Make-Ahead Grilled Brats and Beer: Wisconsin-Style
Description:
This Make-Ahead Grilled Brats and Beer recipe is a fantastic choice for cookouts or tailgating, especially when you need to free up the grill for other dishes. Perfect for preparing in advance, these bratwursts can be reheated easily in a foil pan on the grill, in the oven, or even in a crock pot. Whether you make them a day ahead, in the morning, or serve them right after grilling, they always turn out delicious. Ensure to use fresh bratwurst, not smoked or white sausages, for the best flavor. This recipe is great for large gatherings, as we have already prepared 100 of these for big events!
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 to 10 bratwursts
- 3 cans of beer
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or margarine
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare:
- Begin by placing the bratwursts in a large saucepan. Pour in enough beer to cover the brats—approximately 4 cans. The beer will impart a wonderful flavor to the sausages as they simmer.
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Simmer the Brats:
- Bring the beer to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the brats simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the sausages are cooked through and infused with the beer’s flavor.
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Sauté the Onions:
- While the brats are simmering, heat the olive oil or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook the onions slowly, stirring frequently, until they become tender. Avoid caramelizing the onions; they should be soft but not browned.
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Grill the Brats:
- After simmering, drain the bratwursts from the beer. Preheat your grill—either gas or charcoal. Place the drained brats on the hot grill. Grill them, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides. Keep an eye on them to prevent flare-ups from the sausage fat.
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Assemble for Reheating:
- Once the brats are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and place them in a foil pan or an oven-safe dish. Add the sautéed onions and the remaining beer to the pan. If necessary, add more beer to ensure the brats are covered.
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Refrigerate and Reheat:
- Cover the pan and refrigerate the brats until you are ready to reheat them. For best results, reheat the brats slowly for about an hour before serving. If you plan to serve the brats immediately after grilling, heat the remaining beer and onions in a separate pan before adding the grilled brats to keep everything warm and flavorful.
Tips for Success:
- Grilling: Watch the brats closely on the grill to avoid flare-ups caused by the sausage fat. You can use a lower heat setting if needed to ensure even browning without burning.
- Reheating: If reheating in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the brats covered for about 30-45 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Serving: These brats are perfect for a variety of condiments and sides. Consider serving them with mustard, sauerkraut, or your favorite pickles and relish.
Enjoy these savory, beer-infused brats at your next gathering, knowing that preparation can be done in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the party! 🍻🌭🎉
