Elevate Your Grill Game: Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats Grilled to Perfection on a Crusty Hoagie Roll
When it comes to the ultimate grilling experience, few things capture the spirit of backyard barbecues and festive gatherings quite like a perfectly cooked bratwurst. For many, myself included, brats hold a special place as the undisputed champion of the grill. Their savory flavor, satisfying snap, and versatility make them a beloved choice for any outdoor cooking occasion. But what if we could take an already fantastic bratwurst and transform it into something truly extraordinary? Prepare to have your grilling world revolutionized with our Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats – a recipe that elevates the classic to an epic new level of deliciousness.
The secret to this incredible creation lies in a simple yet ingenious combination of flavors and textures. We start with succulent bratwursts, introduce the tangy, zesty goodness of premium sauerkraut, and then, for a grand finale, encase them in a crispy, smoky embrace of bacon. The result is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing and your guests clamoring for the recipe. This isn’t just a bratwurst; it’s a culinary masterpiece designed to impress and delight.
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. All opinions expressed are genuinely my own, stemming from a lifelong adoration for their exceptional sauerkraut. Your support for the brands that make fresh, delicious content possible is greatly appreciated.
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The inspiration for this sensational recipe struck me a few weeks ago, during one of our regular grilling sessions. As we prepared our brats, the usual debate arose: “Should we add sauerkraut on top?” While a classic topping, I began to wonder if there was a way to integrate that fantastic tang more deeply into the brat itself. What if, instead of merely resting on top, the sauerkraut could be *stuffed* inside? The idea immediately sparked a challenge: how could I ensure the kraut stayed nestled within the bratwurst during grilling? The answer, in a moment of pure culinary enlightenment, was undeniably clear: bacon! Bacon, with its inherent ability to transform anything it touches, became the perfect solution. It acts as a delightful, savory “hug,” a snug and secure wrapper that keeps the kraut perfectly contained while adding an irresistible crispy layer. This brilliant concept worked even better than I imagined, and today, I’m thrilled to share this culinary triumph with you.
Crafting Your Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats: What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards creating these epic brats. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a few key components to achieve maximum flavor impact. Quality ingredients make all the difference, especially when there are so few. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this grilling sensation to life:
- Frank’s Kraut: This is the star of our stuffing. Frank’s Kraut offers that perfect balance of tang and crispness, providing a delightful counterpoint to the rich bratwurst and smoky bacon. Its consistent quality and classic flavor profile make it my top choice for this recipe, ensuring a truly authentic and delicious outcome.
- Six High-Quality Bratwursts: Choose your favorite brand of uncooked bratwurst. Whether you prefer pork, beef, or a mix, the quality of the brat will shine through. Look for fresh, plump brats from a reputable butcher or grocery store to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Twelve Pieces of Thick-Cut Bacon: This isn’t just any bacon; thick-cut bacon is essential. Its robust nature provides a sturdy wrapper for the kraut-stuffed brats and renders beautifully on the grill, offering that coveted crispy texture without disintegrating. Two slices per brat ensure full coverage and maximum flavor.
- Crusty Hoagie Rolls: The perfect vessel for our magnificent brats. A good hoagie roll should be sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart, yet soft enough inside to complement the textures of the brat, kraut, and bacon. Toasting them briefly adds an extra layer of texture and warmth.
The journey to grilling perfection begins with a preparatory step for your bratwursts. To ensure they cook evenly and are easy to stuff, we’ll start by par-boiling them. You have two excellent options for this: classic water or, for an added layer of flavor, a couple of cans of your favorite beer. Boiling the brats for a short period brings them to a nearly cooked state, making them much easier to slit down the center without tearing. This pre-cooking also means that once they’re wrapped in bacon and hit the grill, they’ll cook through quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of raw spots while the bacon crisps up. Once par-boiled, carefully remove them from the liquid and let them cool slightly. Then, using a sharp knife, make a precise slit down the middle of each brat, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. This creates the perfect pocket for our flavorful kraut filling.
Now comes the fun part: stuffing! Take a generous, heaping spoonful of Frank’s Kraut and carefully pack it into the slit you’ve created in each bratwurst. Don’t be shy here; the more kraut, the more fantastic flavor with every bite. I like to really pack it in, allowing some of that delicious kraut to mound up slightly on top. This ensures that the tangy sauerkraut is prominent in every mouthful. Of course, once these masterpieces are grilled, you can always add an extra dollop of kraut on top for an added burst of flavor and texture – a little extra never hurts!
