Beer Braised Bratwurst and Onions Recipe
Introduction
Beer Braised Bratwurst and Onions is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a casual meal or game day. The bratwurst are browned and then simmered in beer with caramelized onions and garlic, creating a rich and savory topping. Served on soft buns with mustard, it’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients
- 5 bratwurst
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 large white onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces beer (any type)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 5 bratwurst buns (or hot dog buns)
- 1/4 cup stone ground mustard (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet along with the thinly sliced white onions. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the onions soften and turn golden, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the beer and return the bratwurst to the skillet. Bring the beer to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the onion mixture thickens and the bratwurst are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Serve the bratwurst on toasted buns, drizzled with stone ground mustard for a tangy finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use a malty beer like a lager or amber ale for deeper flavor, or a lighter beer for a subtler taste.
- Try adding sliced bell peppers with the onions for extra color and sweetness.
- For a spicier kick, top with spicy mustard or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the onions.
- Toast the buns lightly for added texture and to prevent sogginess from the onion mixture.
Storage
Store any leftover bratwurst and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep buns separate to avoid soaking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of bratwurst?
Yes, you can substitute bratwurst with other sausages like Italian sausage or kielbasa. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
What if I don’t want to use beer?
You can replace the beer with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a non-alcoholic beer to maintain the braising liquid without alcohol.
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Beer Braised Bratwurst and Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Beer Braised Bratwurst and Onions recipe features juicy bratwurst sausage braised in flavorful beer with caramelized onions and garlic, served on toasted buns with tangy stone ground mustard. It’s a hearty and delicious dish perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 5 bratwurst
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 large white onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 12 ounces beer (any type)
Serving
- 5 bratwurst buns (or hot dog buns)
- 1/4 cup stone ground mustard (for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the bratwurst: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet along with the thinly sliced onions. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and turn golden brown.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional one minute to release its fragrance.
- Braise in beer: Pour in 12 ounces of beer and return the bratwurst to the skillet. Bring the beer to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the onion mixture thickens and bratwurst reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Toast the bratwurst buns and place the cooked bratwurst inside. Drizzle or spread stone ground mustard on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose your favorite beer for different flavor profiles; darker beers add a richer taste.
- Make sure the bratwurst reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- For a smoky twist, consider grilling the bratwurst before braising them in beer.
- You can substitute yellow or sweet onions but white onions give the best caramelization.
- Serve with sauerkraut or pickles for added tanginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beer Braised Bratwurst, bratwurst and onions, beer braised sausage recipe, caramelized onions bratwurst, easy bratwurst dinner

