Grilled Beef Brats Sauerkraut

The scent of bratwurst hitting a hot grill takes me back to every backyard gathering I've ever loved. There's something universal about that sizzle, the way neighbors drift over when they smell it, conversations starting up before anyone's even taken a bite. My friend Mark taught me the butter-toasted bun trick during what became known as the Great Bratwurst Summit of 2019, and honestly, it changed everything.

Last summer I made these for a impromptu Tuesday night dinner that turned into a full-blown neighborhood party. My daughter had friends over, one thing led to another, and suddenly I was feeding eight hungry teenagers who'd never had bratwurst before. Watching them discover the sauerkraut-mustard combination was genuinely delightful, especially the one who swore he hated kraut until he tried it this way.

Ingredients

• 4 beef bratwurst sausages: Quality matters here since the beef flavor is the star, look for ones with good snap when you poke them
• 4 brat or hot dog buns: Sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart when loaded with toppings
• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut: Drained well so your bun doesn't get soggy, but still juicy enough to add that essential tang
• 4 tbsp whole grain or spicy brown mustard: The robust mustard flavor is what ties everything together, don't skip it
• 1 small red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharp crunch that cuts through the rich meat
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh finish and makes everything look like you tried harder than you actually did
• Butter or oil: For toasting the buns because a buttery, crispy bun makes all the difference

Instructions

Get your grill going:

Preheat to medium heat, around 350°F, aiming for that perfect spot where you can hold your hand above the grates for about 5 seconds before it gets too hot

Grill the bratwursts:

Place them on the grill and turn occasionally until they're beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes total

Toast those buns:

Brush the insides with butter and place them cut-side down on the grill for the last 2 minutes until golden and crispy

Warm the sauerkraut:

Heat it gently in a small pan over low heat or zap it in the microwave until steaming hot

Assemble and serve:

Nestle each grilled brat into a toasted bun, pile on the warm sauerkraut, add mustard, and finish with red onion and parsley if you're feeling fancy

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These have become my go-to when I want to feed people something that feels special without actually requiring special effort. There's something about bratwurst that just makes people happy, maybe it's the German heritage or maybe it's just that everything tastes better grilled.

Choosing The Right Bratwurst

I've learned through plenty of trial and error that not all bratwursts are created equal. The best ones have a nice casing that snaps when you bite into them, and they shouldn't be overly salty. If you can find them fresh from a butcher instead of pre-packaged, it's absolutely worth the extra stop.

Building The Perfect Bite

The trick is getting a little bit of everything in each mouthful. I spread mustard on both sides of the bun interior, layer the sauerkraut thick enough that it doesn't all fall out in the first bite, and make sure any onion slices are distributed evenly so nobody gets an overwhelming mouthful.

Serving Suggestions That Actually Work

German potato salad is the classic choice for a reason, but a simple cucumber salad with dill works beautifully too. Pickles on the side are non-negotiable in my house, and pretzels make perfect finger food while everything's coming off the grill.

• Crisp lager or wheat beer pairs perfectly with the rich beef
• Keep extra mustard on the table because people will want more
• Have napkins ready because these get messy in the best way

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There's nothing quite like standing around the grill with friends, cold drinks in hand, waiting for that moment when everyone can finally dig in. These bratwursts might just become your new tradition too.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I grill the beef brats?

Grill over medium heat (about 350°F) and turn occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.

→ Can I toast the buns on the grill?

Yes, lightly brush the buns with butter or oil and toast cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.

→ What are good toppings for these brats?

Classic toppings include sauerkraut, whole grain mustard, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley for added freshness.

→ Are there alternatives to beef bratwurst?

You can swap beef for pork, chicken, or plant-based bratwursts depending on preference.

→ What beverage pairs well with this dish?

A crisp lager or wheat beer complements the smoky and tangy flavors beautifully.