Randy Chandler
Cooking cheese brats on a stovetop is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Bratwurst is a German sausage, typically made with pork, veal, beef, or a combination of these meats. It is seasoned with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, coriander, or caraway. The stovetop method is a simple process that can be done in less than 20 minutes and still gives the brats a charred texture and juicy flavour. To cook cheese brats on a stovetop, you will need a cast-iron skillet, oil, and your choice of liquid and seasonings. The key is to brown the brats first and then add liquid to create a sauce and ensure the brats are cooked through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheese brats, oil, broth, salt, pepper, onions, beer, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, hot pepper flakes, fresh jalapenos, pickled red onions, bread, buns |
| Equipment | Cast iron skillet, instant-read meat thermometer, tongs |
| Preparation | Poke holes in the brats to allow steam to escape. |
| Cooking time | 2-5 minutes browning, 10-15 minutes simmering |
| Cooking instructions | Heat oil in the skillet on medium-high heat. Brown the brats for 2-5 minutes on each side. Add broth, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. |
| Serving instructions | Serve on a bun with mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, hot pepper flakes, fresh jalapenos, and pickled red onions. |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with extra beer or liquid. |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking with beer and onions
Bratwurst is a German sausage, usually made with ground pork, and sometimes veal, beef, or a combination. It is seasoned with spices such as marjoram, ginger, sage, cumin, nutmeg, coriander, and caraway.
To cook bratwurst with beer and onions on a stovetop, follow these steps:
Prepare the Bratwurst:
Start with high-quality bratwurst for the best results. Poke a few holes on each side of the bratwurst to allow steam to escape so they don't burst during cooking.
Cook the Onions:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. Add sliced onions and caraway seeds, if desired, to the skillet and cook until the onions are softened and golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the Bratwurst in Beer:
Nestle the bratwurst into the onions, ensuring they are well-coated. Pour in a bottle of lager beer, ale, or non-alcoholic beer, and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the bratwurst occasionally. For a stronger beer flavor, choose a darker beer.
Brown the Bratwurst:
For optimal flavor and texture, finish the bratwurst by browning them. Transfer the onions and beer broth to a bowl and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the bratwurst back to the skillet, browning them evenly on all sides. Add a little more butter or oil if needed.
Serve:
Return the onions and beer broth to the skillet and keep warm. Serve the bratwurst and onions on rolls with mustard, sauerkraut, and any desired toppings or sides, such as German potato salad, coleslaw, or pretzel bites with beer cheese dip. Enjoy!
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Using a cast-iron skillet
Cooking cheese brats in a cast-iron skillet is a great way to get that charred texture and juicy inside without having to grill them. It's a simple process that will take less than 20 minutes.
First, preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle canola or vegetable oil into the skillet and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. While the skillet heats up, prepare the brats by poking a few holes on each side to allow steam to escape so they don't burst during cooking.
Once the skillet is hot, place the cheese brats in the pan and sear both sides until browned. This should take around 2-3 minutes per side. If you're using onions, now is the time to add them to the skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes, stirring a few times, until they are golden.
Next, pour in your choice of liquid—this could be broth, beer, or water. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let the cheese brats simmer for 10-12 minutes. If you're using beer, you may want to let it simmer for a little longer, around 10-15 minutes, to cook off some of the alcohol.
Finally, check that your cheese brats are cooked through. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure they've reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F/71°C. Remove the brats from the skillet and serve immediately.
You can also use the leftover liquid in the skillet to make a sauce. Simply simmer the liquid with the onions until it reaches your desired sauce consistency, then season to taste. Serve the cheese brats topped with the onions and sauce, or with your choice of condiments and sides. Enjoy!
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How to get that char texture
To get that charred texture on your cheese brats, you can use a skillet to pan-fry them. This will give your bratwurst a nice sear. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, you need to decide whether to parboil your brats first. Parboiling cooks the meat thoroughly, but it is not the only way to get your fresh brats to a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose to parboil, you should place your brats in a pot of boiling water and let them simmer for about 20 minutes.
