Beer Bratwurst with Sauerkraut is a German-style one-pan dish featuring bratwurst links marinated and cooked in beer, then finished with caramelized onions, jalapeños, and tangy sauerkraut. The beer marinade infuses the sausage with rich flavor while the spiced toppings add complexity and heat.
Delivery in as fast as one hour.*
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
Place the bratwurst into a large zip-top bag.
Pour your favorite beer over the bratwurst, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray.
Remove the bratwurst from the marinade and place them in the hot pan.
Pour the beer marinade from the bag into the pan with the bratwurst.
Cook the bratwurst, turning occasionally, until the beer has mostly evaporated and the brats are browned.
Add the chopped onion and jalapeño pepper to the pan and sauté until softened.
Add the sauerkraut to the pan, stir to combine, and cook until heated through.
While the bratwurst mixture is finishing, butter the inside of the buns.
In a separate skillet, toast the buns butter-side down until golden brown.
Assemble by placing a bratwurst and some of the sauerkraut mixture into each toasted bun.
Top with hot mustard, shredded cheese, or horseradish, if desired.
Store cooked bratwurst and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of beer or broth to prevent drying.
Yes. Lager, pilsner, or ale all work well. Darker beers add richer flavor; lighter beers keep the taste more delicate. Avoid overly bitter IPAs.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), or until the casing is deeply browned and sausage is firm to the touch.
Marinate the bratwurst in beer for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. Cook and assemble just before serving for best texture.
Use serrano peppers for more heat, banana peppers for mild sweetness, or omit entirely for a classic version.
Bratwurst and sauerkraut are naturally gluten-free, but check bun labels. Use gluten-free buns to make the full dish gluten-free.
Bratwurst With Beer Braise
70 min
Linzer Torte
50 min
Homemade Sauerkraut
20 min
BBQ Pork Sandwich
35 min
Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail With Tajín
5 min
Chicken-Fried Squirrel or Rabbit
German Sauerbraten with Potatoes
1465 min
Beer Braised Brats with Dilly Potatoes
130 min
