Elevate your grilling game with these sensational Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs, a vibrant fusion of classic German-American flavors with the exciting twist of a skewer! Each kabob features tender, savory meatballs infused with the robust taste of bratwurst and tangy Frank’s Kraut, perfectly complemented by crisp bell peppers and sweet onions. Skewer them, grill them to perfection, and serve over a bed of Frank’s Kraut for a truly memorable meal and a splash of color that will impress all your guests.
Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs: Your Ultimate Summer Grilling Masterpiece
If you’re searching for a truly sensational recipe to ignite your grill this week, look no further! These Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs are a game-changer, ingeniously combining some of our most beloved flavors into one delightful, easy-to-handle package. Imagine the smoky essence of grilled bratwurst, the comforting tang of sauerkraut, and the succulent texture of a juicy meatball, all intertwined with vibrant peppers and onions on a single skewer. It’s a culinary adventure perfect for any backyard barbecue, family gathering, or festive tailgate party.
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. While my love for their sauerkraut is deeply personal and extends over a lifetime, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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The Culinary Journey: From Brats to Brilliant Kabobs
For many, grilling means sizzling bratwursts or robust Italian sausages. Typically, when these crowd-pleasers are on the menu, a medley of grilled peppers and onions serves as the perfect topping, adding sweetness and a satisfying crunch. But what if we could elevate this classic combination even further? What if we could infuse these familiar flavors into another family favorite: meatballs?
The idea of grilling meatballs might initially seem a bit unconventional. While perfectly feasible, simply grilling meatballs doesn’t easily allow for those wonderful peppers and onions to be piled high without creating a delightful, albeit messy, situation. This culinary conundrum sparked an idea – why not incorporate all these elements into yet another beloved meal format? The answer, of course, was kabobs!
Kabobs are a summer staple in our household, appearing on the grill a few times each season. Their inherent beauty, with vibrant vegetables alternating with savory meats, always makes for an appealing presentation. They are also incredibly versatile and offer a neat, portable way to enjoy a full meal. The challenge then became: how to marry the hearty flavors of bratwurst and sauerkraut with the convenience and visual appeal of a kabob?
Frank’s Kraut: The Heart of Our Flavorful Creation
When I was approached to develop a new recipe featuring Frank’s Kraut, a brand I’ve proudly partnered with for over four years, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to bring my vision to life. The goal was to combine all these family favorites – bratwurst, peppers, onions, and meatballs – with their unparalleled sauerkraut to create a truly winning recipe. And boy, was I right! The result exceeded all expectations, creating a dish that is both innovative and deeply satisfying.
Over my years of collaboration with Frank’s Kraut, we’ve developed a rich collection of sauerkraut recipes, each one showcasing the incredible versatility of this ingredient. As a food blogger, working with a company whose product I genuinely adore and grew up eating is a dream come true. Frank’s Kraut has been a staple in my kitchen since childhood, and now, my own family enjoys it regularly.
Beyond its delightful taste and ability to enhance countless dishes, sauerkraut is also incredibly beneficial for your health. It’s a powerhouse of probiotics, known to support gut health and boost the immune system. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet. I strongly encourage you to explore their comprehensive website to learn more about the extensive health benefits of incorporating sauerkraut into your meals.
Craving These Kabobs? Pin This Recipe for Later!
Just last week, I shared my commitment to savoring every last moment of summer, especially by utilizing the abundance of fresh, amazing vegetables from our local farm stands. Grilling is a cherished activity we embrace at every opportunity. Living in the Midwest, we’re keenly aware that winter’s chill will inevitably arrive, making grilled meats paired with fresh garden veggies a fond memory to anticipate only in the spring.
But before we must reluctantly put away our grills, we get to celebrate another favorite season here in Nebraska: football season! These Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs are not just a fantastic summer meal; they are also an absolute touchdown as tailgate food. Their portability, robust flavors, and ease of eating make them ideal for pre-game festivities or any casual outdoor gathering where delicious, handheld food is key.
Crafting Your Perfect Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs
Creating these delectable kabobs is simpler than you might think, bringing together a handful of quality ingredients to build layers of irresistible flavor. The secret lies in the combination of savory meats, tangy kraut, and fresh vegetables, all working in harmony to create a truly memorable grilled dish.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a solid foundation for the meatballs, ensuring they are hearty and flavorful while keeping them relatively lean.
- Bratwurst: The star flavor component. By removing it from its casing, we get to incorporate its distinct, spiced essence directly into our meatballs, creating an incredibly rich taste.
- Cracker Crumbs: Acts as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold their shape on the skewer and contributing to a tender texture.
- Frank’s Kraut: The magic ingredient that infuses tanginess and moisture into the meatballs, cutting through the richness of the meats and adding a signature flavor profile.
- Bell Peppers: Use a variety of colors (red, yellow, orange, green) not only for their sweet, mild flavor but also to add stunning visual appeal to your kabobs.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a gentle, caramelized sweetness when grilled, balancing the savory and tangy notes of the meatballs and kraut.
Preparation Pointers for Picture-Perfect Kabobs:
When preparing your vegetables, it’s crucial to cut your bell peppers and onions into generously sized chunks. These larger pieces will serve a dual purpose: they provide a sturdy base to help secure the bratwurst meatballs onto the wooden skewers, preventing them from spinning or falling off during grilling, and they cook more evenly, retaining a slight crispness that contrasts beautifully with the tender meatballs.
Pro Tip: To prevent your wooden skewers from igniting and burning on the hot grill, make sure to soak them thoroughly in water while you are busy prepping your meatballs and chopping your vegetables. A good soak of at least 30 minutes will ensure they hold up beautifully under the heat.
The heart of these kabobs lies in the expertly crafted meatballs. Begin by carefully removing the bratwurst from its casing. This allows its rich, spiced meat to be fully incorporated into the mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncased bratwurst meat with lean ground beef, a generous cup of Frank’s Kraut (drained well, but not squeezed dry to retain some moisture), and cracker crumbs. You’ll notice I didn’t add any additional seasoning, and there’s a good reason for this: the bratwurst itself is brimming with such incredible flavor that it perfectly seasons the entire meatball mixture. This ensures a balanced and authentic taste that truly shines through.
Once your meat mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatballs. Aim for uniform size – approximately 1/4 cup of the mixture for each ball. Consistency in size is key for even cooking on the grill. Roll them gently but firmly to ensure they hold together well when skewered and grilled.
Now for the fun part: assembling your kabobs! Carefully thread your prepared meatballs onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating them with the substantial chunks of bell peppers and sweet onion. A good technique is to start and end each skewer with a piece of vegetable, as this helps to secure the meatballs and prevents them from sliding off. Arrange the components snugly but not too tightly, allowing heat to circulate evenly during grilling.
Grilling Your Masterpiece: Tips for Perfection
With your kabobs beautifully assembled, it’s time to fire up the grill! We achieved fantastic results using our Traeger smoker grill, setting the temperature to a steady 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The kabobs cooked to perfection in approximately 20 minutes, with consistent rotation every 5 minutes ensuring even browning and thorough cooking on all sides, delivering a beautiful char and juicy interior.
One of the significant advantages of using a Traeger or similar smoker grill is the reduced risk of flare-ups, thanks to its indirect heating system. However, if you are using a traditional gas or charcoal grill, it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on your kabobs. The inherent fat from the bratwurst can render out and potentially cause flames to leap up. Be prepared to move your kabobs to a cooler part of the grill or adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Regardless of your grill type, always ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for food safety. A meat thermometer is your best friend here, guaranteeing both safety and optimal doneness.
Serving Suggestions & Tailgating Triumph
Once grilled to golden perfection, these Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs are ready to be served. For an authentic and visually stunning presentation, I love plating them over a generous bed of warm Frank’s Kraut, perhaps with a sprinkle of caraway seeds to enhance its aromatic profile. The warmth of the kraut provides a wonderful contrast to the smoky kabobs, and its tanginess beautifully complements the rich flavors.
These kabobs are incredibly versatile for various occasions:
- For a family dinner: Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
- For entertaining: Arrange them artfully on a large platter for a visually appealing appetizer or main course.
- For tailgating perfection: This is where the kabob truly shines! For ultimate portability and ease of eating while mingling, consider adding fewer meatballs to each skewer. This makes them perfectly sized for a handheld, on-the-go snack or meal, allowing your guests to enjoy without the need for plates and cutlery. They are also easy to prepare in advance and transport to your game day celebration.
More Delicious Grilling Ideas with Frank’s Kraut
Frank’s Kraut isn’t just for these amazing kabobs! It’s a remarkably versatile ingredient that can elevate countless grilling recipes. If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delicious, sauerkraut-infused grilled dishes, try some of these other fantastic ideas:
- Kraut Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Brats: The ultimate indulgence, combining savory bacon with tangy kraut-stuffed brats.
- Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin with Sauerkraut Stuffing: A sophisticated and flavorful main course that’s sure to impress.
- Creamy Kraut & Mushroom Noodles with Brats: A comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cooler evenings.
- Spicy Bacon Kraut Burgers: A flavor-packed burger with a delightful kick and a tangy crunch.
- Brat Burgers: A simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the classic bratwurst flavor in burger form.
- Grilled Sauerkraut Stuffed Brats: A traditional favorite, grilled to smoky perfection.
Discover a World of Sauerkraut Recipes and Inspiration
Beyond these incredible kabobs and the grilling ideas shared above, there’s a vast world of fantastic sauerkraut recipes waiting to be explored! You can find a treasure trove of innovative and traditional dishes right here on my blog, as well as on the official Frank’s Kraut Website. For even more curated inspiration, be sure to check out my dedicated Pinterest Board just for sauerkraut recipes!
To stay up-to-date with new and creative recipes throughout the year, make sure to follow Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels. Join their vibrant community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You’ll be sure to find endless inspiration for incorporating this delicious and healthy ingredient into your everyday cooking.
The Full Recipe: Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs
Now that you’re inspired and ready to grill, let’s get to the detailed recipe for these incredible Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs!
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Print Recipe
Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs
Equipment
- Bamboo Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound bratwurst casing removed
- 1 cup cracker crumbs
- 1 cup Frank’s Kraut
- 3 large bell peppers
- 1 large sweet onion
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bratwurst, kraut and cracker crumbs in a bowl. Form into 1/4 cup meatballs.
- Cut peppers and onions into decent sized chunks.
- Skewer meatballs, rotating, beginning and ending with peppers and onions.
- Grill at about 350-375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes, rotating about every 5 minutes.
- Meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Serve over a bed of warm sauerkraut if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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