Best Cheeses To Pair With Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a gift from Germany to the world. Smoky, savoury, and garlicky, bratwurst is a sausage that goes well with a variety of toppings. While the traditional bratwurst is served in a bun with mustard, people have been experimenting with different kinds of cheeses, buns, and toppings to create exciting combinations.

Cheddar, gruyere, or gouda cheese

Cheddar, Gruyere, and Gouda are all excellent choices to pair with bratwurst. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate these cheeses into your bratwurst dish:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for bratwurst as it pairs well with the strong flavours of the sausage and bacon. You can incorporate cheddar into your bratwurst dish in a few ways. One option is to make a homemade cheddar cheese sauce to top your bratwurst. This sauce typically includes milk, garlic powder, and spicy brown mustard in addition to the cheddar. You can also stuff your bratwurst with cheddar cheese. If you want to get creative, try using a smoked cheddar or horseradish cheddar for a unique flavour profile.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty flavour and a creamy texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. It is a popular choice for fondue and grilled cheese sandwiches. You can incorporate Gruyere into your bratwurst dish by slicing or shredding it and melting it on top of your sausage. It can also be used in a cheese sauce, similar to the cheddar cheese sauce mentioned above.

Gouda

Gouda is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands. It has a wide range of uses and flavours depending on its age. Younger Gouda melts easily and can be used in a cheese sauce or melted on top of your bratwurst. Older Gouda has a stronger flavour and can be shredded or sliced and added to your bratwurst dish for a more pronounced cheese taste.

When choosing between these three cheeses, consider the specific flavours and textures you want to incorporate into your bratwurst dish. All three cheeses can be melted, shredded, or sliced and will complement the flavours of the bratwurst nicely.

Cheese sauce

A good cheese sauce can take your bratwurst to the next level. Here is a recipe for a cheddar cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with bratwurst.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• 3/4 cup milk, or more to thin if needed
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 5 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/4 cups)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard

Method:

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add olive oil 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 until melted.
• Whisk until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
• Stir in mustard and season with salt to taste.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more milk.
• Rewarm over low heat if needed before serving.

Tips:

• For a more indulgent sauce, substitute heavy cream for milk.
• Play around with different types of cheese to find your favourite. Some popular options to pair with bratwurst include smoked cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try stuffing your bratwurst with blue cheese or Swiss cheese and topping it with a mushroom steak sauce.

No cheese

Bratwurst is a gift from Germany to the rest of the world. Smoky, savoury, and garlicky, bratwurst is a flavourful sausage that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While some people like to add cheese to their bratwurst, others prefer to skip the cheese and focus on other toppings and sides. Here are some reasons why you might choose to leave the cheese out of your bratwurst dish:

Simplicity and Tradition

Leaving cheese out of your bratwurst dish keeps things simple and classic. In Germany, where bratwurst originated, it is common to enjoy bratwurst without cheese. The traditional way to eat bratwurst is in a bun with mustard, and sometimes ketchup. This simple preparation allows the flavour of the sausage to shine. For an authentic German experience, skip the cheese and stick to the basics.

Versatility of Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a versatile sausage that pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides, many of which do not include cheese. For example, bratwurst can be served with stone-ground mustard, bacon and apple sauce, jalapenos, onions, sauerkraut, or relish. You can also get creative with toppings like wasabi mayo, banh mi slaw, or teriyaki sauce and Mexican salsa. With so many cheese-free options to choose from, you can experiment and find your favourite combination.

Overwhelming Flavours

Adding cheese to your bratwurst dish can be overwhelming, especially if you're using strongly flavoured cheeses or other bold ingredients. Bratwurst already has a savoury, smoky flavour, and when paired with toppings like bacon or beer, the dish can become quite rich. By leaving out the cheese, you allow the other flavours in the dish to shine and avoid overpowering the palate.

Health Considerations

Cheese is high in fat and calories, and for those watching their weight or trying to eat healthily, leaving it out can be a good option. Bratwurst is already a tasty treat on its own, and by skipping the cheese, you reduce the overall calorie count of the dish without sacrificing flavour. This way, you can indulge in your favourite sausage without feeling too guilty.

