Great Brats When You Can't Grill

When grilling isn't an option, "Great Brats When You Can't Grill" delivers all the smoky, savory satisfaction of classic bratwurst right from your stovetop. This skillet-based recipe combines juicy brats, golden caramelized onions, and the bold flavors of beer (or chicken broth for a lighter twist) for a mouthwatering meal that's perfect year-round. With a quick sear followed by a gentle simmer, the brats turn out perfectly tender and infused with flavor, while a final broil gives them that irresistibly crisp, charred finish. Serve these brats on toasted buns with your favorite toppings—like tangy mustard and zesty sauerkraut—for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings, this easy recipe brings bratwurst to life without the grill, and it's sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 5 pieces Bratwurst
• 2 large Yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 12 ounces Beer (optional, lager or pale ale)
• 1 cup Water or chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 5 pieces Brat buns
• 1 assorted Optional toppings (mustard, sauerkraut, etc.)

Directions

Step 1

1. Slice the onions into thin strips and mince the garlic.

Step 2

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil.

Step 3

3. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the sliced onions. Sprinkle with salt, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and caramelized. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

4. In the same skillet, add the bratwursts in a single layer and brown them on each side for about 2-3 minutes (they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage).

Step 5

5. If using beer, pour the bottle of beer into the skillet. If not, add the chicken broth or water. Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, and caramelized onions.

Step 6

6. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the brats gently for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).

Step 7

7. Preheat your oven to broil (high setting). Transfer the brats to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 8

8. Broil the brats for 2-3 minutes per side, just until the casings are crisp and slightly charred.

Step 9

9. Toast the brat buns under the broiler for about 1 minute, if desired.

Step 10

10. Serve the brats in the buns, topped with caramelized onions and your choice of additional toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1741.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3053.9

Total Fat 173.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.0g
Cholesterol 389.2mg	0%
Sodium 7203.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 29.9g
Protein 101.7g	0%

Vitamin D 170IU	0%
Calcium 908.2mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 2354.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 33.0%