Upgrade your classic pigs in a blanket with this irresistible recipe for Brats in a Blanket. Perfect for any party, game day gathering, or a fun family meal, these savory bratwursts wrapped in golden, flaky pastry are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing hit!

Brats in a Blanket: The Ultimate Appetizer Reinvention

Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary with Brats in a Blanket! This recipe takes the beloved concept of pigs in a blanket and elevates it to a sophisticated, yet equally fun, culinary experience. Imagine succulent bratwurst, infused with smoky grill flavor, nestled in a warm embrace of buttery puff pastry, gooey Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut. It’s a grown-up twist on a childhood favorite, but don’t be surprised when the kids eagerly devour them too. These juicy, flavorful bites are not just a snack; they’re a celebration in every bite, making them ideal for any occasion, especially Bratsgiving – National Bratwurst Day on August 16th!

For this recipe, I chose Johnsonville Brats, specifically their Firecracker Brats, which have quickly become a personal favorite. Their unique blend of spices provides just the right amount of heat and an incredibly robust flavor that truly shines through the pastry. Johnsonville is renowned for its high-quality sausages, delivering that authentic, savory taste that makes these brats in a blanket truly exceptional. Their commitment to flavor means you’re starting with the best possible foundation for this delicious appetizer.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Brats in a Blanket

Crafting the perfect Brats in a Blanket requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful notes for selection and substitution.

• Brats: The star of our show! While I highly recommend Johnsonville Brats for their consistent quality and delicious flavors, feel free to choose your favorite variety. Whether it’s classic Original Brats, spicy Chorizo Brats, or a seasonal specialty, any good quality bratwurst will work wonderfully. Pre-grilling them adds an irreplaceable smoky depth.
• Puff Pastry: This is where the “blanket” magic happens. Puff pastry offers an unparalleled buttery flakiness that crescent roll dough simply can’t match. It bakes up golden, crisp, and provides a beautiful contrast to the juicy brat. Ensure it’s properly defrosted according to package directions before use to prevent cracking and ensure easy handling.
• Swiss Cheese: The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese complements the savory bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut perfectly. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar, mild provolone, or even a creamy mozzarella can offer equally delicious results, adding your personal touch to the recipe.
• Dijon Mustard: A key ingredient for that classic bratwurst pairing, Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the pastry and cheese. If you prefer more heat, spicy brown mustard or Creole mustard are excellent alternatives that will add an extra layer of zing.
• Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage adds a vital layer of tanginess and a delightful texture to the dish. It’s crucial to drain the sauerkraut very well before using it. Excess moisture can make your puff pastry soggy, preventing it from achieving that desired crispness. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible for best results.
• Egg (for Egg Wash): A simple egg wash, made by whisking an egg with a tablespoon of water, is essential for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown, and slightly crispy crust on your puff pastry. It also helps the caraway seeds adhere.
• Caraway Seeds: These small, aromatic seeds provide a subtle, aniselike flavor that is traditional with German-style dishes like sauerkraut and brats. They add a lovely visual appeal and a unique taste. If you don’t have caraway seeds, poppy seeds offer a similar textural element, or for a more complex flavor, “everything bagel” seasoning makes a fantastic substitute.

Crafting Your Brats in a Blanket: A Step-by-Step Guide

The journey to these delectable Brats in a Blanket begins with a crucial first step: grilling the bratwursts. This isn’t just about cooking them; it’s about infusing them with that irresistible, smoky flavor that only grilling can provide. Once perfectly grilled, allow your brats to cool slightly. This prevents them from cooking the puff pastry too quickly or making it difficult to handle.

Next, the magic of assembly unfolds. Each cooled bratwurst is carefully wrapped in a generous piece of puff pastry, creating a warm, buttery cocoon. Before rolling, a layer of Swiss cheese adds a creamy, melty texture, while a smear of Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick. Finally, a portion of well-drained sauerkraut introduces a vibrant, savory counterpoint, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors. While crescent roll dough is an option, the unmatched buttery flakiness and crisp texture of puff pastry truly elevate this dish to gourmet status.

A Note on Preparation and Leftovers

Typically, a package of Johnsonville Brats contains five sausages, but a standard sheet of puff pastry often yields four perfectly sized wraps. This means you might have one bratwurst left over. Fear not! This isn’t a problem, but an opportunity. If it’s not immediately claimed by an eager snack-seeker, refrigerate it promptly. That leftover brat can be a fantastic ingredient for future meals. Try chopping it up and stirring it into your next batch of mac and cheese for an incredibly rich and savory twist, or slice it thinly and add it to a grilled cheese sandwich for a truly decadent experience. Talk about delicious versatility!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

While Brats in a Blanket are undeniably best enjoyed fresh from the oven, any leftovers can be stored and reheated for continued enjoyment. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. This helps restore their delightful texture without making them soggy.

For longer storage, assembled (but uncooked) brats in a blanket can be frozen for up to a month. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, though they will require a little extra baking time. Keep an eye on them, and if the pastry starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the brats cook through.

Beyond Brats in a Blanket: More Delicious Bratwurst Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and flavor of bratwurst, there’s a whole world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored! Brats are incredibly adaptable, making them a fantastic base for a variety of hearty and satisfying dishes. Here are some other creative and delicious ways to enjoy bratwurst, perfect for expanding your recipe repertoire:

• Crock Pot Reuben Brats: A fantastic fusion of classic flavors, combining the savory richness of brats with the tangy, cheesy goodness of a Reuben sandwich, all slow-cooked to perfection.
• Grilled Brats with Southern Toppings: Take your grilling game to the next level with a selection of vibrant, zesty Southern-inspired toppings that perfectly complement the smoky flavor of grilled brats.
• Jalapeno Beer Brats: For those who love a bit of a kick, these brats are simmered in beer and infused with the heat of jalapenos, creating a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Beer Brats: An effortless way to achieve tender, flavorful brats. Cooking them slowly in beer ensures they’re juicy and ready to impress with minimal effort.
• Bratwurst Mac and Cheese: Elevate a comfort food classic by adding chopped bratwurst to creamy macaroni and cheese for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Brats in a Blanket

4.80 from 5 votes

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep:

20 mins

Cook:

20 mins

Total:

40 mins

Servings:

4 servings

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Grilled Brats wrapped up in puff pastry with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut and baked until golden.

Equipment

• Rimmed Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

• 1 package Johnsonville Brats
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted according to package directions
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional

Instructions

1. Grill brats according to package directions. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the defrosted puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly. Aim for each quartered piece to be roughly the length of a bratwurst.
4. Cut the puff pastry sheet into 4 equal quarters. Carefully transfer these pieces to the prepared baking sheet.
5. Arrange 1 1/2 slices of Swiss cheese on each piece of puff pastry, ensuring good coverage.
6. Spread 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard evenly over the cheese on each puff pastry piece.
7. Place 1/4 cup of well-drained sauerkraut down the center of each puff pastry piece, then lay a grilled bratwurst on top of the sauerkraut.
8. Carefully roll the puff pastry around the bratwurst, ensuring the edges meet and the seam is tucked underneath. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
9. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of each wrapped bratwurst.
10. If using, sprinkle the caraway seeds evenly over the egg-washed puff pastry.
11. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and beautifully puffed.
12. Serve warm with extra Dijon mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

To add a spicy kick to your Brats in a Blanket, simply mix a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes into the sauerkraut before layering it onto the puff pastry.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. For precise dietary needs, please consult a professional.

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Originally posted August 10, 2016. Updated and enhanced for improved clarity and SEO.