Beer brats are guaranteed charred, juicy, and never dry.

Make them all summer long.

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Thesummer grilling companion of a hamburger is the bratwurst.

Beer Brats Topped with Sauerkraut and Mustard Next to Bowls with Sauerkraut and Relish and a Basket of Buns

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Its delicate casing can rupture over high heat, leading its stuffing to lose moisture and dry out quickly.

Worse, the rapidly escaping sausage fat is ripe for a grill flare-up.

Thankfully, theres a way to avoid all this bad news and ensure perfectly cooked brats.

Beer Poured into Tray of Bratwurst

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Ready when you are!

In this case, 145o F. A bratwurst cooked on a hot grill can reach this temperature quickly.

And often, not surprisingly, when we arent looking.

Beer Brats Topped with Sauerkraut and Mustard Next to Bowls with Sauerkraut and Relish

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

I might have to blame the beer in my hand for this.

A pre-sear wins in both color and texture.

The initial sear takes only 2 minutes on two sides of the brat.

Beer Brats Topped with Onion and Mustard Next to Bowls with Onions and Relish

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Now, why only two sides?

Fresh brats straight from the butcher are usually cylindrical.

These brats are not round.

Beer Brats Topped with Sauerkraut and Mustard

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Some brands are even curved.

To account for every throw in of brat, these are a two-side sear.

Lagers cover a wide variety of styles, and some might transfer unwanted or unexpected flavors.

Bratwurst on a Grill for Beer Brats

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

The beer here is primarily for moisture, so keeping its flavor profile simple is key.

That means on the grill away from the lit burners or coals.

The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145o F as read by an instant-read thermometer.

Bratwurst on a Grill for Beer Brats

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Ideas for Toppings

I like my brats simply topped withsauerkrautand stone-ground mustard.

Whats the best beer brat topping?

The one in your hand!

Beer Brats Placed on a Tray on the Grill

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

I do not recommend using a Pyrex, oven-safe dish, or stove top pan on the grill.

Keep the grill lid on.

Place the aluminum foil pan on the grill over indirect heataway from the lit coals and burners.

Beer Brats Flipped Using Tongs

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Place the brats in the pan and fill the pan with the beer.

Grill the buns, cut side down over direct heat until marked, about 1 minute.

Load the buns with the brats and your favorite toppings.

Bread Toasted for Beer Brats

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Leftovers keep for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.

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