20-Minute Bratwurst Sandwiches

Square overhead shot of bratwurst sandwiches on a platter

20-Minute Bratwurst Sandwiches

These easy stovetop bratwurst sandwiches make a flavorful and simple weeknight dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes!

Course Dinner

Cuisine European

Keyword Beer Brats, bratwurst recipe, bratwurst sandwich, bratwurst sandwiches, german bratwurst recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings sandwiches

Calories 334kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 bratwursts
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 cup beer
5 hot dog buns, toasted (or use pretzel rolls or hoagie rolls)
½ cup sweet and sour red cabbage (such as Aunt Nellie’s brand) or sauerkraut
Spicy brown mustard, for serving
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the bratwurst to the skillet. Sear the sausages until nicely browned, about 3-5 minutes per side.
Add the onion and beer. Increase the heat to high; bring the liquid to a boil.
Once the liquid boils, reduce the temperature to low.
Simmer over low heat, uncovered, until the liquid reduces, the onions soften, and the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F, about 8-10 minutes total. Flip the sausages halfway through, and occasionally stir the onions.
Serve the brats on the toasted buns. Garnish with red cabbage or sauerkraut, mustard, and parsley.

Notes

If you prefer to grill the bratwurst sandwiches, follow this recipe for grilled beer brats. You can even prepare the grilled sausage on an indoor grill pan.
I like a jar of sweet and sour red cabbage for a nice weeknight shortcut, but you can also prepare braised red cabbage with apples and onions or fried cabbage to use on your sandwiches instead.
For an alcohol-free recipe, substitute chicken broth for the beer. You can also use apple cider, but it will give the sausages a sweet flavor.
Add Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar to the sandwiches, or try some crispy bacon for even more flavor.
To serve a larger group, double all of the ingredients. You may need to use two separate skillets (or work in batches) so that you don't overcrowd the pan.
Any variety of beer that you enjoy will work. Try a deep, dark beer for a stronger flavor (like Guinness or other stouts), or look for a lighter lager (such as Coors Lite or Miller Lite) for a more mild, kid-friendly taste. To make it authentic, pick a German beer!
Skip the bread and sandwiches, and instead serve the brats with mashed potatoes or spaetzle, or alongside big soft pretzels.
Simmer the brats uncovered to allow the beer in the pan to reduce, or cover the skillet to help the sausages cook even faster.
Total cooking time will vary depending on a number of different factors, so an instant-read meat thermometer is always the best way to know when your sausages are done. Bratwurst are considered safe for consumption when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Nutrition