Next, heat your pan to a medium temperature and add six tablespoons of water and the bratwurst links. Place a lid over the pan and cook for about 12 minutes, turning them frequently. Then, remove the cover and cook for another five to seven minutes until the brats are golden brown.
If you choose not to parboil your brats, you can simply skip the first step and start by heating your pan. You can also add some vegetable oil to the pan to cook the brats.
Another way to get a charred texture is to finish your brats on the grill. You can prepare your brats as you would for a skillet sear, but instead, place them on a preheated grill to finish. This will give your brats a snappy sear and a smoky char.
If you want to cook your brats in the oven, you can broil them at a high temperature to get that charred look. Set your oven to a high broil and place the brats on the center oven rack. Broil on high for about three minutes.
Remember, when cooking your cheese brats, it is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.
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Plump and juicy brats
Cooking brats on a stovetop is an easy way to get juicy, plump sausages with a charred texture. It's a simple process that delivers a lot of flavours and a perfect sear every time.
Ingredients
- Bratwurst sausages
- Oil (canola or vegetable)
- Broth or water
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: onions, beer, mustard, bread roll, rice, peppers, or any other toppings and sides of your choice
Method
Firstly, bring the bratwurst to room temperature if you have time. Then, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Poke a few holes in each sausage to let steam escape during cooking. Place the bratwurst in the pan and brown both sides (2-3 minutes per side). You can then add onions and cook for a further 2 minutes. Next, pour in the broth or water, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The bratwurst should now be plump and juicy.
Remove the sausages from the skillet and season with salt and pepper. You can now serve the brats with your choice of toppings and sides. For a sauce, increase the heat and reduce the remaining liquid in the pan, stirring frequently. Serve the sauce with the brats and enjoy!
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What to serve with cheese brats
When it comes to serving cheese brats, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Combinations
The most traditional topping for bratwurst is sauerkraut, which literally translates to "sour cabbage." It is made through fermentation and is a great way to add a sour kick to your brat. Mustard is another classic topping for bratwurst. You can opt for Düsseldorf-style mustard, stone-ground mustard, or whole-grain mustard. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade pickles to slice and serve on top of your bratwurst.
Starch Options
Potato salad, mashed potatoes, and potato chips are all delicious options to serve on the side or in a bun with your bratwurst. If you're looking for something a little more special, try these seasoned potato fans filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves, and savory Parmesan cheese. For a heartier option, macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
Salads and Vegetables
A light and refreshing salad can be a great side dish to balance out the richness of the cheese brats. Try a Hungarian cucumber salad with sour cream and dill, or a simple arugula or zucchini salad with raw zucchini, lemon, capers, and fresh herbs. Charred veggies are also a great option to serve with grilled cheese brats. Don't forget to include some fresh corn, either on its own or as part of a salad.
Drinks
If you're serving alcohol, an Oktoberfest beer, German-style lager, or any malty beer will pair well with the cheese brats. Non-alcoholic options could include a refreshing fruit salad with watermelon or a zesty beet and orange vinaigrette.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking cheese brats on a stove is easy and quick. Start by poking a few holes on each side of the brats to allow steam to escape. Next, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and spread vegetable oil on the bottom of the pan. Place the cheese brats in the pan and brown both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Pour broth into the pan, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Cheese brats are typically served with a bun, potato salad, or sauerkraut. You can also serve them with German noodle salad, oven-baked potato wedges, or most other potato side dishes. If you're looking for a low-carb option, slice the cooked brat and serve it on a bed of rice, quinoa, cauliflower, or low-carb vegetables.
Traditional toppings for brats include brown mustard, raw or sauteed onions, grilled peppers, or sauerkraut. You can also get creative with toppings like pickled red onions, fresh jalapenos, hot pepper flakes, or crispy lettuce.
