How to Make the Perfect Grilled German Bratwurst
German · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Juicy pork bratwurst sausages grilled over medium heat until perfectly charred and bursting with savory flavor. Served in crusty rolls with sauerkraut and a generous slather of German mustard for an authentic street food experience.
Why this recipe works
This Grilled German Bratwurst recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 links fresh pork bratwurst sausages
- 2 cups sauerkraut drained
- 4 whole crusty bratwurst rolls or hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons German whole grain mustard
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for grilling
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Onions
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Toss the sliced onions with a little oil and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions in a small pan over medium heat for 15 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized, then set aside.
Step 2: Grill the Bratwurst
Lightly oil the grill grates and place the bratwurst sausages on the grill. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even browning on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 71 degrees Celsius and the skin should be nicely charred.
Step 3: Warm the Sauerkraut
While the sausages finish cooking, warm the drained sauerkraut in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. You can add a splash of beer or a pinch of caraway seeds to enhance the flavor if desired.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Lightly toast the rolls on the grill for one minute. Place a grilled bratwurst in each roll and top generously with warm sauerkraut and caramelized onions. Spread or drizzle German mustard over the top and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh pork bratwurst → chicken bratwurst or turkey sausage for a lighter option
- German whole grain mustard → spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking bratwurst over heat that is too high which causes the casings to split and the sausage to dry out
- Piercing the sausage casings before or during cooking which allows all the precious juices to escape
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 22g protein, 30g carbs, 32g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →