Grilled Beef Brats Sauerkraut

The smell of brats hitting a hot grill takes me back to every backyard gathering I've ever loved, where simple food and good company mattered more than anything fancy. I remember standing by my friend's grill one summer evening, watching the sausages sizzle while kids ran through the yard and ice clinked in coolers everywhere.

My husband discovered that warming the sauerkraut instead of serving it cold makes such a difference, and now it's the only way we prepare them. Last fall we fed a hungry crew after hiking, and watching everyone grab seconds while the sun went down made this recipe a permanent fixture in our rotation.

Ingredients

• 4 beef bratwurst sausages: Quality matters here since they're the star of the show
• 4 brat or hot dog buns: Soft but sturdy enough to hold everything together
• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut: Drain it well to keep the buns from getting soggy
• 4 tbsp whole grain or spicy brown mustard: This cuts through the rich meat beautifully
• 1 small red onion: Thinly sliced for that extra bite and crunch
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley: Adds a bright finish that makes everything look intentional
• Butter or oil: For brushing the buns if you want that golden toast

Instructions

Get your grill ready:

Preheat to medium heat, around 350°F, giving yourself enough time for the grates to get properly hot.

Grill the brats:

Cook the sausages for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning them every few minutes until they're beautifully browned and cooked through.

Toast the buns:

Brush the cut sides with butter and place them on the grill for just two minutes until golden and warm.

Warm the sauerkraut:

Heat it gently in a small pan or microwave, stirring occasionally until it's hot throughout.

Assemble your brats:

Nestle each sausage into a bun, pile on generous sauerkraut, and finish with mustard and any toppings you like.

Serve them up:

Get these to the table while they're still hot and the bread is perfectly toasted.

Pin It

These have become our go-to for those nights when we want something satisfying but don't want to spend hours cooking. Something about the tangy mustard and warm sauerkraut just works perfectly together.

Getting the Best Grill Marks

I used to obsess over perfect crosshatch marks until I realized flavor matters more than appearance. Focus on even cooking and a good sear instead, and let the taste speak for itself.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I'll swap in pork brats or even try chicken versions when we want something lighter. The mustard and sauerkraut combination works with almost any sausage you choose.

Perfect Pairings

A cold German lager or crisp wheat beer makes everything taste better, but trust your instincts here. German potato salad or even simple chips and pickles round out the meal beautifully.

• Set out some pickles for an easy side
• Keep extra mustard on the table
• Have napkins ready because these get wonderfully messy

Pin It

Fire up the grill and invite some people over, because food this simple deserves to be shared.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I grill the beef bratwursts?

Grill the bratwursts over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely browned and fully heated through.

→ Can I toast the buns on the grill?

Yes, brushing the inside with butter or oil and toasting buns cut-side down for a couple of minutes adds a pleasant crunch and flavor.

→ What can I use to warm the sauerkraut?

You can warm sauerkraut gently in a small pan over low heat or use a microwave-safe dish to heat it quickly.

→ Are there suitable substitutes for beef bratwursts?

Beef bratwursts can be swapped for pork, chicken, or plant-based alternatives depending on your preference.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Traditional sides like German potato salad, pickles, or pretzels complement this meal nicely, along with a crisp lager or wheat beer.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and verify the sauerkraut and bratwursts are gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.