beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 45-50 minutes total.
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Brats
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these mouthwatering Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Brats. Sweet and savory, this recipe combines juicy bratwursts with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of brown sugar.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwursts
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Wrap each bratwurst with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. Place the bacon-wrapped brats on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. While the brats are cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each sausage.
5. During the last minute of cooking, drizzle with brown sugar and smoked paprika (if using).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Mustard Glazed Bratwurst
Sweet and savory, these Honey Mustard Glazed Bratwurst are a twist on the classic German sausage. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or casual get-togethers, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bratwurst sausages
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and vinegar until smooth.
3. Brush both sides of bratwurst with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place bratwurst on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the honey-mustard glaze all over the sausages.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño Bratwurst Poppers
Spicy Jalapeño Bratwurst Poppers: A Twist on Classic Appetizers
Elevate your game day spread with these flavorful and spicy poppers that combine the richness of bratwurst with the boldness of jalapeños. Perfect for snacking or as a unique party appetizer!
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 1 package of bratwurst, casings removed
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Stuff each jalapeño with about 1-2 tablespoons of bratwurst.
4. Dip stuffed peppers in breadcrumbs, then drizzle with olive oil.
5. Place poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this classic German-inspired recipe that combines the flavors of grilled bratwurst, caramelized peppers, and sweet onions.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss onions and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Grill the bratwurst sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, grill the onion and pepper mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender.
5. Serve the grilled bratwurst with the sweet peppers and onions on a bun, drizzled with brown sugar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Creamy Bratwurst and Potato Bake
A hearty and flavorful casserole that combines the savory taste of bratwurst with creamy potatoes, perfect for a comforting meal or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bratwurst sausages
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the bratwurst sausages over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a separate pot of boiling salted water, cook the potato slices for 5-7 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the cooked potatoes in the bottom.
5. Add the cooked bratwurst sausages on top of the potatoes.
6. Spread the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the bratwursts.
7. Pour the heavy cream over the mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Top with remaining potatoes and cover with aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
BBQ Bratwurst Sliders with Coleslaw
These bite-sized BBQ bratwurst sliders are perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor events. The combination of juicy sausage, crispy buns, and creamy coleslaw is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bratwurst sausages
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage, carrots, etc.)
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill bratwurst sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
4. Slice grilled sausages into 1-inch pieces and place onto toasted buns.
5. Top with BBQ sauce, coleslaw mix, and a dollop of mayonnaise.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Brats and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker Delight
Get ready for a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional sausages! This slow cooker recipe combines juicy brats with tangy sauerkraut, perfect for a cozy evening or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bratwurst sausages
– 1 lb sauerkraut, drained
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add the bratwurst sausages on top of the onion.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the drained sauerkraut, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the brats.
4. Sprinkle caraway seeds (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Maple-Glazed Bratwurst with Apples
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this mouthwatering combination of maple-glazed bratwurst and tender apples. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the bratwurst sausages.
4. Grill the bratwurst for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, grill the apple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Serve the glazed bratwurst with grilled apples and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Brats in a Blanket with Dijon Dip
This classic party appetizer gets a flavorful boost from tangy Dijon dip and crispy puff pastry wraps around juicy bratwurst. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup of sour cream
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4 equal squares.
3. Place a bratwurst sausage in the center of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around.
4. Fold the pastry over the sausage, pressing edges to seal. Brush with egg wash or water for a golden finish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, mix Dijon mustard, sour cream, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve bratwurst wraps hot with the Dijon dip on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Bratwurst Pasta
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the savory taste of bratwurst. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb. bratwurst, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add sliced bratwurst to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Add chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Combine cooked pasta and bratwurst mixture in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Bratwurst with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this mouthwatering combination of tender smoked bratwurst and sweet pineapple salsa. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Smoked Bratwurst:
– 4-6 bratwurst sausages
– 1 cup wood chips (your preferred type of smoking wood)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 2 cups pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Place the bratwurst sausages in the smoker, closing the lid.
3. Smoke for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Meanwhile, mix together pineapple chunks, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and cilantro for the salsa.
5. Serve the smoked bratwurst with the Pineapple Salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (smoking) + prep time
Brats and Cheddar Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines juicy bratwurst with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying and savory dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 pound bratwurst sausage
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook bratwurst over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Stuff each pepper with cooked bratwurst, chopped onion, garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Swiss Bratwurst
Elevate your bratwurst game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that pairs caramelized onions with melted Swiss cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 Swiss brats (or any other sausage of your choice)
– 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Meanwhile, grill bratwursts according to package instructions (about 5-7 minutes per side).
4. Once the brats are cooked, place them on a bun and top with shredded Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: Total time: 45-50 minutes; Caramelizing onions: 30-40 minutes; Grilling bratwursts: 10-14 minutes
Brats with Spicy Beer Cheese Sauce
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these mouth-watering Bratwursts smothered in a creamy, spicy beer cheese sauce. This addictive combination is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 cup beer (any style)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill Bratwursts for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, combine beer, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a small saucepan.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Serve Bratwursts with warm spicy beer cheese sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total (including prep and grill time).
Bratwurst and Sweet Potato Hash
This hearty dish combines the flavors of savory bratwurst with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a crispy hash. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, cook the Bratwurst sausages in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
5. Combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked Bratwurst, and sautéed onions in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Grilled Bratwurst with Mango Chutney
This classic German sausage gets a tropical boost with the addition of sweet and spicy mango chutney. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or potluck, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1/2 cup mango chutney
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup beer (optional)
– Coleslaw or pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill bratwurst sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, mix mango chutney, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
4. During the last minute of grilling, brush the mango chutney mixture onto the bratwursts.
5. Serve with coleslaw or pickles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Brats and Pierogi Skillet Dinner
A hearty, one-pot meal that combines the flavors of German bratwurst with Polish pierogies, all in a savory skillet dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 package of pierogies (any flavor)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sausages and set aside.
4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
7. Return the sausages to the skillet and add the pierogies.
8. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer to the oven.
9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the pierogies are tender.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.
Bratwurst Breakfast Scramble
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional breakfast dishes! This Bratwurst Breakfast Scramble combines savory bratwurst sausage, scrambled eggs, and crispy hash browns for a hearty morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bratwurst sausage
– 6 eggs
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup hash brown potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook bratwurst sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour into the skillet and scramble until cooked through.
5. Toss hash browns with cooking spray or oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve scrambled eggs, bratwurst sausage, and hash browns together for a satisfying breakfast.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brats with Caraway Kraut and Mustard
This recipe combines the flavors of traditional German sausage (Bratwurst) with the tanginess of caraway-infused sauerkraut and a hint of mustard. Perfect for backyard barbecues or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 cup caraway-flavored sauerkraut
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: sliced onions, sport peppers, and pickle slices
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill Bratwurst sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
4. Add caraway-flavored sauerkraut and stir until heated through.
5. Brush grilled Brats with Dijon mustard during the last minute of cooking.
6. Assemble by placing each brat on a bun, topping with sauerkraut mixture, and adding optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in some delicious bratwurst recipes! This article shares 20 mouth-watering ideas that take this classic German sausage to new heights. From savory options like Beer and Onion Bratwurst Skillet and Garlic Butter Bratwurst Pasta, to sweet treats like Maple-Glazed Bratwurst with Apples, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or prefer classic combinations, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So why wait? Grab your apron and get grilling!