Bratwurst has earned its place as a beloved ingredient in German cuisine, and its global popularity is no surprise. This versatile sausage’s adaptability to various dishes makes it a culinary chameleon. In the following pages, I’ve curated some of my go-to bratwurst recipes for you to discover and indulge in. If your routine sausages have lost their luster, fear not – these expertly seasoned links will revitalize your taste buds by harmonizing with an array of flavors.
Let’s delve into the possibilities!
Bratwurst Macaroni Cheese
While mac and cheese is a beloved favorite across generations, why not elevate it to new heights by incorporating the rich flavors of beer and bratwurst – perfect for any barbecue gathering? The best part is that this delightful combination can be enjoyed long after the BBQ has ended. Simply re-purpose your leftover brat and veggies in beer, then combine them with your mac and cheese for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new comfort food tradition.
Bratwurst On A Stick
Transforming an ordinary snack into an extraordinary one is as simple as elevating it to the realm of the humble stick. The versatility of this culinary hack is exemplified by the enduring popularity of corn dogs, which can be taken to new heights by substituting the sausage filling with a bratwurst. By encasing the brats in beer batter, you’ll be rewarded with a delectable bratwurst corn dog that’s sure to delight.
Bratwurst Pizza
The combination of pizza and bratwurst is a match made in heaven. The addition of sliced bratwurst brings a fresh spin to the classic recipe. For those looking to incorporate German flavors, consider topping your pizza dough with sauerkraut – this twist works regardless of the type of bratwurst used. As long as it’s cooked to perfection, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this unique pizza indoors or out, making it a great option for any occasion.
Bratwurst Sliders
Indulge in the savory delight of bratwurst sliders, perfectly suited as a barbecue treat. The added bonus? A rich beer cheese accompaniment that elevates the dish to new heights. To take it to the next level, braise those onions in cheese until they’re caramelized and velvety, then serve them on a soft pretzel roll, freshly baked from scratch for an explosion of flavors.
Bratwurst Subs
When hosting a party, don’t be afraid to elevate the classic hot dog by building a bratwurst sub instead. The popularity of bratwurst has surpassed that of traditional American hot dogs, and it’s particularly beloved in Wisconsin. To take your sub game to the next level, consider using more substantial buns than those typically used for hot dogs. Pair your bratwurst with your favorite condiments and a refreshing pint of beer, and you’ll be serving up a truly unforgettable barbecue treat.
Bratwurst Tacos
Food’s versatility is one of its most appealing aspects – it transcends cultural boundaries, allowing you to easily adapt recipes to suit your taste. Case in point: the unlikely yet delectable combination of bratwurst and tacos. When paired at a backyard barbecue or outdoor gathering, this fusion dish can be customized with an array of toppings to cater to individual preferences. You might even stumble upon this unique blend at street fairs and festivals.
To create your own experimental masterpiece, simply grill the bratwurst, cook tortillas on a griddle, and add your choice of toppings for a truly one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Cabbage Wrap Brats
For a low-carb twist on traditional brats, I’ve opted for cabbage wrap brats in this list. One of the perks of cooking these is that you can sauté your onions right alongside the brats, eliminating the need to juggle multiple pans and making cleanup a breeze. The sweet, caramelized flavor of the onions harmonizes beautifully with the tanginess of the sauerkraut, creating a winning combination that’s definitely worth trying out.
Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi
Savor the harmonious union of creamy tomato cheddar sauce, tender gnocchi, and rich bratwurst flavors in this delightful dish. Perfect for a quick 30-minute meal, it’s an ideal recipe to repurpose leftover brats from a barbecue. With readily available ingredients at your local grocery store, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Creamy And Cheesy Bratwurst Casserole
When the weather turns chilly, there’s no better way to warm up than with a comforting casserole. And what better option is there than this creamy, cheesy bratwurst casserole? Its rich flavors will keep you and your loved ones satisfied for days to come. The key to making it truly special lies in ensuring that the creamy sauce envelops every last bit of bratwurst, while a crunchy bread topping adds a delightful textural element.
So go ahead and indulge in this satisfying dish – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Crescent Wrapped Bratwurst Bites
Indulge in the ultimate party-pleasing experience with crescent wrapped bratwurst bites. By wrapping store-bought crescent rolls around these savory treats, baking them is a breeze. Elevate the flavor profile with a tangy sauerkraut dip, and get ready to savor each bite as you unwind with friends on game day or at your next social gathering.
Easy Bratwurst Pasta
When you’re left with leftover bratwursts from a grilling session, don’t let them go to waste! Simply toss them into this quick and easy pasta recipe. The best part is that you can customize it with your favorite pasta type, as well as add some extra flavor with sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and diced veggies. If you’re feeling fancy, top it off with some shredded cheese for an added touch. Prep takes just five minutes, leaving most of the time to let the dish cook to perfection.
German Bratwurst Cabbage And Potato Stew
As the autumnal atmosphere of Oktoberfest descends upon us, there’s no denying the allure of a hearty stew to warm our spirits. The combination of tender cabbage and potatoes, infused with an array of spices, creates a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple on cozy fall evenings. With its humble eight-ingredient count, this recipe is an ideal introduction to the world of German cuisine – a perfect blend of comfort food and cultural heritage.
