Best Cheeses To Pair With Brats: A Tasty Guide

what cheese goes best with brats

There are many types of cheese that go well with brats, including cheddar, smoked cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and pepper jack. Brats are a type of sausage that can be made with a variety of meats and seasonings. When choosing a cheese to pair with brats, it's important to consider the other flavours in the dish, such as bacon or beer. For example, a beer cheese sauce or a smoked cheese could complement the flavours of the brat and other toppings. Additionally, the type of bun and sides can also impact the overall flavour profile of the dish.

Characteristics Values
Cheese type Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Gruyere, Horseradish Cheddar, American, Provolone
Cheese sauce Beer cheese sauce, Cheddar cheese sauce, Provolone and White American cheese sauce
Other toppings Bacon, Sauerkraut, Mustard, Onions, Pickles, Ketchup, Mushrooms, Peppers
Sides Hobo potatoes, Pasta salad, Baked beans, Potato salad, Bratkartoffeln, Rotkohl, Kartoffelpuffer, Gurkensalat

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Cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for bratwurst, and for good reason. The sharp, creamy flavour of cheddar pairs perfectly with the rich, juicy bratwurst. You can make a delicious cheddar cheese sauce to smother your brats in, or go for a more subtle approach and choose a mild cheddar to slice on top. If you're feeling adventurous, try a smoked cheddar to add a depth of flavour to your dish. Don't forget to caramelise some onions to go with that cheddar sauce!

Gouda

Gouda is another great option for bratwurst, as it has a mellow, slightly sweet flavour that won't overwhelm the other flavours in your dish. It's a good choice if you're looking for something a little different from the usual cheddar, but still want a classic, crowd-pleasing option.

Pepper Jack

If you're looking for something with a little kick, pepper jack cheese is the way to go. It has a similar base flavour to cheddar but with a spicy twist that will add some heat to your bratwurst. It's a great choice if you want to add some extra flavour to your dish without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Other Topping Ideas

No matter which cheese you choose, there are endless possibilities for other toppings to complete your bratwurst creation. Some classic options include sauerkraut, mustard (especially Düsseldorf-style or stone-ground), bacon, and grilled vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Get creative with your buns, too—try a hoagie roll, pretzel bun, or even a baguette. And of course, don't forget the beer!

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Beer and cheese sauce

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Beer
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Seasonings (e.g. mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, etc.)

Steps

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add flour and whisk until combined. Cook for about a minute.
  • Pour in the beer, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Slowly add milk, whisking as you pour.
  • Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the mixture thickens.
  • Add your choice of seasonings and stir.
  • Add cheese, a handful at a time, and stir until completely melted.
  • Serve warm.

Tips

  • Use a beer that you love the taste of as its flavour will be intensified in the sauce.
  • Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese to ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Play around with different types of cheese and beer to find your favourite combination.
  • The sauce can be made ahead of time but heat it up slowly and stir often to avoid graininess and separation.
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Cheese sauce recipes

Beer Cheese Sauce

This sauce is a great pairing with brats, especially when served with bacon and chives. It can be made on the grill or stovetop.

Ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Milk or half-and-half
  • Spicy brown mustard
  • Beer
  • Cornstarch
  • Grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • Horseradish (optional)
  • Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste

Method:

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add flour and garlic powder, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, followed by beer.
  • Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and horseradish (if using).
  • Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

This sauce is a perfect pairing with caramelized onions and brats, adding a creamy texture and elevating the flavours.

Ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Milk
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Spicy brown mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add flour and garlic powder, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the mixture begins to lightly boil and thicken.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, whisking until melted.
  • Stir in mustard and season with salt to taste. If needed, thin the sauce with a little more milk.

Other Cheese Suggestions

While cheddar is a popular choice, other cheeses that pair well with brats include:

  • Gruyere
  • Smoked cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Horseradish cheddar
  • Butterkäse
  • Spicy jack cheese
  • American cheese
  • Blue cheese
  • Pepper jack
  • Swiss

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Other toppings and sides

There are endless toppings and sides to choose from when serving bratwurst. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Toppings

  • Sauerkraut
  • Mustard (Düsseldorf-style, stone-ground, spicy brown, honey mustard, or dijon)
  • Crispy bacon slices
  • Sauteed bell peppers and onions
  • Pickles with ketchup
  • Curry ketchup (Currywurst Sauce)
  • Giardiniera
  • Raw onions
  • Brown mustard
  • Pickles

Sides

  • Bratkartoffeln (pan-fried potatoes)
  • Rotkohl (sweet & sour red cabbage)
  • Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes)
  • Gurkensalat (creamy cucumber salad)
  • Baked beans
  • Potato salad
  • Greek pasta salad
  • Summer berry salad
  • Hobo potatoes (thinly sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, butter, and salt wrapped in tin foil)
  • Chips and dip
  • Fruit
  • Macaroni salad
  • Veggies and dip
  • Fried potatoes
  • Corn on the cob
  • Hash browns
  • Rice
  • Salads with homemade salad dressing

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What to drink with brats

When it comes to drinks to pair with brats, the answer is simple: beer! Depending on the type of sausages you're serving, you can opt for traditional German beers or go for your favourite lager. If you're not a beer drinker, a dry white wine like Chablis or Riesling is another great option.

  • Andouille sausage: Pair with a wheat beer or Hefeweizen, such as Allagash White or Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier.
  • Bratwurst: Go with a lager like Paulaner.
  • Weisswurst: Try a Bock beer, like Spaten.
  • Kielbasa: Pilsner is the way to go, for example, Radeberger or Bitburger.
  • Chorizo: Complement this sausage with a dark or amber lager, like a Schwartzbier.

Now, let's shift our focus to the cheese. While there are no fixed rules, some cheese varieties are particularly popular with brats. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Cheddar: A classic choice that pairs well with the bratwurst. You can go for sharp cheddar or smoked cheddar to add a smoky flavour dimension.
  • American cheese: Its mild, creamy flavour and delightful texture when melted make it a great option for brats.
  • Pepper jack: This cheese adds a nice kick of flavour without being too overpowering.
  • Gruyere: A good alternative if you're looking for something different.
  • Blue cheese: For those who enjoy a bold, pungent cheese.
  • Swiss cheese: Top it off with a mushroom steak sauce for an indulgent combination.

So, the next time you're firing up the grill for some bratwurst, don't forget to stock up on some beers and cheeses to create the perfect pairing!

Frequently asked questions

There are several cheese options that you can use to stuff into your brats, including cheddar, pepper jack, blue cheese, and Swiss cheese.

Some side dishes that go well with cheese brats are hobo potatoes, pasta salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, and potato salad.

Some toppings that pair well with cheese brats are sauerkraut, bacon, onions, mustard, pickles, and peppers.

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