Beer Bratwurst Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, German-Inspired, Southern

Keyword beer-brats-recipe, beer-bratwurst-recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 483kcal

Drizzle a large pot or dutch oven with olive oil. Brown the sausages lightly on both sides over medium-high heat. (This step is to infuse the onions with flavor. If time doesn't allow, skip this step.) Remove sausages from the pot.
Add the onion to the pan, stir just to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Next add beer, garlic, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and thyme. Bring to a rolling boil. Add the sausages back to the pot. Immediately lower the heat and simmer covered for 10-15 minutes.
Grill: Meanwhile, heat a gas grill to medium-high. Oil the grates. (Alternatively, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop.)
Uncover and remove bratwurst from beer using tongs allowing excess sauce to drip off.
Cook bratwurst on the preheated grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until no longer pink in the middle, 8-10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160°F (70°C).
While grilling brats, simmer the onions uncovered on the stovetop until the liquid has reduced and the onions are a deep brown color and caramelized, stirring occasionally. (Tip: You can add a tablespoon of butter to the onions for extra richness.)
Serve beer brats immediately topped with onions on warm buns and mustard.

Stovetop Instructions: Follow the recipe through Step #2.
Increase the cooking time for the brats on the stovetop to 20-25 minutes OR until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 160°F with an instant read thermometer.
Remove the bratwurst to a platter and keep warm.
Cook the onions uncovered over medium heat until caramelized and golden.
Serve immediately topped with onions on warm buns with mustard.
Recipe Tips: You can boil brats in apple juice instead of beer, for a non-alcoholic option.
If you need to keep the bratwurst warm after gilling, consider adding a heavy duty aluminum pan to the grill. Fill with beer and heat. Add the grilled bratwurst to the beer bath to keep warm and prevent them from drying out until serving.