Cast Iron Beer-Braised Bratwurst with Onions

Bratwurst simmering with caramelized onions in a cast iron skillet over a campfire.

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Cast Iron Beer-Braised Bratwurst with Onions

Plump bratwursts simmered in a malty beer bath with caramelized onions, finished crispy over the campfire and served on toasted buns—a Midwest favorite made for cool mountain nights.

Servings brats

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Equipment

Cast iron skillet
Tongs
Campfire grate

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion sliced
4 fresh bratwurst sausages
1 (12 oz) can lager beer
4 hot dog buns or brat buns
1 tbsp whole grain mustard
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium campfire heat. Add sliced onions and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and soft.
Nestle bratwursts among the onions. Pour in the beer.
Simmer uncovered 18–20 minutes, turning brats occasionally, until nearly all the beer is evaporated and sausages are cooked through.
Finish brats by searing on skillet or grill grate for 2–3 minutes per side until brown and crisp.
Toast buns over the fire. Serve brats with onions, a swipe of mustard, and parsley garnish.

Notes

Use a malty lager for the best flavor. Keep brats gently simmering, not boiling. This dish pairs excellently with potato salad or chips.

Calories: 623kcal

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beer, bratwurst, campfire, cast iron, easy cleanup, sausage

Nutrition