Best Cheeses To Pair With Bratwurst For A Flavorful Bite

what cheese goes well with bratwurst

Bratwurst is a type of sausage that is commonly grilled and served in a bun. There are many types of cheese that pair well with bratwurst, including cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda. Some people also enjoy adding a cheese sauce to their bratwurst sandwich, which can be made with ingredients such as cream cheese, smoked provolone, and white American cheese. When choosing a cheese to pair with bratwurst, it is important to consider the other flavours in the dish, such as bacon or beer, and choose a cheese that will complement these flavours without being overwhelming.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Cheddar, Beer Cheese Sauce, Gruyere, Smoked Cheddar, Gouda, Horseradish Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Spicy Jack Cheese, American, Pepperjack, Swiss, Blue Cheese, Mozzarella, Provolone, White American Cheese
Other ingredients Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Chives, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, BBQ Sauce, BBQ Rub

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Mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese-stuffed bratwurst

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Bratwurst sausages: Ideally, opt for raw beer bratwurst, as smoked or pre-cooked sausages may not work as well.
  • Cheese: You can choose between mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese. For mozzarella, use cheese sticks or cut a block of mozzarella into sticks. For cheddar, opt for extra sharp cheddar and cut it into ¼-inch wide strips. Pepper jack cheese will add a nice kick of flavour without being too overpowering.
  • Bacon: Thick-sliced bacon works best, as it holds up well to the heat of the grill.
  • BBQ seasoning: Look for something with garlic, brown sugar, paprika, and chilli powder.
  • BBQ sauce: Choose a light and slightly sweet variety.
  • Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions are classic choices to serve with bratwurst. You can also grill bell peppers and onions as a topping.
  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Slice the bratwurst lengthwise, about 2/3 of the way through, leaving the bottom casing intact.
  • Stuff the cheese into the bratwurst. For mozzarella, use a full cheese stick. For cheddar or pepper jack, use strips or cut the cheese to fit.
  • Pinch the opening of the bratwurst closed around the cheese.
  • Wrap two pieces of bacon tightly around each bratwurst. Secure the bacon with toothpicks soaked in water to prevent burning.
  • Sprinkle BBQ seasoning over the bacon-wrapped bratwurst.
  • Place the bratwurst on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce occasionally.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bratwurst. They are done when the temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F.
  • Serve the bratwurst in hot dog buns with your desired condiments and toppings.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer, avoiding high heat to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy.

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Beer brats with beer cheese sauce

Ingredients

  • Bratwurst
  • Beer
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Cheese
  • Bacon
  • Chives
  • Buns

Method

First, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and bratwurst; cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.

Next, add beer to the pan, reserving 1/4 cup for the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the beer has reduced and the bratwurst are no longer pink inside.

While the bratwurst are cooking, prepare the beer cheese sauce. Melt butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in flour and seasonings and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Add milk and beer all at once. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and horseradish.

Finally, place the bratwurst in buns, then top with beer cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, and minced chives.

Tips

  • You can use any type of bratwurst and cheese that you prefer.
  • If you want to add extra veggies, try adding mushrooms to the onion mixture.
  • For a stronger flavour, use a darker beer for the beer cheese sauce.
  • You can top the bratwurst with additional toppings such as sliced green onions, tomatoes, or jalapeños.
  • For a low-carb option, skip the bun!

Storage

Leftover bratwurst 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.

cycheese

Grilled Philly cheese brats

Ingredients:

  • Bratwurst
  • Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or American)
  • Bacon
  • BBQ seasoning
  • BBQ sauce
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Buns
  • Mustard
  • Ketchup
  • Relish

Method:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Slice the bratwurst lengthwise about 2/3 of the way.
  • Stuff the bratwurst with cheese. A good option is to use a mozzarella stick, but you can also cut a block of cheese into sticks—try cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack.
  • Wrap each bratwurst tightly with a slice of bacon.
  • Sprinkle BBQ seasoning over the wrapped bratwurst.
  • Place the bratwurst on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce on each side.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the bratwurst has reached an internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Serve the grilled cheese brats in buns with mustard, ketchup, relish, and grilled bell peppers and onions.

Tips:

  • You can also add other toppings like sauerkraut, crispy bacon, sautéed bell peppers and onions, pickles, or spicy brown mustard.
  • Get creative with your buns! Try hoagie rolls, pretzel buns, or even a baguette.

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Cheddar, smoked cheddar, or gouda

Cheddar is a classic choice, known for its sharp and tangy flavor. It pairs well with both mild and spicy bratwursts and can complement the smokiness of the sausage. For an extra kick of flavor, you can opt for horseradish cheddar. If you're looking for a more subtle taste, smoked cheddar adds a hint of smokiness to the bratwurst without being too overpowering.

Gouda, on the other hand, offers a creamy texture and a touch of smokiness to the bratwurst. It pairs well with both spicy and mild varieties. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try smoked gouda, which will enhance the smoky flavors in your bratwurst.

For a truly indulgent experience, you can incorporate these cheeses into your bratwurst in various ways. Melted cheese, such as a creamy cheddar cheese sauce or a beer cheese sauce, can be drizzled over the sausage. Alternatively, you can stuff your bratwurst with cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a perfect pairing is balance. Opt for milder cheeses like smoked cheddar or gouda for milder bratwursts, while sharper options like classic cheddar or horseradish cheddar will stand up to spicier varieties.

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Blue cheese or Swiss cheese

Blue cheese and Swiss cheese are both excellent choices to pair with bratwurst. While Swiss cheese is a milder option, blue cheese is a bold choice that can add an intense flavour to your bratwurst.

Blue cheese is a unique option for bratwurst lovers. Its distinct tanginess can add a new dimension of flavour to the sausage. Blue cheese-stuffed bratwursts braised in beer and topped with caramelised onions and blue cheese crumbles are a popular choice. The tanginess of the blue cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the caramelised onions, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Blue cheese also goes well with grilled onions, adding a bold touch to your bratwurst sandwich.

On the other hand, Swiss cheese provides a more mellow taste and is a good option for those who prefer a milder cheese. It pairs well with German-style sauerkraut, which is commonly served with bratwurst. The slightly nutty flavour of Swiss cheese complements the saltiness of the sauerkraut, creating a well-balanced combination. Swiss cheese is also versatile and can be paired with both spicy and mild bratwursts.

When choosing between blue cheese and Swiss cheese for your bratwurst, consider your personal preference for cheese intensity. If you enjoy a stronger flavour, blue cheese is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more subtle cheese flavour, Swiss cheese is the better option. Ultimately, both cheeses can elevate your bratwurst experience and create a memorable dining moment.

Frequently asked questions

Mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack are all good options to stuff inside a bratwurst.

Cheddar, beer cheese, and smoked provolone mixed with white American cheese are all popular options to melt on top of a bratwurst.

Caramelized onions, bacon, chives, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all popular toppings to pair with cheese on a bratwurst.

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