Greek Bratwurst Burger
Greek bratwurst burgers offer a fascinating blend of flavors and textures. By substituting traditional burger toppings with Greek yogurt-based cucumber sauce and crumbled feta cheese, the classic combo takes on a new dimension. This innovative twist is further enhanced by serving roasted potatoes and pita bread as sides, providing a delightful departure from the usual bun-based setup.
Although it may not be a strictly traditional bratwurst experience, incorporating bratwurst grillers still allows for a nod to the original while introducing exciting new elements to the mix.
Grilled Bratwurst And Vegetable Shish Kabob Skewers
When it comes to hosting game nights or barbecues, having a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer is essential. Shish kabob skewers are an excellent choice for this occasion, as they can be easily customized with a variety of vegetables and meats. By spacing out your shish kabobs between different veggies, you can create a flavorful and textured experience that will impress your friends and family. Try pairing them with brats or other sausages for a truly memorable gathering.
Midwest Mary
While the idea of pairing bratwurst with cocktails may seem unconventional, it’s actually a match made in heaven. Take, for instance, the Midwest Mary – a creative twist on the classic Bloody Mary that incorporates the savory flavors of bratwurst. To make this unique concoction, start by preparing your usual Bloody Mary recipe, then take it to the next level with a garnish featuring your own artistic arrangement of bratwurst, cheese, and pickles.
Puff Pastry Bratwurst With Curry Ketchup
Transforming classic pigs in a blanket into an adult-oriented delight, bratwurst wrapped in puff pastry is a cinch to prepare. Simply grab some pre-made puff pastry sheets and roll them up around your Bratwurst for a savory German sausage roll experience. But if curry ketchup isn’t your thing, fear not – you can opt for spicy German mustard or skip condiments altogether, allowing the natural flavors of the sausage to shine through.
Reuben Brats
While Reuben brats may share similarities with their traditional counterparts, it’s the creative twist on toppings that sets them apart. The classic combination of Swiss cheese, tangy dressing, and fermented sauerkraut adds a delightful surprise to this casual barbecue fare. By incorporating these flavors into a soft bun, you’ll have a satisfying treat to enjoy at your next outdoor gathering.
Sheet Pan Brats And Roasted Vegetables
For those seeking a straightforward dish that requires minimal preparation and cleanup, look no further than this autumnal delight. Its appeal extends far beyond the season, making it an excellent choice for Oktoberfest celebrations (not to mention its widespread popularity in German cuisine). While not as widely observed in the US, the allure of traditional Oktoberfest dishes remains strong, with many enthusiasts eager to recreate them at home.
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, this sheet pan of bratwurst and roasted vegetables provides a cozy, satisfying solution.
Simple Bratwurst Soup
When facing a mountain of leftovers in your fridge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to make them disappear. That’s where this simple yet satisfying bratwurst soup recipe comes into play. By combining your leftover bratwurst with whatever potatoes and vegetables you have on hand, you’ll create a hearty and flavorful meal that will leave you wondering why you ever bothered with takeout in the first place.
And to give it an added boost of authenticity, don’t be afraid to add some sauerkraut to the mix for a tangy kick. As for the broth, feel free to use whatever you have available – but if you want to take your soup to the next level, beef broth is the way to go.
Slow-Cooker Bratwurst Casserole
As the temperature drops, there’s nothing like curling up with a warm, comforting casserole that’s packed with flavor. A slow-cooker bratwurst casserole is just the thing to do just that.
Not only will it fill your home with an irresistible aroma that’ll keep you craving all day long, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. To make this mouthwatering dish, simply gather your ingredients: juicy bratwurst, crunchy carrots, fluffy potatoes, savory celery, and aromatic onions.
Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Brats
When it comes to elevating the humble bratwurst, few would disagree that the addition of rich, melted cheese and crispy bacon can be nothing short of transformative. Simply cut open your sausage, fill it with a generous helping of cheese, then wrap it snugly in bacon before serving. The resulting stuffed treat is sure to impress at any backyard barbecue or casual gathering.
Beer And Brat Cheddar Soup
Childhood nostalgia often accompanies the harmonious pairing of beer and bratwurst, evoking memories of sizzling sausages and parental gatherings. It’s no surprise that this comforting combination was destined for cozy days indoors, when a warm bowl of beer and brat cheddar soup can instantly transport us back to our childhoods.
Beer Brat Bites
When hosting a gathering, impress your guests with these delectable beer brat bites. Perfect for any occasion, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare. Simply grill your bratwurst until it’s cooked through, then cut it into bite-sized morsels. Next, drizzle the pieces with a rich beer glaze – feel free to get creative and choose your favorite ale. Once glazed, use a toothpick to pick up each piece and serve. Your partygoers will delight in this satisfying snack.
Brat-er Tot Casserole
Experience a harmonious blend of German and Southern cuisines with Brat-er Tot Casserole, a creative spin on the classic Tater Tot casserole recipe. The addition of bratwurst brings a savory, meaty flavor to this comforting dish, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or casual meals. Discover how this innovative twist on a beloved recipe will become a new favorite in your household.
Bratwurst And Sauerkraut
While bratwurst and sauerkraut is a timeless German combination, this twist adds an unexpected layer of flavor by incorporating sweet and savory elements. The addition of apple and onion creates a harmonious balance between the usual tanginess of sauerkraut and the richness of the sausage.
Final Thoughts
While bratwurst has gained immense popularity in the United States, we’re excited to share our top picks of mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ on a sweltering summer evening or planning a festive Oktoberfest celebration, these delicious and authentic German-style sausage dishes will satisfy your cravings.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.