Dutch Oven Beer Brats
These Dutch Oven Beer Brats are perfect for a no-fuss weekend dinner or game day cookout. Seared, simmered in German pilsner, and smothered with caramelized onions, they deliver classic pub flavor with minimal effort. This method benefits from slight tweaks — like using medium heat for a better sear and adjusting the lid to release excess steam — to make the results even juicier. Plus, this recipe scales well, so go ahead and double the brats if you’re feeding a crowd!
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Ingredients
- 1 package bratwurst sausage (5 links, ~1.25 lbs)
- 5 hot dog buns
- 1 to 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 to 3 cans of German pilsner beer
- Neutral oil (optional, for browning)
- Deli mustard or preferred toppings
Directions
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high. If needed, add a small amount of neutral oil. Brown the bratwurst sausages on at least 3 sides, turning as needed for even color — this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the brats and place them on a clean plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the sliced onions to the Dutch oven. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and beginning to brown.
Pour in 2 to 3 cans of German pilsner beer, using the liquid to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
Return the brats to the pot, nestling them into the onions and beer. Make sure they are submerged between halfway and three-quarters. Cover the pot loosely, leaving the lid more than just “cracked” to allow enough steam to escape. This helps control the liquid level as the onions release moisture during cooking.
Simmer over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 165°F.
Toast the hot dog buns. Serve the bratwursts with a generous scoop of beer-braised onions and a smear of deli mustard or your favorite condiments. Use extra beer and onions as a dip like French onion.
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