Milwaukee's Finest Beer Bratwurst
Transport your taste buds straight to Wisconsin with this delicious Beer Bratwurst recipe! Perfect for any grilling occasion, these brats are simmered in a robust Milwaukee beer and enhanced with sweet onions and savory spices. It's a crowd-pleaser that embodies the spirit of Wisconsin cookouts. Serve these flavorful sausages on warm brat buns with all the fixings, and you'll have a dish that sparks joy and satisfaction at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
sweet onion
1 large (sliced)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
caraway seed
1 pinch (none)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
bratwursts
6 whole (pricked with a fork or sliced)
beer
2 (16 ounce) cans (of Milwaukee beer)
sauerkraut
6 ounces (rinsed)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onions and sauté until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the brown sugar, caraway seeds, and a pinch of pepper, mixing well to combine the flavors.
3
Carefully place the bratwursts on top of the onion mixture. Pour the beer over the brats so they are fully submerged. (Enjoy any leftover beer yourself!)
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook the brats until they are fully cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
5
Once the brats are cooked, carefully remove them and set aside. Stir the rinsed sauerkraut into the beer-onion mixture and let it warm through for an additional 5 minutes.
6
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the bratwursts until they are golden brown and have nice grill marks, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
7
Return the grilled brats to the beer and kraut mixture to keep warm until ready to serve.
8
Serve the brats on freshly baked brat buns, topped with sauerkraut, browned onions, and optional condiments like fresh grated horseradish, ketchup, and mustard.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Milwaukee's Finest Beer Bratwurst?
It is a classic Wisconsin-style recipe where bratwursts are simmered in a mixture of Milwaukee beer, sweet onions, and spices before being finished on the grill.
What kind of beer should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using two 16-ounce cans of a robust Milwaukee beer to capture the authentic spirit of a Wisconsin cookout.
How many bratwursts does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 6 whole bratwursts, which typically serves 6 people.
Should I prick the bratwursts before cooking?
Yes, the ingredients list suggests that the bratwursts should be pricked with a fork or sliced before being placed in the beer mixture.
What type of onions are best for these beer brats?
A large sweet onion is recommended for this recipe to provide a nice balance to the savory beer and spices.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
You should sauté the sliced sweet onions in butter for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
Why is brown sugar added to the recipe?
Brown sugar is used to add a touch of sweetness that complements the onions and beer during the simmering process.
What is the purpose of caraway seeds in this dish?
Caraway seeds provide a traditional savory spice note that is characteristic of many German-influenced Wisconsin bratwurst recipes.
How long should the bratwursts simmer in the beer?
The brats should be simmered in the beer and onion mixture for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked through.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut?
Yes, the recipe specifies that 6 ounces of sauerkraut should be rinsed before being added to the mixture.
When do I add the sauerkraut?
Add the rinsed sauerkraut to the beer-onion mixture after the brats have finished simmering and have been removed from the pot.
How long do I grill the bratwursts?
Grill the brats on medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown with nice grill marks.
How do I keep the brats warm after grilling?
Once grilled, return the bratwursts to the pot containing the warm beer, onion, and sauerkraut mixture to keep them hot until serving.
What type of buns should I use?
The recipe recommends serving the sausages on freshly baked brat buns for the best experience.
What condiments are suggested for these beer brats?
Suggested condiments include fresh grated horseradish, ketchup, and mustard, along with the simmered onions and sauerkraut.
What equipment do I need to make this?
You will need a Dutch oven for the simmering process and a grill for finishing the sausages.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter to sauté the onions.
Is the beer mixture brought to a boil?
Yes, you should bring the beer and brat mixture to a boil first, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
What happens to the leftover beer after pouring it over the brats?
The instructions humorously suggest that you can enjoy any leftover beer yourself while the brats cook.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include bratwurst, Wisconsin, beer, grilling, summer bbq, sauerkraut, comfort food, lunch, and snacks.
Can I use different types of sausages?
While specifically designed for bratwursts, the method could work for other sausages, though the flavor profile is tailored for traditional brats.
How much sauerkraut is needed?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of sauerkraut.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Are the onions served with the bratwursts?
Yes, the browned onions from the beer mixture are meant to be used as a topping for the brats.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not include specific calorie or fat counts, but focuses on the preparation and ingredients.
Is caraway seed a mandatory ingredient?
It is part of the ingredient list (one pinch) and helps define the specific 'Milwaukee' flavor profile of the dish.
How much beer is required in total?
You need 32 ounces of beer in total, provided by two 16-ounce cans.
What is the preparation for the pepper?
The recipe calls for pepper that is freshly ground and added to taste.
How long does the sauerkraut heat up in the mixture?
The sauerkraut should be warmed through in the beer-onion mixture for an additional 5 minutes.
Can this be made indoors?
The simmering part is done on a stovetop, but a grill is specified for finishing. You could use a grill pan indoors if a traditional grill is unavailable.