As the sun begins to shine, the smell of sizzling sausages fills the air – it can only mean one thing: grilling season is upon us! And what better way to kick off this outdoor culinary extravaganza than with a classic German staple: bratwurst. For those who may be new to the world of grilled sausages, bratwurst is a type of sausage originating from Germany, typically made from pork and seasoned with a blend of spices. When paired with a variety of ingredients, it can transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 savory bratwurst recipes that will take your grilling game to the next level. From classic pairings like sauerkraut and mustard to more adventurous combinations like apple-stuffed squash and mushroom pasta, there’s something for every taste bud and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire you to try new flavors and techniques.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of bratwurst and discover some mouth-watering recipes that will make your taste buds do the polka!
Classic German Bratwurst with Sauerkraut
Classic German Bratwurst with Sauerkraut Recipe
This traditional German dish combines juicy bratwurst sausages with tangy sauerkraut, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: caraway seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Place the bratwurst sausages on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they’re translucent and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the sauerkraut to the skillet with the onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Serve the bratwurst sausages with the sauerkraut mixture spooned over the top. Garnish with caraway seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Beer-Braised Bratwurst with Onions
Rich and flavorful, this dish combines the classic German sausage with caramelized onions and a depth of flavor from beer braising liquid. Perfect for a cozy evening or as an impressive party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 12 oz (340 ml) dark lager or brown ale
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
3. Add bratwurst sausages to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Pour in beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cover with a lid.
5. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and braise for 30-40 minutes, or until sausages are cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with caraway seeds (if using). Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions
This classic German-inspired recipe combines the flavors of juicy bratwurst, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions for a satisfying summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite BBQ sauce or mustard
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. While the sausage cooks, brush olive oil on the onion and bell pepper slices.
4. Grill the onions and peppers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Serve bratwurst with grilled peppers and onions, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Add your favorite BBQ sauce or mustard if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes total, including sausage cooking time.
Bratwurst and Potato Skillet
Bratwurst and Potato Skillet Recipe
A hearty, one-pot meal that combines the flavors of Germany with the comfort of a warm skillet dinner. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bratwurst sausages and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the cubed potatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Return the bratwurst sausages to the skillet and stir to combine with the potato mixture.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bratwurst Breakfast Hash
Start your day with a hearty twist on traditional breakfast hash, featuring savory bratwurst and crispy potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb German-style bratwurst, sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20 minutes, or until crispy.
4. While potatoes are cooking, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add sliced bratwurst and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine roasted potatoes with cooked bratwurst mixture in a large bowl.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Bratwurst and Cabbage Soup
Warm up with this comforting German-inspired soup that combines savory bratwurst sausage, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bratwurst sausage
– 2 medium heads of cabbage, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the chopped cabbage, bratwurst sausage, chicken broth, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
3. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bratwurst Hoagie with Spicy Mustard
A classic German-inspired sandwich gets a spicy kick! This Bratwurst Hoagie is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Bratwurst sausages
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup Spicy Mustard (see below)
– 2 cups shredded lettuce
– 1 cup sliced red onion
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers
Spicy Mustard:
– 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as sriracha)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill Bratwurst sausages for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toast hoagie rolls by grilling them lightly for about 2 minutes.
4. Spread Spicy Mustard on the bottom half of each roll.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing a grilled Bratwurst sausage on top of the mustard, followed by shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and bell peppers.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bratwurst and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
This hearty recipe combines the flavors of Germany and fall with a sweet and savory twist. Tender acorn squash is stuffed with juicy bratwurst, crispy apples, and aromatic spices for a comforting and satisfying main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized acorn squash
– 4 bratwurst sausages
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a pan, cook the bratwurst sausages until browned and crispy.
4. In a separate pan, caramelize the diced onion and minced garlic until golden.
5. Stuff each squash half with cooked bratwurst, caramelized onion mixture, diced apple, and butter.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bratwurst Pizza with Caramelized Onions
Bratwurst Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe Summary:
A savory twist on traditional pizza, this recipe combines the flavors of German bratwurst sausage and caramelized onions for a unique and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bratwurst sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook bratwurst sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook caramelized onions for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
4. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
5. Top pizza with cooked bratwurst sausage, caramelized onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bratwurst and Lentil Stew
This German-inspired stew is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, featuring plump bratwurst sausages, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables. Serve with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bratwurst sausages
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large celery stalk, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bratwurst sausages over medium heat, about 5 minutes on each side, until browned.
