Grilled Beef Brats Sauerkraut

The smell of bratwurst hitting a hot grill takes me back to tailgating parties where strangers became friends over shared plates and cold drinks. Something magical happens when those juices hit the flames and that distinct sizzle echoes through the air.

My dad taught me the trick of letting the brats rest for a couple minutes before biting into them, otherwise all those incredible juices escape onto your plate. Learned that lesson the hard way at a Fourth of July party when I burned my tongue and wasted the best brat of the batch.

Ingredients

• 4 beef bratwursts: Quality matters here so choose ones with good fat content for maximum juiciness
• 4 sturdy brat buns or hot dog rolls: Soft buns will fall apart so go for something that can hold up to the toppings
• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut drained: Rinse it if you prefer a milder tang but I love that punchy acidity
• 2 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard: Spicy brown mustard works wonderfully too if you want more depth
• 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced optional: Adds a crisp fresh bite and beautiful color contrast
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional: Makes everything look restaurant worthy and adds a fresh herbal note
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil for oiling grill: Prevents sticking and helps achieve those gorgeous grill marks
• 4 slices Swiss cheese optional: Creates the most incredible melty creamy situation

Instructions

Get that grill screaming hot:

Preheat your grill to medium high heat and lightly oil the grates so nothing sticks

Grill those brats to perfection:

Cook the bratwursts for 12 to 15 minutes turning them every few minutes until they are beautifully browned all over and hit 160 degrees inside

Toast your buns and melt that cheese:

During the last 2 minutes throw the buns on the grill and add Swiss cheese slices if you are going that route

Warm up the kraut:

Heat the sauerkraut in a small pan over medium heat or zap it in the microwave until steaming hot

Build your masterpiece:

Nestle each grilled brat into a toasted bun and pile on the sauerkraut mustard onions and parsley

Serve them up hot:

Get these onto plates immediately while everything is still warm and the cheese is perfectly melted

Save to Pinterest

These became our go-to Friday night dinner during summer because they are fast enough for a weeknight but feel special enough for company. The whole neighborhood starts wandering over when they smell them hitting the grill.

Making It Your Own

Simmering the brats in beer or broth before grilling adds incredible depth and keeps them extra moist. The liquid infuses the meat while pre cooking it so they just need a quick sear on the grill.

Perfect Pairings

German potato salad with that warm vinegar dressing is the classic choice but crispy roasted potato wedges work beautifully too. A simple coleslaw adds crunch and balances the rich meat.

Grill Setup Success

Create two heat zones on your grill so you can move brats to a cooler area if flare ups get too aggressive. Direct high heat gives those gorgeous char marks while indirect heat finishes cooking without burning the exterior.

• Clean grates while hot for best non stick results
• Keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare ups
• Let meat rest before biting into every single brat

Save to Pinterest

There is something deeply satisfying about food that brings people together around the grill napkins in hands mustard on chins.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best grill setting for cooking beef bratwursts?

Use medium-high heat to grill bratwursts evenly, allowing them to brown while cooking through without burning.

→ How can I keep bratwursts juicy during grilling?

Turn them occasionally and avoid piercing the casing to retain juices and prevent dryness.

→ What are good topping options to complement sauerkraut?

Mustard, thinly sliced red onions, fresh parsley, and melted Swiss cheese add flavor contrast and freshness.

→ Can I prepare sauerkraut before grilling the brats?

Yes, warming sauerkraut ahead on the stove or microwave helps meld flavors and ensures it's served warm.

→ How can I add extra flavor to beef bratwursts before grilling?

Simmering the bratwursts in beer prior to grilling infuses rich, malty notes enhancing overall taste.