Everyone loves Beer Brats… and this recipe takes them to the next level! Fresh brats flavored with beer, then topped with caramelized onions, homemade Beer Cheese Sauce, crumbled bacon, and minced chives… all on a delicious pretzel bun. Just when you thought brats couldn’t get any better… this recipe is here to prove you wrong!

Growing up, brats were always a family favorite. There’s something about a delicious, juicy brat on a hot summer day… and now… my kids love them just as much as I did.

So I thought I’d take a classic – Beer Brats – and jazz them up by adding a few delicious toppings inspired by my Milwaukee upbringing. Like beer-caramelized onions, homemade Beer Cheese Sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh minced chives. And let me tell you…. these are hands down the BEST brats ever.

Table of Contents

Who’s ready to EAT!?

Ingredients

For the brats:

1 package (5 count) brats
1 bottle of your favorite beer
1 sweet Vidalia onion, sliced
1 Tablespoon butter

For the Beer Cheese Sauce:

1 Tablespoon butter
1 Tablespoon all purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup beer
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon horseradish
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Additional ingredients:

5 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 Tablespoon fresh minced chives
Buns for serving

Instructions

The great thing about this recipe is that it’s pan fried, not grilled, which means it’s easy to make year round. The other great thing? If you have extra beer cheese sauce, it’s delicious on everything!

Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and brats; cook approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
Add beer to pan, reserving 1/4 cup for the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until beer has reduced and brats are no longer pink inside.
Prepare beer cheese sauce by melting 1 Tablespoon butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in flour and seasonings and cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes. Add milk and beer all at once. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and horseradish.
Place brats in buns, then top with beer cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, and minced chives.
Enjoy!

Recipe variations

For this recipe I used original brats, but there are so many delicious varieties to try if you’re looking to mix things up! You can also add extra veggies to the onion mixture or load your brats up with extra fun toppings!

Use any of your favorite flavors of brats
Add mushrooms to the brat and onion mixture
Use a darker beer for the beer cheese sauce
Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese
Top with sliced green onions, tomatoes, or jalapeños
Go low carb and skip the bun!

Storing & reheating

Leftover brats should be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results, reheat in a small skillet with a splash of additional beer.

Everyone loves a good sandwich, and these are some of our favorites!