Mastering Delicious & Easy Grilled Bratwurst: Infused with Apple Cider & Perfected with Peppers and Onions

There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma and rich flavor of perfectly grilled bratwurst. But what if we told you there’s a simple secret to elevating your backyard BBQ brats to an unforgettable culinary experience? These incredibly delicious and easy-to-prepare bratwurst sausages gain an extraordinary depth of flavor by first simmering gently in apple cider before they even hit the grill. This pre-grill simmer not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a subtle sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the savory sausage. Pair them with a generous topping of expertly grilled or sautéed peppers and onions – a classic combination that adds texture, sweetness, and a vibrant touch to every bite. For an even easier meal prep, consider cooking extra peppers and onions (cook some extra for the freezer!) to have on hand for future meals. Finish off your gourmet brats with your favorite condiments, and you’ve got an effortless yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a festive weekend gathering.

The Secret to Superior Flavor: Apple Cider Simmering

The step of simmering brats on the stovetop in apple cider is a game-changer. While it might seem like an extra step, it’s actually a culinary technique borrowed from traditional German cooking, often involving beer. In this recipe, we swap beer for apple cider, which contributes a delightful fruity essence and natural sweetness, while the subtle acidity helps to tenderize the sausage. This pre-cooking phase ensures that your brats are thoroughly cooked through, resulting in a juicier, more tender interior when they finish cooking on the grill. It also means you can achieve that perfect caramelized exterior on the grill without worrying about undercooking the inside. If you’re short on time or prefer to minimize cleanup, you can certainly skip the simmering and go straight to the grill. However, for maximum flavor and an exceptionally moist brat, we highly recommend taking this small but impactful step.

Choosing Your Brats and Veggies

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to choose between turkey or beef brats based on your dietary preferences or taste. Turkey brats offer a leaner option without sacrificing flavor, especially when infused with apple cider. Beef brats, on the other hand, provide a richer, more robust flavor that many traditionalists prefer. Whichever you choose, look for high-quality sausages from your local butcher or supermarket. When it comes to vegetables, fresh bell peppers (green, red, or even a mix for visual appeal) and sweet onions are ideal. The beauty of this recipe extends to the vegetables too: you can cook them on the stovetop until tender and slightly caramelized, or grill them alongside your brats for an extra smoky char. If opting for grilling the vegetables, remember to slice them into thicker strips or rings rather than chopping, to prevent them from falling through the grill grates and ensure they cook evenly.

Recipe

Grilled Bratwurst

4.34 from 3 votes

These delicious and easy brat get extra flavor from simmering in apple cider vinegar before grilling.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine German

Servings 6 servings

Calories 240

Ingredients

  

• 6 turkey or beef brats
• 3 cups apple cider, to cover
• condiments, as desired
• 6 hoagie rolls
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

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Instructions

• Add the sausages and cider to a large pan; bring to a boil, and then turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, sauté the onion and pepper.
• Drain and finish sausages on the grill or in the broiler to your family’s preference.
• Serve on the rolls with sautéed or grilled peppers and onions and your favorite condiments.

Notes

This is a good time to stock up on onions and peppers for the freezer.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 240 calCarbohydrates: 48 gProtein: 6 gFat: 2 gSodium: 304 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 16 g

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Detailed Instructions and Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect grilled bratwurst is all about technique and a little patience. Here’s a more detailed look at each step to ensure your brats are flavorful and cooked to perfection:

1. **The Apple Cider Simmer:** In a large pot or deep pan, place your turkey or beef brats. Pour in enough apple cider to completely cover the sausages – approximately 3 cups should suffice for 6 brats, but adjust as needed. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let the brats cook for 15 minutes. This simmering process pre-cooks the brats, making them tender and juicy, and infuses them with the delicious apple cider flavor. It also reduces the risk of burning them on the grill while trying to cook them through.
2. **Sautéing the Aromatic Veggies:** While your brats are simmering, heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the sliced onions and peppers alongside your brats later instead. Remember, for grilling, slice them thicker to prevent them from falling through the grates.
3. **Finishing on the Grill or Broiler:** Once the brats have simmered, carefully drain them from the apple cider. At this point, they are mostly cooked internally. Now it’s time to get that beautiful char and crispy casing. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the drained brats directly on the grill grates. Grill for 5-8 minutes, turning frequently, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. If you don’t have a grill, a broiler works wonderfully too. Place the brats on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching them closely to prevent burning, until browned and sizzling. The goal here is to achieve a delicious sear and finish cooking the brats to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. **Assemble and Serve:** Warm your hoagie rolls on the grill for a minute or two, or lightly toast them in the oven, for a perfect vehicle for your brats. Place each cooked brat in a roll, then generously top with your sautéed or grilled peppers and onions. Offer a selection of your favorite condiments – classic yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, tangy sauerkraut, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce are all fantastic choices. These apple cider-infused brats are a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Maximizing Your Meal Prep: Freezer-Friendly Veggies

The note about stocking up on onions and peppers for the freezer is a fantastic meal prep hack that can save you a lot of time on busy weeknights. When you’re already chopping and sautéing for this recipe, it’s incredibly easy to double or triple the amount. Once the extra onions and peppers are cooked and cooled, portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When you need them for future meals – whether it’s for more brats, fajitas, omelets, or stir-fries – simply pull them out and reheat. This simple strategy significantly cuts down on future cooking time and reduces food waste.

Beyond the Bun: Serving Suggestions and Variations

While serving brats on hoagie rolls with peppers and onions is a timeless classic, there are many ways to enjoy this dish and explore different flavor profiles:

• **Side Dishes:** Complement your grilled brats with classic BBQ sides like creamy potato salad, crisp coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a hearty German-style potato salad. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be perfect.
• **Condiment Bar:** Beyond mustard, consider offering a variety of toppings to let everyone customize their brat. Think relish, pickles, pickled jalapeños, chili, shredded cheese, or even a homemade aioli.
• **Low-Carb Option:** Skip the hoagie roll and serve the bratwurst and vegetable medley in a bowl, perhaps over a bed of cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed green beans.
• **Beer Brats Variation:** If you prefer the traditional German flavor, you can substitute the apple cider with a light lager or pilsner for the simmering step. The beer will add a different kind of malty depth.
• **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the apple cider while simmering, or include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the vegetables for a fiery twist.
• **Cheese Integration:** For an extra decadent treat, place a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese over the brats during the last minute of grilling to let it melt beautifully before serving.

This recipe for apple cider-infused grilled bratwurst is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The initial simmer guarantees a tender, flavorful interior, while the final grilling gives you that coveted crispy, smoky exterior. Coupled with the sweet and savory peppers and onions, and the convenience of meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire. So fire up the grill, get your ingredients ready, and prepare for a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds sing!

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