Unlock an explosion of fall flavors any time of year with these unbelievably easy Apple Cider Beer Brats! Whether you prefer the sizzle of the grill or the comforting warmth of your stovetop, this recipe promises perfectly infused bratwurst that are bursting with a sweet and savory apple cider essence. Ideal for a relaxed family dinner, a lively barbecue, or simply a delicious meal any day of the week, these brats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort to prepare. Get ready to elevate your brat game and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this classic sausage.
The Ultimate Apple Cider Beer Brat Recipe: A Flavorful Twist
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of developing a new recipe, especially when it brings fresh flavors to a beloved classic. This particular Apple Cider Beer Brat recipe holds a special place, as it was born from a collaborative kitchen adventure, infused with creativity and a dash of friendly culinary debate. While I initially envisioned a savory caramelized onion and beer-cheese sauce for our Johnsonville Brats, my husband, John, had a brilliant alternative in mind: to create a unique and unforgettable apple cider twist on traditional beer brats.
The idea struck us just ahead of summer festivities, when the thought of outdoor grilling and delicious, easy-to-prepare meals dominated our conversations. We quickly embraced the beautiful weather, dusted off our barbecue, and embarked on this exciting culinary journey. John’s vision was clear: to combine the robust flavor of quality bratwurst with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider beer, further enhanced by warm spices. This recipe, a testament to his creative genius, is a simple yet incredibly impactful way to prepare brats that everyone will adore. It’s incredibly satisfying to work side-by-side in the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and seeing whose ideas bring the most delicious results. I must wholeheartedly admit that John hit it out of the park with this one – it’s a truly fantastic recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
One of the many reasons Johnsonville Brats are a staple in our kitchen is their incredible versatility. They provide a perfect canvas for countless flavor combinations, allowing you to customize recipes to suit any palate or occasion. This apple cider infusion is just one example of how a few simple ingredients can transform a regular brat into an extraordinary culinary experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this innovative and effortlessly delicious dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Beer Brats
Crafting these delectable brats requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that perfectly balance savory, sweet, and spiced notes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Original Bratwurst: We highly recommend using high-quality original Johnsonville Brats for their robust flavor and excellent texture. Their natural casing and savory pork blend hold up beautifully to the cooking process and absorb the cider flavors wonderfully.
- Fresh Apple: A crisp apple, such as a Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, adds a subtle fruity sweetness and a touch of tartness to the poaching liquid. It complements the cider beer and contributes to the overall apple theme. You’ll want to slice it thinly to allow its flavors to easily infuse.
- Apple Cider Beer: This is the star ingredient! We used Angry Orchard Hop’s Mad Apple for its balanced sweetness and hint of hops, which adds depth. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple cider beer. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, malty, and fruity flavor that deeply penetrates the brats.
- Cinnamon Stick: A whole cinnamon stick introduces a warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with apples and brown sugar. It’s a subtle touch that elevates the complexity of the flavor profile, giving the brats a cozy, autumnal feel.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch of brown sugar helps to caramelize the flavors in the poaching liquid, enhancing the sweetness of the apple cider and providing a lovely glaze. It contributes to a well-rounded and irresistible taste.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and unforgettable flavor for these brats. Don’t be afraid to adjust quantities slightly to suit your personal preferences, but these proportions offer a fantastic starting point for a truly delicious experience.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Apple Cider Beer Brats
Preparing these Apple Cider Beer Brats is incredibly simple, ensuring a delicious meal without any fuss. Follow these easy steps for perfectly infused and flavorful sausages every time:
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a large saucepan or deep skillet, combine two bottles (approximately 24 oz) of your chosen Apple Cider Beer, thinly sliced fresh apple, a whole cinnamon stick, and one tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir the mixture gently until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This liquid will be the flavorful bath for your brats.
- Add the Brats and Simmer: Carefully place your Johnsonville Brats into the poaching liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil vigorously, as this can cause the brats to burst. Let the brats simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the brats will cook through and absorb all the wonderful apple cider and spice flavors.
- Finish on the Grill or Serve Directly: Once simmered, you have two fantastic options for serving. For those signature grill marks and a slightly crispy exterior, remove the brats from the liquid and place them on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until beautifully browned. Alternatively, if you prefer to skip the grilling, you can serve the brats directly from the pan. The simmering process fully cooks them and infuses them with flavor, so they are ready to enjoy right away!
