Easy Beer Brats

This easy beer brats recipe is a classic summer staple with just 5 ingredients, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Simmered in beer and onions, then grilled to perfection!

Easy Beer Brats Recipe

• Just 5 simple ingredients and 30 minutes to make from start to finish
• Juicy, savory bratwursts simmered in beer and onions, then grilled for the perfect bite

Ingredients for Beer Brats

• Bratwursts: Use a 19-ounce package of brats, which typically includes five sausages. Pork brats work best.
• Beer: Lager or pale ale adds flavor and helps tenderize the brats. Avoid overly hoppy or dark beers, which can become bitter. Chicken broth or non-alcoholic beer can be used as an alternative but will change the flavor of course.
• Onion: A large yellow or white onion, sliced, adds sweetness and depth to the beer bath. Red onions work too, but they’ll add a sharper bite.
• Brat Buns: Soft buns made specifically for sausages are ideal. Hoagie rolls or hot dog buns work in a pinch.
• Sauerkraut and Mustard: These toppings add brightness and tang. Try spicy brown mustard or Dijon for extra flavor, and swap sauerkraut for grilled peppers or pickled onions if you prefer.

How to Make Beer Brats

Simmer the brats in beer and onions: Add the brats, sliced onions, and beer to a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Grill the brats: Preheat your grill or round grill pan to medium-high. Transfer the brats from the beer bath to the grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely charred.

Heat the sauerkraut and finish the onions: While the brats are grilling, keep the onions simmering. You can also heat sauerkraut in a small saucepan on the stove.

Assemble and serve: Place the grilled brats into the buns.

Dress the Brats: Top with sauerkraut, mustard, and braised onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making Beer Brats

• Don’t boil the beer — keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid bursting the brat casings.
• For extra flavor, try searing the onions in the pot before adding the beer and brats.
• Use a meat thermometer if needed — brats are fully cooked at 160°F.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can simmer the brats in beer and onions ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Just grill them right before serving.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover brats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat them gently in a skillet or on the grill until warmed through.
• Leftover onions and sauerkraut can be stored separately and reheated on the stove or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Italian grinder pasta salad
• dill pickle pasta salad
• deviled egg macaroni salad
• easy loaded potato salad
• chicken, bacon, artichoke pasta salad

Try these easy summer recipes next!