2. Remove the sausages from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Slice the cooked bratwurst sausages into thick rounds and add them to the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Bratwurst Sliders with Beer Cheese Sauce
Get ready to serve up a flavorful twist on classic sliders with these mouthwatering bratwurst bites, smothered in a rich beer cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound bratwurst sausage
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup beer (any style)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook bratwurst for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add beer and bring to a simmer. Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.
3. Assemble sliders by slicing cooked bratwurst into thick rounds. Place on buns and spoon beer cheese sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (grilling time) + 5-7 minutes (sauce preparation)
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Casserole
This comforting casserole combines the flavors of traditional German bratwurst with tangy sauerkraut, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Bratwurst sausage
– 1 can sauerkraut (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Bratwurst according to package instructions; slice into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until tender. Add cooked bratwurst and stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together sauerkraut, milk, and caraway seeds. Add cooked onion mixture and stir to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bratwurst and Mushroom Pasta
This hearty pasta dish combines the flavors of juicy bratwurst and earthy mushrooms, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Grill or pan-fry bratwurst until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
6. Slice cooked bratwurst into thick rounds; add to the skillet and stir to combine with mushroom sauce.
7. Combine cooked pasta and bratwurst mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bratwurst Cornbread Stuffing
Elevate your holiday dinner with this savory and sweet stuffing, featuring bratwurst sausage and cornbread. This recipe combines the flavors of Germany with traditional American comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 pound bratwurst sausage, cooked and sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add cooked bratwurst sausage and stir to combine.
4. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sausage mixture, parsley, chicken broth, and melted butter. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bratwurst and Sweet Potato Skewers
A flavorful and colorful twist on traditional bratwurst, these skewers combine juicy sausage with sweet and earthy roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Bratwurst sausages
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite barbecue sauce or mustard for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a bratwurst sausage onto each skewer, leaving a small space between the sausage and sweet potatoes.
3. Add 2-3 sweet potato cubes to each skewer, leaving some room for even cooking.
4. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until bratwurst is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot with your favorite barbecue sauce or mustard, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bratwurst Chili with Beans
Get ready to warm up on a chilly day with this rich and flavorful bratwurst chili that combines the best of German and American cuisines. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bratwurst sausages, sliced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bratwurst slices over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and red kidney beans. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Cooking Time: 30-120 minutes
Bratwurst and Pierogi Bake
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of Germany and Poland. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Bratwurst sausages
– 12-16 pierogies (your choice of filling)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pierogies according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook Bratwurst sausages over medium-high heat until browned on both sides; set aside with pierogies.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the cooked pierogies in the bottom.
6. Place Bratwurst sausages on top of pierogies.
7. Pour milk over the sausages, followed by shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onion mixture.
8. Repeat layers: pierogies, Bratwurst, milk, cheese, and onion.
9. Dot the top with butter; season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bratwurst and Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this easy-to-make snack that combines the flavors of bratwurst, pretzels, and melted cheese!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of bratwurst
– 1 bag of soft pretzels (about 20-25 pieces)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the bratwurst into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Cut the pretzels in half or quarters for bite-sized pieces.
4. Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Top each pretzel piece with a bratwurst round, leaving some space between each pair.
6. Drizzle the softened butter over the top of the bratwurst and pretzels.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bratwurst is cooked through and the pretzels are golden brown.
8. Meanwhile, mix the shredded cheddar cheese in a separate bowl.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the melted cheese over the top of the bratwurst and pretzels.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bratwurst and Red Cabbage Stir-Fry
A hearty and flavorful stir-fry that combines the savory taste of bratwurst with the sweetness of red cabbage. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next BBQ gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bratwurst sausages and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the red cabbage to the pan and stir-fry until slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Return the bratwurst sausages to the pan and add apple cider vinegar. Stir-fry for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bratwurst and Bacon Mac and Cheese
A twist on a classic comfort food dish, this recipe combines the flavors of bratwurst and bacon with creamy macaroni and cheese. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 bratwurst sausages, sliced
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add butter to the skillet and sauté sliced bratwurst until browned.
5. In a large saucepan, combine flour and milk. Whisk until smooth and bring to a simmer.
6. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Combine cooked macaroni, bacon, and sausage with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these mouth-watering bratwurst recipes! From classic German-style sauerkraut to beer-braised onions and sweet potato skewers, there’s something for every taste. Try pairing grilled bratwurst with peppers and onions, or go bold with a bratwurst breakfast hash. For a twist, try stuffing acorn squash with apple and bratwurst, or add some spice with a bratwurst hoagie. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something new, these 20 savory recipes are sure to please even the most discerning grill enthusiasts.