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Apple Cider Beer Brats
Achieving the best Apple Cider Beer Brats goes beyond just following the steps. Here are some pro tips to ensure your brats are incredibly delicious every time:
- Do Not Pierce the Brats: Resist the temptation to poke holes in your bratwurst before cooking. Piercing the casing allows the delicious juices and the flavorful poaching liquid to escape, resulting in dry brats that lack moisture and taste.
- Gentle Simmer is Key: Ensure your poaching liquid maintains a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. A high boil can cause the brats to split, again leading to loss of flavor and an undesirable texture. A gentle simmer ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Use a Quality Apple Cider Beer: The beer you choose will significantly impact the final flavor. Select an apple cider beer you enjoy drinking. While we recommend Angry Orchard, feel free to experiment with other brands that offer a good balance of apple flavor and slight bitterness.
- Don’t Overcook on the Grill: If you opt to finish your brats on the grill, remember they are already cooked through from the simmering process. The grilling stage is primarily for adding char marks and a smoky finish. Grill them just long enough to get those beautiful stripes and a slightly crisp exterior, usually 5-7 minutes.
- Warm Your Buns: A perfectly cooked brat deserves a warm, soft bun. Briefly toast your buns on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes. This adds texture and prevents the bun from becoming soggy.
Creative Topping and Serving Suggestions
While these Apple Cider Beer Brats are incredibly flavorful on their own, the right toppings and side dishes can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some ideas to make your bratwurst experience truly unforgettable:
Recommended Toppings:
- Caramelized Onions: Slowly cooked onions bring out their natural sweetness, providing a perfect complement to the savory brats.
- Sauerkraut: The classic tangy crunch of sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the brat and adds a traditional German touch.
- Dijon or Stone-Ground Mustard: A dollop of robust mustard provides a spicy kick and a classic pairing.
- Swiss Cheese Sauce: A creamy, melted Swiss cheese sauce can add an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
- Apple Slaw: A crisp, refreshing apple slaw with a light vinaigrette would echo the apple flavors and add a wonderful crunch.
Great Barbecue Side Dishes to Pair with Brats
Round out your meal with these fantastic barbecue-friendly side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavors of your Apple Cider Beer Brats:
- Black Bean and Corn Salad: This vibrant and zesty salad is packed with fresh flavors and textures. The sweetness of corn, the heartiness of black beans, and a refreshing lime dressing offer a bright contrast to the savory brats.
- Watermelon Salad: A light and incredibly refreshing side, watermelon salad is perfect for warm weather. Its sweet, juicy notes and a hint of mint or feta cheese provide a cooling counterpoint to the richer flavors of the brats.
- Easy Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fresh fruits is always a welcome addition to any barbecue spread. It’s simple to prepare, visually appealing, and offers a natural sweetness that balances the meal.
- Orzo Pasta Salad: This sophisticated pasta salad, often featuring bacon and a Parmesan vinaigrette, offers a satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional potato salad. Its small, rice-shaped pasta soaks up dressings beautifully.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy, classic macaroni salad is a beloved comfort food at any barbecue. Its cool, tangy, and slightly sweet profile provides a familiar and satisfying accompaniment to grilled meats.
To complete your dining experience, consider pairing these brats with an Apple Cider Margarita. The crisp, fruity cocktail mirrors the flavors of the brats, creating a perfectly cohesive and enjoyable meal.
Don’t miss all of our other delicious recipes using apple cider for more seasonal inspiration!
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Apple Cider Beer Brat Recipe
How to make delicious apple cider beer brat recipe on the stovetop and grill.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 291 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 6 Bratwurst
- 1 Apple (sliced)
- 24 oz Apple Cider Beer
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
Instructions
Combine 2 bottles of Apple Cider Beer, cinnamon stick, apple slices, and brown sugar in a pan and stir together. Add in Brats.
Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from liquid and place on grill if you want grill marks to finish off your brats or serve directly from the pan.
Kitchen Tools
Saucepan
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 171
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Recipe originally shared on June 28, 2016. Updated and enhanced in November 2020.