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Savory Grilled Brats with Onions and Peppers

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A quick and easy recipe for perfectly grilled bratwursts served with caramelized onions and bell peppers, ideal for backyard BBQs and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bratwurst sausages
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 hoagie rolls or buns
  • Mustard or sauerkraut (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions and cut 1 red and 1 green bell pepper into strips (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet and sauté for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and peppers are tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Add 2 cloves minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, let the coals burn down to an even heat.
  6. Place bratwursts on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes to get an even char. Avoid piercing the skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. In the last few minutes, split the rolls and place them on the grill cut-side down until lightly toasted, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Assemble each brat in a bun, pile generously with the sautéed onions and peppers, and add mustard or sauerkraut if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a small piece of wood chip wrapped in foil to the grill during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage flare-ups. Avoid piercing the bratwurst skin to keep them juicy. Caramelize onions and peppers low and slow for best flavor. Buns toast quickly—watch carefully to prevent burning. Onions and peppers can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled brats, bratwurst recipe, BBQ, onions and peppers, summer grilling, easy dinner, backyard cookout