Crafting the Perfect Homemade Beer Bratwurst: A Flavorful Journey

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How to Make Homemade Beer Brats

If you're a fan of bold flavors and enjoy the art of making things from scratch, then homemade spicy beer bratwurst is a culinary adventure worth embarking on. This German-inspired sausage combines the rich, savory taste of bratwurst with the kick of spices and the subtle complexity of your favorite beer, creating a dish that’s perfect for grilling, frying, or simmering in beer for a classic bratwurst experience.

Whether you’re preparing for a backyard BBQ, a game day feast, or simply want to add a delicious homemade touch to your meals, making your own spicy beer bratwurst is easier than you might think. Let’s dive into the process of creating this flavorful sausage from scratch.

To grind our pork to make sausage we used our KitchenAid meat grinding attachment. The grinding attachment works extremely well and made the job a breeze. If you are interested in purchasing one yourself here is the link from Amazon for the exact model below. The grinder has an excellent rating of 4.7 stars with 8,959 reviews at the time of writing this post.

Check out our review post of the KitchenAid Food Griner Attachment.

Ingredients for Homemade Beer Bratwurst

2 x pork shoulders totaling approx. 16 pounds.

Hi Mountain Spicy Beer Bratwurst Kit - The kit will yield 24 pounds I only used half.

1 bottle of beer (your preference a darker beer will give best flavor)

1-pound thick cut bacon

Any additional ingredients you want to add. (I diced up jalapeno and smoked gouda cheese)

How Many Brats will this make?

The two pork shoulders yielded approximately 11 pounds of meat, so I added the pound of bacon to get to 12 total pounds. 

Making your own sausages is great because you can add whatever ingredients inside the sausage that you like. I used diced jalapeno and small cubed smoked gouda cheese. Get creative and add what you like. You can also make your own sausage at a cost that is less than half of what store-bought sausage would cost. 

Instructions for Making Sausage

Cube your pork shoulder and bacon into 1-inch cubes. Freeze meat and grinder attachment for one to two hours. (You want everything to be cold, so it is easier to grind and most importantly for food safety.)

Before grinding the meat, you want to rinse off your casings and keep them in warm until ready for use. 

Run the meat through course grinder, then run through with medium grinder plate. Mix in your seasoning, again I used Hi Mountain Spicy Beer Bratwurst kit, follow the kits directions.

Add about 8 ounces of the beer of your choice. I also added my smoked gouda and jalapenos.

Mix everything very well. 

Now remove your grinding blade and plate and add on the stuffer plate and large stuffer tube. I applied some nonstick spray to the stuffer tube and put the casings on the tube tying off the end.

Fill casings and coil the sausage into neat rings.

Continue until you have used all ingredients.  

After I stuffed these sausages, I put them on my Pit Boss pellet grill and fully cooked them to an internal temperature of 160°. Then placed in my freezer for an easy meal after work. 

Cooking Your Spicy Beer Bratwurst

You can cook your homemade spicy beer bratwurst in several ways:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the bratwurst for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char.

• Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Fry the bratwurst for 10-15 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly.

• Beer Simmering: For a traditional German touch, simmer the bratwurst in a pot of beer with sliced onions for about 20 minutes, then finish them on the grill or in a hot skillet for a crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Bratwurst

Serve your spicy beer bratwurst on a soft bun with classic toppings like sauerkraut, mustard, and grilled onions. For a twist, try them with pickled jalapeños, spicy mayo, or a tangy slaw. Pair your bratwurst with a cold beer, some potato salad, or a warm pretzel to complete the meal.

Why Make Your Own Bratwurst?

Making your own spicy beer bratwurst allows you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust the flavors to your liking, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a delicious meal from scratch. Plus, homemade bratwurst can be customized with different spice levels and beer varieties, making each batch uniquely yours.

In conclusion, homemade spicy beer bratwurst is a delicious way to bring bold, authentic flavors to your table. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or preparing a special dinner, these bratwursts are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite beer, and start grinding your way to sausage perfection!