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Best Beer-Braised Bratwurst: Easy German Potato Salad

Beer-Braised Bratwurst - featured image

A flavorful and comforting meal featuring bratwurst braised in beer, onions, and spices, served alongside a tangy, warm German potato salad with bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 bratwurst links (pork or pork/beef blend)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 12 oz lager or pilsner beer
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pierce potatoes with a fork and boil in salted water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain, cool slightly, peel (optional), and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Add butter and sliced onions to the bacon fat. Sauté over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  4. Add caraway seeds, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and beer to the onions. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Place bratwurst links into the liquid, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
  6. While brats braise, combine warm potatoes, diced raw onion, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Toss to coat.
  7. Sprinkle the potato salad with crumbled bacon and parsley.
  8. Remove brats from the liquid. Serve immediately with sauce, or sear quickly in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for a crispy exterior.

Notes

Avoid boiling brats in plain water as it leaches flavor. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red as they hold their shape better than Russets. For the potato salad, ensure potatoes are warm but not hot when adding vinegar to prevent evaporation. The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free beer and checking sausage labels. Dairy-free by substituting butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer braised bratwurst, german potato salad, bratwurst recipe, comfort food, game day food, easy dinner, pork recipes