Grilled Wisconsin Bratwurst with Beer-Onion Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled bratwurst paired with a savory beer-infused caramelized onion relish, capturing the spirit of Wisconsin Dells. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs bratwurst sausages, yellow onions, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place 6 bratwurst sausages on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: While the brats grill, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup lager beer, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the onions. Cook for another 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the onions are deeply caramelized and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Toast 6 hoagie rolls lightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Place each grilled bratwurst inside a toasted roll, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beer-onion relish over the sausage, and add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to each for tangy brightness. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Wisconsin Bratwurst with Beer-Onion Relish take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Wisconsin Bratwurst with Beer-Onion Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bratwurst sausages from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Wisconsin Bratwurst with Beer-Onion Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Wisconsin Bratwurst with Beer-Onion Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Wisconsin Bratwurst with Beer-Onion Relish?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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