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Grilled Brats with Beer Onions

Name: Grilled Brats with Beer Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 links Fresh Pork Bratwurst Links (approx 1.25 lbs); 1 piece Yellow Onion (sliced into rings); 1 can Beer (Lager or Amber Ale) (12 oz); 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 5 pieces Pretzel or Sausage Buns; 3 tbsp Spicy Brown Mustard (for serving)

Plump, snappy grilled bratwurst simmered in a foil pan with beer, butter, and sweet caramelized onions for game-day feeding.

Game dayWeekendEasyServes 5

Cook temp: 350°F; 177°C · preheat
Total time: 23 min; 5 prep · 18 cook · 2 rest
Flip at: 8 min; of 18 min cook
Pull at: 160°F; USDA safe minimum

Meal Instructions Kitchen · 29 Aug 2026 · Reviewed for USDA food safetyPrint card

At A Glance // The Quick Brief

Fluff-Free Execution

Target //Cook at Medium Heat (350°F / 177°C) for 18 mins (flip at 8 mins).
Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 160°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 2 mins before slicing.
Golden Rule //Never pierce the brat casing with a fork. Puncturing leaks out all the savory fat and turns the brat into dry sawdust. Sear gently over medium heat, then transfer into the beer-and-butter onion bath to hold until game time.
Family Tweak //Serve brats in standard soft hot dog buns with ketchup and mild mustard, omitting beer onions.

Ingredients

Servings

5 linksFresh Pork Bratwurst Links, approx 1.25 lbs
1 pieceYellow Onion, sliced into rings
1 canBeer (Lager or Amber Ale), 12 oz
2 tbspUnsalted Butter
1/2 tspKosher Salt
5 piecesPretzel or Sausage Buns
3 tbspSpicy Brown Mustard, for serving

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Fresh Pork Bratwurst LinksKroger® Original Breakfast Sausage Links · 14 ct / 12 ozYellow OnionJumbo Yellow Onions · 1 lbBeer (Lager or Amber Ale)Garage Beer Variety Pack · 24 cans / 12 fl ozUnsalted ButterKroger® Unsalted Butter Sticks · 4 sticks / 16 ozKosher SaltDavid's Kosher Salt · 16 ozPretzel or Sausage BunsKing’s Hawaiian® Hawaiian Sweet Pretzel Slider Buns · 11 ozSpicy Brown MustardGulden's Spicy Brown Mustard · 12 oz

Adds to your own Kroger cart — you'll sign in with Kroger the first time. Prices and availability depend on your store. Nothing is ordered until you check out at Kroger.

18:00

Get to the point

1
Combine 1 sliced onion, 2 tbsp butter, and 1 can (12 oz) lager beer in a foil pan on the grill.
2
Grill 5 bratwurst links over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently until casings are golden-brown.
3
Transfer brats into the bubbling beer onion pan; simmer 6 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F.
4
Serve in pretzel buns loaded with beer onions and spicy mustard.

Critical flip markFlip at exactly 8 minutes.

Step by step

Tap a step to cross it off

Beer Onion Hot Tub Assembly
Slice 1 large yellow onion into rings. Place into a disposable foil pan with 2 tbsp butter, 1 can (12 oz) amber or lager beer, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Set the pan directly on the side of the grill grates over medium heat.
Why
The beer hot tub keeps brats warm, juicy, and infused with sweet onion flavor without bursting their casings.
Direct Grill Sear & Casing Snap
Place 5 fresh pork bratwurst links over medium direct heat (350°F). Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning with tongs every 2 to 3 minutes until casings are taut, blistered, and golden-brown.
Why
NEVER poke holes in brats with a fork; puncturing casings releases all internal juices and causes grease flare-ups.
Beer Tub Simmer & Temp Verification
6 min
Transfer the seared brats directly into the bubbling beer onion pan using tongs. Close the grill lid and let brats simmer in the beer bath for 6 minutes until internal temperature hits 160°F.
Why
Simmering in the beer bath gently finishes cooking the core of the sausage without scorching the outside.
Pretzel Bun Loading & Mustard Drizzle
Nestle brats into warm pretzel or bakery sausage rolls. Spoon heaps of tender beer-soaked onions over top and stripe with spicy brown or stone-ground mustard.
Why
Pretzel buns have the structural density needed to hold heavy sausages and juicy beer onions without falling apart.

Dad pro tip: Never pierce the brat casing with a fork. Puncturing leaks out all the savory fat and turns the brat into dry sawdust. Sear gently over medium heat, then transfer into the beer-and-butter onion bath to hold until game time.
Kid & toddler adjustment: Serve brats in standard soft hot dog buns with ketchup and mild mustard, omitting beer onions.
Serve with: German potato salad · Grilled corn · Kettle cooked chips
Reheating: Reheat brats in skillet with 2 tbsp beer or water covered for 4 minutes.

Calories: 490
Protein: 20 g
Carbs: 32 g
Fat: 31 g

Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #167905. Cook-time basis: Weber Spirit grill 350°F medium direct heat test; USDA FSIS 160°F pork sausage standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reheat leftover grilled brats with beer onions without ruining the texture?

Reheat brats in skillet with 2 tbsp beer or water covered for 4 minutes.

What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?

Confirm internal core temperature reaches 160°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 2 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.