Quick and simple summer meals, like these juicy Grilled Brats, are the best kind of meals. Boiled in beer and onions, these brats are packed with flavor and give you perfect results every time. The best part about this easy recipe? Dinner can be ready in 30 minutes.
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Summer and grilling go hand in hand. And if Grilled Brats aren't in your regular summer rotation it's time to change that.
These bratwurst are so juicy and packed with flavor that you just need a some onions, sauerkraut and a little mustard to let these Grilled Brats be the star of your next backyard BBQ.
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Why this recipe works
- Easy clean up! Who wants to turn the oven on during the summer? Throw the brats in some beer with some sliced onion and let the magic happen on the grill.
- No planning needed. Just boil and grill and your main dish is done. No long marinade or refrigeration time required.
- Less chance for undercooked brats! Simmering the brats in beer jumpstarts the cooking process and ensures the brats cook more evenly on the grill. Parcooked brats also lessen the chance that they will burst open on the grill and lose their tasty juices.
- Sides are a snap! No matter what kind of sides you are in the mood for, Grilled Brats are a great choice. It can be as simple as a bag of chips and some fruit, Veggies and Dip, No Mayo Potato Salad or an Arugula Salad. Whatever you're craving, grilled bratwurst are a great match.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes:
- Brats - We love to use fresh bratwurst for this recipe. You can also use cheddar brats, chicken brats or beer brats.
- Onions - Sweet onions add great flavor when they are cooked but you can also use yellow or white if that is all you have on hand.
- Beer - Any kind of beer can be used for this recipe.
Instructions
Don't skip the boiling in beer step, it takes the brats to another flavor level.
- Step 1: Add onions and bratwurst to a medium pan. Pour beer over the top and add enough water to cover the brats.
- Step 2: Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove brats and onions from the pan and discard the beer mixture.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to 450 degrees and place brats on direct heat. Grill for 7 minutes, turn and grill for additional 7-10 minutes to evenly brown the bratwurst.
- Step 4: While the brats are cooking on the grill, heat one tablespoon of oil in a small frying pan and add onions to the pan. Cook until golden brown being careful not to burn them.
FAQs
Brats are considered safe to eat when they have been cooked to 160°F. Boiling the brats before grilling them helps reduce the time needed on the grill to reach the desired temperature.
No, you don't but the beer and onions infuse the brats with a ton of flavor and make them nice and juicy.
Not at all! We use whatever we have on hand. This is a great way to use a beer you are looking to get rid of and non-alcoholic beer makes a great option, too. It's the flavor you are looking to get infused into the brats, not the alcohol content.
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Brats
- Take the time to boil them in beer. This isn't a necessary step with all brats, but it sure adds a ton of flavor and it's the best way to prep them for the grill.
- Grill the brats until golden, turning often. Brats that are seared and caramelized on the outside are nice and juicy on the inside.
- Serve them with sauerkraut, sauteed onions and a variety of mustards! These easy condiments let the flavor shine.
- Use good buns! Brioche buns are dense and hold up to the denseness of the brats without breaking. Bonus points if you grill the buns for added flavor.
More Easy Grilling Recipes
Need more easy recipes? Check out all of our main dishes.
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Recipe
Grilled Brats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz beer
- 12 oz water
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 6 brats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- brat buns
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- sauerkraut
- mustard
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Instructions
- Add the beer, water, onion and brats to a large pot and bring to a boil.12 oz beer, 12 oz water, 1 onion, 6 brats
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to 450°F.
- Remove brats from beer and grill for 15 minutes, turning after 7 minutes to brown evenly.
- While brats are grilling, remove onions from the beer mixture. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan and sauté onions for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside until ready to serve.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Brush buns with melted butter and place on top rack of grill for 30-60 seconds to brown. Watch carefully so they don't burn.brat buns, 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Remove brats from the grill and serve immediately with sautéed onions, buns and condiments.sauerkraut, mustard
Notes
- Brats - We love to use fresh bratwurst. You can also use cheddar brats, chicken brats or beer brats.
- Onions - Sweet onions add great flavor when they are cooked but you can also use yellow or white if that is all you have on hand.
- Beer - Any kind of beer can be used for this recipe.
- Buns- Brioche buns are dense and hold the brats and sauerkraut well without tearing.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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