There’s nothing quite like the combination of savoury, juicy bratwurst and Guinness beer’s rich, malty flavour. Beer brats are a favourite at backyard grilling parties, tailgates, and family dinners, but cooking a great batch requires attention to detail and a few insider tips. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master, a craft beer enthusiast, or a foodie looking to level up your game, this guide will show you how to make mouthwatering Guinness brats that everyone will rave about.
You’ll learn all about the key ingredients, preparation methods, and cooking techniques for achieving perfect, flavorful brats infused with the iconic taste of Guinness. Plus, we’ll explore creative serving ideas to impress your guests. Grab your grill tongs and a bottle of Guinness, and let’s get cooking!
Why Guinness Brats Are a Must-Try
You’re in for a treat if you’ve never tried beer brats. Guinness brats stand out by the unique pairing of tender, flavorful sausage with the distinct taste of Ireland’s beloved stout. Guinness, with its notes of roasted barley, caramel, and chocolate, enhances the brats in a way that creates a bold, savoury bite with every forkful or bun bite.
Here are a few reasons you should give Guinness brats a shot (if you haven’t already):
- Mouthwatering flavour: Guinness beer adds a depth of flavour that transforms ordinary brats into something unforgettable.
- Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, beer brats are approachable even for beginner cooks.
- Versatility: Serve them independently, with your favourite toppings, or as part of a larger meal. They’re great for summer barbecues, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- Perfect pairing: Not only do Guinness brats taste amazing on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of dishes and drinks. Try serving them with sauerkraut, mustard, and a cold pint of Guinness for the ultimate flavour combination.
- Crowd pleaser: Whether feeding a picky family or hosting a party, Guinness brats will surely be a hit with everyone. Their bold flavour and satisfying texture make them a crowd favourite every time.
Pro-tip for the uninitiated beer enthusiast: Cooking with Guinness infuses brats with flavour and makes them juicy and tender, making every bite better than the last.
What You’ll Need
Cooking Guinness brats requires just a handful of ingredients and some basic tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients
- Bratwurst (uncooked) – Choose high-quality brats made from pork, beef, or a combination for the best flavour.
- Guinness Beer – One or two bottles or cans, depending on your quantity of brats. Opt for Guinness Draught Stout for its smooth, creamy taste.
- Onions – Yellow or white onion works great. These are essential for infusing flavour into the brats and creating a savoury topping.
- Butter – Adds richness to the beer bath and enhances the caramelization of onions.
- Optional Seasonings – Add minced garlic, caraway seeds, or bay leaves if you want to elevate the flavour further.
Tools
- Large Skillet or Pot – For the beer bath.
- Grill (or grill pan) – To finish the brats with a smoky char.
- Tongs – To handle brats on the grill.
- Basting Brush – This is used to brush the brats with the beer bath.
- Aluminium Foil – To create a packet for grilling the brats and onions together.
- Optional: Smoker Box or Wood Chips – To add extra smoky flavour to the brats on the grill.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your beer bath in a large skillet or pot.
- Pour in your choice of beer, ensuring enough to submerge all your bratwursts fully.
- Add butter and optional seasonings to the beer bath and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the beer bath is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully add in your brats.
- Let the brats simmer in the beer bath for about 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
- While the brats are simmering, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If using a smoker box or wood chips, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before placing them on the grill.
- Cut onions into thick slices and place them onto a large sheet of aluminium foil.
- Place the grilled onions onto one side of the foil and fold over to create a packet.
- Place the foil packet on the grill and let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they are soft and caramelized.
- Once brats are fully cooked, remove them from the beer bath and place them on the hot grill.
- Grill the brats for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they have nice grill marks.
- Place buns on the grill to lightly toast them during the last minute.
- Remove everything from the grill and assemble your brats by placing them in a bun and topping them with grilled onions and your choice of condiments.
How to Cook Perfect Guinness Brats in 4 Steps
1. Create Your Beer Bath
First, make a flavorful beer bath to parboil your brats. This step ensures the sausages stay juicy while locking in the Guinness flavour.
- Add your Guinness beer, sliced onions, butter, and seasonings to a large skillet or pot.
- Place the uncooked brats into the mixture, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat, then reduce it to a simmer.
Allow the brats to cook for approximately 10–12 minutes or until they’re firm and mostly cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 150°F if using a meat thermometer).
2. Grill to Perfection
The next step is all about adding that irresistible charm!
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have access to a grill, a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works, too.
- Place the parboiled brats on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even browning.
The key here is to avoid piercing the brats as they cook. This keeps all the flavorful juices locked in.
3. Caramelize the Onions
Don’t throw out the onions from your beer bath just yet!
- Strain the beer mixture, reserving the onions.
- Heat a small amount of butter in a skillet and toss in the boiled onions.
- Cook over medium heat until golden and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
These onions make a fantastic topping for your Guinness brats.
4. Assemble and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Here’s how to present your brats like a pro.
- Classic Style: Place each brat in a toasted bun, garnish with caramelized onions, and finish with mustard or sauerkraut.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve brats with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Sharing Plates: Slice the brats into bite-sized chunks and serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard, beer cheese, or creamy horseradish.
Pair your dish with a cold Guinness for the whole experience.
Tips for the Best Guinness Brats Every Time
Want to take your beer brat game to the next level? Keep these tips in mind.
- Use fresh brats. Frozen brats can work in a pinch, but fresh ones yield a better texture.
- Don’t rush the beer bath. Allowing brats to simmer gently ensures they’re perfectly cooked and infused with all those flavorful notes from the Guinness.
- Experiment with toppings. Aside from onions, try cheddar cheese, grilled peppers, or bacon crumbles to mix things up.
- Get creative with sides. Serve your brats alongside pretzel rolls, coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad for a full-on feast.
- Don’t forget the beer. What’s a brat without a cold beer to wash it down? Serve up some extra Guinness or your favourite brew to complete the meal.
Elevate with Extras
If you want to go beyond the basics, there’s no shortage of creative ways to enjoy Guinness brats. Here are some additional twists you can try.
Beer-Infused Sauerkraut
Swap out some of the white wine or vinegar in your favourite sauerkraut recipe for Guinness beer. The stout lends a slightly malty edge to the dish, pairing perfectly with the brats.
Guinness Brat Nachos
Slice your grilled brats into small pieces and layer them over tortilla chips with shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, and beer cheese sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish disappears fast at game day gatherings!
Guinness Brat Chili
Chop up leftover brats and add them to a pot of hearty chilli. The combination of spicy, smoky, and malty flavours is unbeatable.
What Makes Guinness Brats a Crowd Favorite
Whether you’re hosting an outdoor barbecue, planning a tailgate feast, or looking for a cosy dinner idea, Guinness brats deliver every time. They’re easy to make, full of bold flavour, and endlessly versatile. Plus, the simple cooking process allows you to enjoy great food and beer with your friends and family.
