Beer Brats on the Grill

Brats simmered in beer, onions and garlic then finished off on the grill. If you love tailgating, hosting a backyard bbq or are an armchair quarterback or just love a great brat, this is the meal for you! Beer brats on the grill are perfect for watching the big game!

Next time, top the beer brats with this Tailgate Chili Recipe. Or check this out if you're wondering what to serve with brats!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Things to know
• Related recipes
• Serving with
• Beer Brats Recipe
• Recipe backstory

Why you'll love this recipe   

This is an authentic beer brats recipe! I learned this recipe standing in the parking lot of Lambeau Field, getting ready to watch the Packers play Dallas (we won by the way 45 to 17!).

✔️ Juicy brats in beer and onions is the best way to give them extra flavor.

✔️ This recipe can be made in the parking lot, your backyard or even on the stovetop.

Since tailgating season is around the corner I wanted to share the best Beer Brats Recipe.

Ingredients

• fresh brats - bratwurst sausages are so amazing!
• German beers are traditional. But use your favorite beer or a good dark beer for this recipe.
• large yellow onions
• garlic
• beef broth
• sauerkraut
• spicy mustard, brown mustard or whole grain mustard
• your favorite buns - hot dog buns or brat buns

Instructions

1. This bratwurst recipe is so simple! Place brats in a cast-iron skillet or large dutch oven set on medium-high heat. The top with enough beer, beef broth, onion, garlic and water to cover the brats. 
2. Boil brats then reduce to a simmer. Occasionally turn the brats so they are completely cooked. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until they are completely cooked thru. 
3. Next grill the Beer Brats over an open grill making sure to get good grill marks.

Equipment

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• aluminum pan
• instant read meat thermometer

FAQ's

Things to know

• You can use your slow cooker to cook the brats prior to grilling. Or if you're at the stadium just use a shallow pan covered with aluminum foil and place it on the hot grill.
• You can use a gas grill, indoor grill pan , charcoal grill or even your air fryer, whichever you'd prefer!
• Make sure you start with clean grill grates.
• When they are cooked move them off the flame and keep warm with indirect heat or place them back in the beer bath. Let's take advantage of those delicious juices!
• In my opinion, the best brats are Johnsonville Brats made in Sheboygan, WI. If you can't find Johnsonville Brats get good bratwurst or German Sausages not hotdogs, because ahem.....there's a difference! 

Related recipes

• Cuban Sliders - small bite sandwiches that are salty, buttery meaty bites!
• Chicken Ranch Bacon Pinwheels - make-ahead tortilla roll-ups, so easy to make and delicious!
• Sticky Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce - a MUST make!!
• Tailgate Chili - my favorite chili recipe!
• Stuffed Potato Skins - almost a meal!
• Asian Turkey Sliders - an easy recipe, perfect for tailgating!

Serving with

Build by starting with a hotdog bun, topped with a brat, sauerkraut and a good whole grain german mustard. That's it....simple and perfect! Football is a way of life in Wisconsin and when it comes to Beer Brats - they do it right!

Best side dish options -

• Cheese curds - a tasty must try if you can find them. They are salty, squeaky and so yummy!!
• The caramelized onions from the dutch oven that have simmered in the beer bath are great topping your dog as well.
• Make a bowl of Deviled Egg Potato Salad.
• Macaroni Salad Recipe.
• And of course a pot of Tailgate Chili - boy will you have a feast!

And in case you're wondering... I love football! The team I root for is the Green Bay Packers (big surprise, right?)!! I've been to several games at Lambeau Stadium and Dan and I have plans to head back to Wisconsin next fall to enjoy a game!!

How about you, who's your favorite team?

What's your favorite tailgate food? Comment below, I'd love to hear what's on your menu! If you have a moment, please leave a five star comment for these tasty brats!!!

Recipe backstory

It was January 30th, 1994 - Super Bowl Sunday.  It was moving day and I was moving from San Clemente, CA to Manitowoc, WI.  

When I stepped on the plane it was 80 in Southern California - when I deplaned in Milwaukee Wisconsin it was 7.  Pretty sure the windchill was -20 below zero. Hence my introduction to Wisconsin!

Here is what I learned about Wisconsin while I lived there -

These are hard-working folks.  They won't let a little thing like a snowstorm stop them from coming to work.  AND they won't be late either, they will get up, dig out their driveway and car and go to work.  Snow is a way of life - deal with it!

Fridays are for Fish Fries and Fish Boils.  Every supper club has a Fish Fry on Friday nights and if you are really lucky you get invited to a fish boil (ewe!!!).  

Admittedly I thought a "fish boil" sounded awful until I tried it. Fish boils are amazing. Lake Trout boiled with corn, onions, potatoes and seasoning. It involves a big fire, super cool and loads of fun. If you EVER get an invite - go!

In the five years I was in Wisconsin I lived in Manitowoc, Mishicot and Ashwaubenon and worked in Green Bay.