I’m sharing #SausageFamily in my life as part of a Johnsonville sponsored series for Socialstars™
Sizzling Jalapeno Beer Brats: Your New Favorite Grilling Recipe
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience! These Jalapeno Beer Brats aren’t just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor, served perfectly on a soft bun with a generous helping of sweet caramelized onions, tangy sauerkraut, and rich, melted Swiss cheese, all crowned with a fiery kick from fresh jalapeno slices. We’re confident that brats have never tasted this good, and we’re about to show you how to create this masterpiece on your grill.

The Secret Ingredient: Johnsonville Beer ‘n Bratwurst
What sets this recipe apart? It’s all thanks to the incredible Johnsonville® Beer ‘n Bratwurst®! The genius of these brats is that they come pre-infused with a delightful beer flavor, saving you a significant step in the cooking process. Traditionally, achieving that authentic beer brat taste involves simmering your brats in beer before grilling. With Johnsonville’s innovative approach, that extra step is completely eliminated, allowing you to go straight to the grill. This not only cuts down on preparation time but also streamlines your clean-up, making your grilling experience more enjoyable and less of a chore.
And let’s be honest, there’s an even better perk:
You get to save all your favorite beer for drinking. Cheers to that! 🍻

Embracing Grilling Season: Why Brats are a Fan Favorite
As soon as spring arrives and summer unfolds, my grill becomes the heart of my kitchen. There’s nothing quite like cooking outdoors, and the simplicity of grilling makes clean-up a breeze. Among all the delicious options for outdoor cooking, brats consistently rank high on my list of favorites, especially when they’re Johnsonville® Brats. Known for their exceptional quality, these brats are incredibly juicy and packed with robust flavor, guaranteeing they’ll be a hit at any gathering or family meal.

A World of Flavor: Discovering Johnsonville Brat Varieties
Johnsonville understands that variety is the spice of life, offering a wide array of bratwurst flavors to suit every palate. Beyond the classic Beer ‘n Bratwurst®, you can explore exciting options like savory Cheddar, the bold kick of Chipotle & Monterey Jack, or the delightful heat of Hot ‘n Spicy. Each flavor is crafted to perfection, ensuring a unique and satisfying experience with every bite. Experimenting with these different varieties can open up a whole new world of brat-inspired culinary adventures.

Grilling Brats to Perfection: Tips for Success
Achieving perfectly grilled brats is an art, but it’s an easily mastered one with a few simple guidelines. The most crucial tip is to manage your grill’s heat. Avoid turning the heat up too high, as excessive heat can cause the brats to burst open, leading to a loss of their precious juices and flavor. Instead, aim for a consistent medium-low heat. This allows the brats to cook through slowly and evenly, ensuring they remain succulent and flavorful. I typically grill mine for a good 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve a beautiful, even brown crust and an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.

Crafting the Toppings: Sweet Caramelized Onions
While your brats are sizzling on the grill, it’s the perfect time to prepare one of the most essential toppings: caramelized onions. These sweet, savory gems add a depth of flavor and a wonderfully soft texture that perfectly complements the robust taste of the bratwurst. To make them, simply sauté thinly sliced sweet onions in a pan with a touch of oil and butter over medium heat. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to slowly transform into a beautiful golden-brown color. This process takes approximately the same amount of time as grilling your brats, making it an efficient way to multitask and prepare all your components simultaneously.
Assembling Your Ultimate Jalapeno Beer Brat
Now for the grand finale: assembly! This is where all the wonderful flavors come together to create an unforgettable experience. Begin by lining the bottom of each soft bun with a generous layer of well-drained sauerkraut. Its tangy crunch provides an excellent counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients. Next, nestle a perfectly grilled Johnsonville brat onto the sauerkraut. Immediately top the hot brat with a slice of Swiss cheese, allowing its warmth to gently melt the cheese into a gooey, savory blanket. Spoon a hearty portion of those luscious caramelized onions over the cheese, followed by plenty of thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers for that irresistible spicy kick. For those who enjoy a little extra zing, a drizzle of mustard is highly recommended.
Talk about a symphony of flavors and textures!

Ready to explore more Johnsonville goodness? Discover additional tasty brat recipes and learn all about Johnsonville® Brats at Johnsonville.com.
Jalapeno Beer Brats Recipe
By Christin Mahrlig
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
5
brats
Saved
Pin
Ingredients
-
1
(19-ounce)
package Johnsonville® Beer ‘n Bratwurst® -
2
medium sweet onions,
thinly sliced -
1
tablespoon
vegetable oil -
1
tablespoon
butter -
1
cup
sauerkraut,
drained well -
5
slices
Swiss cheese -
2
jalapeno peppers,
thinly sliced or 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices, drained -
5
buns -
mustard
Instructions
-
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Place the Johnsonville Beer ‘n Bratwurst on the grill, turning them occasionally, and cook for approximately 20 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal doneness and safety.
-
While the brats are grilling, heat the vegetable oil and butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn beautifully golden brown and caramelized. This should take roughly the same amount of time as grilling the brats.
-
Prepare your buns by lining the bottom of each with a generous layer of well-drained sauerkraut.
-
Place a grilled brat into each prepared bun. Immediately top with a slice of Swiss cheese, a spoonful of the caramelized onions, and your desired amount of fresh or pickled jalapeno slices.
-
If you enjoy a tangy kick, add a squirt of mustard to your brat. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this?
Leave a comment below and tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media!
I love to serve Jalapeno Beer Brats with this perfect grilled corn on the cob.