If you’re looking for the ultimate brat recipe, you’ve found it! The brats are browned to perfection, then simmered in beer to soak up all those rich, deep flavors. Serve them plain or on a bun. It’s all about that juicy sausage and melt-in-your-mouth onions.

Why Our Recipe

Flavor-packed brats come from browning and then simmering the bratwurst in beer infuses them with a rich, deep flavor.
Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory touch that perfectly complements the juicy bratwurst.
Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, straightforward steps, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

A close up overhead view of a beer braised bratwurst in a bun with onions and topped with mustard.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have dinner on the table without any fuss. Pair these brats with your favorite buns and a drizzle of stone-ground mustard, and you’ve got a dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make beer braised bratwurst and onions.

Bratwurst: The star of the show! Use high-quality bratwurst for the best flavor. You can also try Italian sausage or kielbasa for a different twist.
Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the brats and onions. Canola oil, olive oil, or any other neutral oil works just as well.
White Onions: Sliced thin for caramelizing. Yellow onions can be used for a slightly sharper flavor.
Beer: Any type works, but a good pilsner or lager adds great depth of flavor. Non-alcoholic beer, chicken broth, or apple juice can be substituted if you prefer.
Minced Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used instead.
Bratwurst Buns or Hot Dog Buns: Toast them lightly for added texture and flavor. Pretzel buns make a great alternative.
Stone-Ground Mustard: The classic choice but you could also use yellow or Dijon mustard.

Buying Brats

When you’re picking up bratwurst at the grocery store, you’ll usually find them hanging out in the meat section, often in packs of five. Why five? Who knows! There are lots of choices – traditional pork brats, a mix of pork and beef, and even turkey brats if you’re feeling like something lighter. You might see some fun flavors too, like beer brats or cheddar brats, which can add a tasty twist. All of them work in this recipe. And if you’re up for trying something different, Italian sausage or kielbasa are great options too.

Which Beer to Use

Pilsners and lagers have a nice, balanced flavor that complements the brats perfectly. But honestly, any beer you like to drink will work! If you’re into craft beers, you might find some fun options to experiment with, though keep in mind that super hoppy or dark beers might overpower the other flavors.

An overhead view of a cast iron skillet filled with beer braised bratwurst and onions.

Additional Topping Ideas

For some extra deliciousness, try topping your bratwurst with sautéed mushrooms or pickled red onions for a tangy crunch. Sauerkraut is a classic choice that adds a tangy, fermented kick, while shredded cheese like Swiss, cheddar, or gouda provides a melty, gooey experience. If you like some heat, add fresh or pickled jalapeño slices. A creamy coleslaw offers a nice crunch and balances the richness, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh flavor contrast. And of course, crispy bacon bits make everything. Mix and match to create your perfect bratwurst!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate any leftover bratwurst and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe dish. Add just a splash of water (it helps keep the bratwurst moist). Heat them up in 30-second bursts until they’re warmed through.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water. Cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and the onions are sizzling.