These Classic Beer Brats are the real deal — seared on the grill for that crispy snap, then simmered low in beer with onions until they’re juicy, flavorful, and absolutely bratwurst perfection.

It’s the kind of cookout classic that only takes a few ingredients and a cold brew to make. Serve in toasted buns with mustard and kraut, or slice and pile onto a platter for instant backyard legend status.

🍻 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 5–6 bratwursts (uncooked, fresh, not pre-cooked)
• 1–2 tbsp butter or oil
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
• 24 oz (2 bottles) beer — lager, Märzen, or amber ale
• 1 tbsp Dijon or grainy mustard (optional)
• Pretzel buns or brat rolls, toasted
• Optional toppings: sauerkraut, spicy mustard, beer cheese, pickled jalapeños

Beer Tip: Use a mild, malty beer like a German-style lager, Vienna lager, Märzen, or amber ale. Avoid IPAs — their bitterness can overpower the sausage.

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Grill to Sear (Flavor + Texture)

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill brats for 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned — don’t worry about cooking them through just yet. Set aside.

Step 2: Simmer in Beer + Onions

• In a deep skillet or foil tray (grill-safe), melt butter over medium heat.
• Add sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic if using.
• Pour in beer and stir in mustard (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.

Nestle grilled brats into the beer/onion bath. Simmer 20–25 minutes, uncovered, to finish cooking and soak up that beer-soaked flavor.

Step 3: Serve Hot

Serve brats straight from the beer bath or finish them with a final sear on the grill for extra snap.

Load into toasted buns with onions, kraut, mustard — or go wild with your favorite toppings.

🧅 Topping Ideas

• Classic: Stone-ground mustard + beer-simmered onions
• Loaded: Beer cheese + crispy bacon + jalapeños
• German-style: Sauerkraut + mustard + pickled red cabbage
• Sweet heat: Caramelized onions + hot honey drizzle

🍺 Beer Pairing

• In the pot:
  • German-style lager
  • Vienna or Märzen
  • Amber ale or cream ale
• In your glass:
  • The same beer you simmered in
  • Kölsch or pilsner for crispness
  • Hefeweizen or dunkelweizen for a malty, bready finish

🔥 Pro Tips

• Simmer the brats after grilling — this keeps them juicy and prevents casing blowouts.
• Let the onions simmer with the brats the full time — they soak up flavor and become the perfect topping.
• Use foil pans on the grill for easy cleanup and full grill-top cooking.

Final Thoughts

Classic Beer Brats are the MVP of the grill — quick, juicy, simple, and loaded with beer-infused flavor. Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash, tailgating, or just doing a brat night right, this combo of sear + simmer delivers every time.

Cheers to brats in beer and flavor that sizzles! 🌭🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.