With the brats stuffed, it’s time for their bacon blanket! Take two pieces of thick-sliced bacon per brat and carefully wrap them around the stuffed sausage, ensuring a nice, snug fit. You’ll find that toothpicks or any other fasteners aren’t typically required. The magic happens on the grill: simply place the bratwurst seam-side down first. As the bacon begins to cook and crisp, it will naturally seal itself together, creating a tight, flavorful casing around the brat and kraut. For grilling, I highly recommend using a high-quality grill mat. This invaluable tool prevents flare-ups from the bacon grease dripping onto the coals or burners, ensuring a more controlled cooking process and beautifully crispy bacon without charring. It also makes flipping much easier and keeps everything intact.
Grill the bacon-wrapped brats over medium heat, turning them occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and cooked on all sides. The par-boiling step ensures the brats are already mostly cooked, so your primary focus during grilling is to achieve that perfect bacon crispness and a golden-brown exterior. The aroma filling your backyard will be absolutely intoxicating, a clear signal that something truly special is being prepared.
Once golden and crispy, these Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats are ready to be devoured. Serve them piping hot on those crusty hoagie rolls you’ve prepared. If you’re following a low-carb diet, simply omit the bun and enjoy this plate of pure deliciousness as is. The combination of savory brat, tangy kraut, and crispy bacon creates a truly satisfying and flavorful meal, perfect for any occasion. Just look at that magnificent plate – a testament to simple ingredients transformed into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tailgating Touchdown: Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats for the Win!
There’s an undeniable synergy between Frank’s Kraut and the vibrant tradition of tailgating. The robust flavor of sauerkraut just feels right when celebrating with friends, family, and fellow fans before a big game. And when you combine that with the ultimate grilled bratwurst experience, you’ve got a surefire hit on your hands.
You can absolutely bet these Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats will be making a prominent appearance at our tailgates this Fall. They are the quintessential game-day food: hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. What makes them particularly fantastic for tailgating is the ease of preparation. You can do all the stuffing and wrapping ahead of time, transforming them into a practically ready-to-grill meal. Simply prepare them at home, toss them into a sturdy container, and bring them to your tailgate setup. Once there, fire up the portable grill, and within minutes, you’ll be serving up some of the most impressive and delicious brats your fellow tailgaters have ever tasted.
Imagine the convenience: minimal on-site prep, maximum flavor, and an enthusiastic crowd enjoying every savory bite. These brats are perfect for keeping everyone fueled and in high spirits throughout the pre-game festivities. They’re a simple yet sophisticated upgrade to your usual tailgating menu, guaranteed to make your setup the envy of the parking lot.
For more incredible ideas and recipes that are perfect for tailgating or celebrating with sauerkraut, be sure to follow my dedicated Pinterest boards. Don’t miss out on any delicious inspiration!
Frank’s Kraut: A Partnership Built on Flavor and Tradition
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My collaboration with Frank’s Kraut spans over three wonderful years, during which we’ve developed a rich collection of sauerkraut recipes. As a food blogger, working with a brand that you genuinely love and believe in is a dream come true. My connection to Frank’s Kraut runs deep, stemming from childhood memories of enjoying their delicious sauerkraut. Today, as an adult with my own family, Frank’s Kraut remains a staple in our kitchen. It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s also about the significant health benefits that sauerkraut offers. I highly encourage you to explore their comprehensive website to learn more about the numerous nutritional advantages of incorporating sauerkraut into your diet. While you’re there, be sure to connect with them on their social media channels for a daily dose of fresh tips, inspiring recipes, and exciting updates!
Stay Connected with Frank’s Kraut on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
So, are you ready to fire up the grill and craft some unforgettable Kraut-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Brats? Let’s make some grilling magic happen!
For those who adore sauerkraut, deepen your knowledge with our Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut. This comprehensive resource covers everything you ever wanted to know, from its origins and traditional preparation methods to a plethora of exciting recipes.
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Print Recipe
Kraut Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Brats
Ingredients
- Frank’s Kraut
- 6 Hoagie Buns toasted and cut down the center
- 6 Bratwurst boiling in either beer or water until almost done, slit down the center
- 12 pieces of thick sliced bacon
Instructions
- Boil the brats in beer or water until almost cooked. Slit them down the center (don’t cut all the way through).
- Stuff the slit with Frank’s Kraut, leaving some heaping out of the top for extra flavor.
- Snugly wrap each brat with two pieces of thick-sliced bacon.
- Grill until the bacon is crispy and cooked on all sides.
- Serve immediately on toasted hoagie buns, optionally topping with more Frank’s Kraut.
Nutrition