Allergies and Intolerances

For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, leaving out the cheese is a necessity. Bratwurst is still enjoyable without cheese, and by skipping it, you ensure that everyone can partake in the meal. There are plenty of delicious alternatives to cheese, such as the toppings mentioned above, so no one has to feel left out.

Regional variations

Bratwurst is a German speciality, and the way it is served differs from region to region. In some parts of Germany, it is considered unusual to eat bratwurst with cheese. However, there are some varieties of bratwurst that include cheese, such as the Käsekrainer or Berner Würstchen, which is an Austrian dish. Bratwurst is often served in a bun, or Brötchen, which is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. It is sometimes served with mustard, and sometimes with ketchup, which is preferred by children and some adults. In some regions, it is customary to eat the first bratwurst without any condiments to appreciate the quality of the sausage.

In Thuringia, bratwurst is traditionally served in a bread roll or Brötchen with mustard. The bread roll is preferably from the day before, and the mustard is from the region, such as Born Senf or Bautzner. It is considered inappropriate for adults to put ketchup on their bratwurst, and they may be judged by others for doing so.

In Nuremberg, bratwurst is often served as street food, known as "Drei im Weckla" ("three in a bun"). While it was once frowned upon to eat them with mustard, most stalls now offer mustard and ketchup as options. At restaurants, they are typically served with sauerkraut, and sometimes with sweet mustard.

In Regensburg, the oldest sausage kitchen, die Wurschtkuchl, serves bratwurst in a bun with a little sauerkraut and sweet mustard.

In some regions, bratwurst is served on a plate with salads, such as green salad, potato salad, or pasta salad, and bread on the side. It may also be served with mashed potatoes, gravy, or roasted potatoes. In northern Germany, potato salad is typically made with mayonnaise, while in southern Germany, it is made with sunflower oil and vinegar.

When it comes to cheese, there are many types that can complement bratwurst depending on the region and personal preference. Some popular choices include cheddar, smoked cheddar, gouda, horseradish cheddar, American cheese, pepper jack, Swiss cheese, and blue cheese. These cheeses can be melted on top of the bratwurst or used as a stuffing.

Other toppings

Bratwurst is a smoky, savoury, and garlicky German sausage. While it is delicious on its own, there are several toppings that can enhance its flavour. Here are some ideas for other toppings besides cheese to elevate your bratwurst experience:

Condiments

The most basic and classic condiment to pair with bratwurst is mustard. However, instead of the typical yellow mustard, opt for stone-ground mustard to provide a wonderful contrast in texture to the smoothness of the bratwurst. Ketchup is another popular choice, especially for those who prefer a sweeter taste. If you want to add some heat, try a spicy brown mustard or horseradish. For a unique twist, create a wasabi mayo by mixing wasabi paste with mayonnaise, adding a pungent kick to your bratwurst.

Vegetables

Onions are a versatile topping that can be used raw, sauteed, or grilled. Grilled onions will caramelise them, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a perfect sweet and savoury combination. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, either sauteed or grilled, for a pop of colour and a slight charred flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try a banh mi slaw made with cucumbers, radishes, carrots, onions, cilantro, and a jalapeno sauce for a Vietnamese-inspired fusion.

Fruits

Fruits can add a refreshing and unexpected twist to your bratwurst. Pineapple chunks, either on their own or mixed into coleslaw, bring a tropical sweetness and crunch. You can also top your bratwurst with a Mexican salsa infused with pineapple for a unique flavour combination. Applesauce is another sweet option that pairs well with the smokiness of the sausage.

Proteins

Bacon and bratwurst are a match made in heaven, as they both share a savoury and smoky flavour profile. For an extra indulgent bite, wrap your bratwurst in bacon before grilling. If you're looking for something heartier, try pulled pork as a topping, creating a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours.

Classic Combinations

Sauerkraut, a traditional German side dish made from fermented cabbage, is a classic pairing with bratwurst. It adds a tangy contrast and provides good bacteria for your gut health. For another classic duo, pair your bratwurst with a side of crispy, crunchy pickle relish, which offers a sour and textural contrast to the juicy sausage.

Regional Specialties

Depending on your location, you can incorporate regional specialties into your bratwurst toppings. For a Southern twist, top your bratwurst with chilli con carne, a Texas staple. If you're feeling adventurous, try a Japanese-inspired topping like macaroni and cheese or a Japanese mayo.

Frequently asked questions