Grilled Bratwurst With German Potato Salad
Juicy grilled bratwurst served with a tangy German potato salad featuring bacon, onions, and mustard, perfect for summer barbecues or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cans beer ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. bratwurst sausage links ⓘ
- 2 lb. Idaho potatoes ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 6 oz. bacon ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard ⓘ
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- vegetable oil (for grilling) ⓘ
- 6 rolls or 12 slices dark bread
- whole-grain mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring the beer to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the bratwurst sausages and cook until plump, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Preheat the grill.
- Cook the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water over medium heat until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes and drain well. Keep warm.
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the chopped onions to the bacon and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Season with black pepper.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Wipe the grill and cook the bratwurst links until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cooked potatoes with chopped green onions, apple cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add the cooked bacon and onions to the potato salad and mix well.
- Slice the hard-boiled eggs and arrange on top of the salad.
- Serve bratwurst with warm dark bread slices or rolls, mustard, and the potato salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a few wood chips to the grill while cooking the bratwurst. If you can't find bratwurst, any good-quality sausage can be substituted. You can also use red potatoes for a different texture in the German potato salad. Adjust the amount of vinegar and mustard based on your taste preference for a tangier salad.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with warm dark bread slices or rolls and a generous dollop of whole-grain mustard. For sides, consider serving it alongside a light salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the bratwurst and potato salad. For a complete meal, you could also serve Peasant Cabbage Soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bratwurst can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potato salad can also be refrigerated but is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness. To reheat bratwurst, grill or pan-fry until heated through, and for the salad, serve it cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Bratwurst With German Potato Salad contains roughly 2854 calories, with 46g protein, 419g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato salad a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, but it's best to add the hard-boiled eggs just before serving to keep them fresh.
What type of beer is best for cooking bratwurst?
A lager or pilsner works well for cooking bratwurst, as these beers have a mild flavor that complements the sausage without overpowering it. You could also use a wheat beer for a slightly fruity note, but avoid overly hoppy beers which might alter the taste.
Can I grill the bratwurst directly without simmering them first?
Yes, you can grill bratwurst directly, but simmering them in beer first ensures they stay juicy and cook evenly. If you choose to skip this step, be sure to cook them on a lower heat to avoid burning the outside while ensuring the inside is cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).