These juicy, Lager-infused Wisconsin beer brats on soft, toasted buns will be your new summer cookout go-to. Topped with spicy mustard, grilled onions and tangy sauerkraut, they’re the perfect excuse to fire up the grill.
Why You’ll Love This Beer Brats Recipe
This recipe is so good you’ll be on hot dog duty for all your summer cookouts from now on.
- Crowd-pleaser. Halve, double, or triple the recipe as needed. Everyone loves juicy hot dogs fresh out of the grill!
- Great for cookouts. You can’t have a summer cookout without a good ol’ hot dog.
- Versatile. Serve the toppings and condiments on the side so people can add whatever they want.
- Twist on a classic. Boiling the sausages with beer and onions infuses more flavor in each bite.
What You’ll Need
The malty Lager and sweet onion balance out the sausage’s savoriness. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.
- Johnsonville Original Brats – You can use your favorite sausages or bratwurst.
- Lager beer – It has a very subtle, crisp taste. Use an IPA for bitterness or a Stout for roasted, sweet depth.
- Onion – Yellow or white onions work best.
- Hotdog buns – I love brioche hot dog buns becase they’re super soft, but use your favorite.
Optional Garnishes:
- Mustard – Use spicy, whole-grain, or yellow mustard.
- Sauerkraut – It adds tang and salty brine.
- Grilled onions – You can also use caramelized onions.
- Ketchup – Add your favorite.
How To Make Wisconsin Beer Brats
The grill marks on the brats add toasty goodness to every bite. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.
- Boil them. Add the beer, onions, and brats to a large pot. Cover it and boil everything for 30 minutes. Drain well and set them aside.
- Grill the brats. Place the grill over medium-high heat. Add the brats and grill them for 10 minutes or until browned on all sides.
- Serve. Remove the sausages from the grill and serve them in hot dog buns. Add your favorite condiments and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Smokey beer brats are the perfect canvas for your favorite savory toppings and condiments like crispy bacon and creamy aioli.
- Add toppings. Topping your hot dogs with ketchup, mustard, mayo, or Roasted Garlic Aioli is a great way to add more flavor. Pickle relish, crushed potato chips, and crumbled bacon are other great options.
- Tex-Mex beer brats. Load the hot dogs with chili beans, 1-2 tablespoons melty cheddar cheese, and freshly sliced jalapeños.
- Make it alcohol-free. Use a 0% alcohol Lager “beer” to prepare this recipe so that it’s completely family-friendly. You can also swap it for water.
- Heat the buns. Microwave the buns for 10-15 seconds or until warm and soft. This makes it easier to open them up without breaking.
- German-style brats. Add sauerkraut or German potato salad to taste over your hot dogs for a German twist.
Ways To Serve Beer Brats
These beer brats go perfectly with all your cookout favorites like Brisket Sliders, Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños, and Garlic Parmesan Fries. Tortilla chips with Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and Chile Con Queso are great too. If you prefer chicken appetizers, try my Buffalo Chicken Wings and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
Proper Storage
It’s best to store the sausages, bread, and toppings in separate containers.
- Fridge: Place them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat them: Microwave them in 20-second increments until warm.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- The Best Ever Ground Beef Tacos
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin Bites
- Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Wisconsin Beer Brats
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 brats 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
These juicy, Lager-infused Wisconsin beer brats served on soft, toasted buns with spicy mustard, grilled onions and sauerkraut will be your new summer go to.
Ingredients
- 10 Johnsonville Original Brats
- 24 oz. of Lager Beer
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 10 hotdog buns
Optional Garnishes:
- Spicy mustard
- Whole grain mustard
- Yellow mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Grilled onions
- Ketchup
Instructions
- To a large saucepan add brats, onions and beer.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 30 minutes.
- Heat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove brats from sauce pan and place directly on grill.
- Grill brats until browned on all sides, approximately 10 minutes, flipping throughout so as not to burn.
- Serve with a toasted hotdog bun and whatever condiments you choose.
18 comments on “Wisconsin Beer Brats”
I dated a guy in college who was from Wisconsin. When ever he went back to visit, or anyone came to California to visit, they would bring an igloo chest FULL of brats! I had no clue what they were. Now every time I see them, I think of him and that ice chest…and the beer!
haha.. that is hilarious. He must have been deep woods Wisconsin, us normal Wisconsinites aren’t that intense about our brats. Thats so funny!!:)
You’re singin’ my hometown tune, girlyfriend! You can’t just have ANY old brats… it’s GOT to be Johnsonville! 😀
Absolutely! Its the only way to go… its the original brat! Common people!!! 🙂
I grew up in Wisconsin and Johnsonville brats are good. But now I live in Colorado and I make antelope brats. Maybe even better! 🙂
OHhhh I’ve never heard of that. I’ll need to try it the next time I’m in Colorado.
Originally from Ohio, I make mine the same way. Top with a little Hellish Relish or other spicy relish.
They are so stinking good and yes, totally top them with some spicy relish and you are good to go! 🙂
Yum! I agree with the grilled onions. It’s funny – I just posted my Reuben Hot Dogs last night and didn’t realize it was National Hot Dog Day!! lol
haha… thats so funny. Grilled onions are definitely the way to go. Gonna head over and check out your dog. 🙂
I used to live in MN and would enjoy these! Love them!
Ahh.. another friend from the Midwest! 🙂 I hope you love them! Thanks for stopping by.
Yum! These sound delicious as well as look delicious. My husband is actually working in Wisconsin this week, so maybe I will make these for him when he returns tomorrow!
What a great treat for him when he comes home. 🙂 Hope you wasn’t too bored in our state, its not the most exciting place. But has good food! 😉
SO GOOD!!! We will be making these a lot come football kick-off. Thanks for joining in my friend!!! Love having you.
Ohhh… totally didnt think about that. Great idea! Definitely an awesome football food. Thanks for letting join in on your fun roundup! 🙂
looks like you had loads of fun on HD day, loved the way you have grilled the sausages till crisp and browned, 🙂
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Thanks so much Kumar, we had a blast! Definitely a great meal to celebrate HD Day. 🙂