Grilled Colorado Beer Brats: The Ultimate Tailgate Feast

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about the aroma of bratwursts sizzling on an open fire, especially when the crisp mountain air meets the heat of an Arteflame grill. Colorado Beer Brats are not just a meal; they are a ritual, a celebration of bold flavors and communal outdoor cooking. By combining the savory richness of high-quality pork sausages with the malty depth of a local Colorado craft beer, you create a flavor profile that is both rustic and refined.

The secret to this recipe lies in the two-step cooking process: a low-and-slow simmer in a flavorful beer bath followed by a high-heat sear on the flat top grill. This technique ensures that the brats remain incredibly juicy on the inside while achieving that signature snap on the casing that every pitmaster covets. Whether you are hosting a tailgate party or a simple weekend family dinner, these beer brats are guaranteed to be the centerpiece of the table.

Ingredients

The Meat and Bath

• 6 to 8 Fresh Bratwursts (choose high-quality, uncooked sausages)
• 2 cans (12 oz each) of Colorado Lager or Amber Ale
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes
• 2 large Yellow Onions, sliced into half-moons
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced (optional for color and sweetness)
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, crushed

Serving Essentials

• 6 to 8 sturdy Brat Buns or Hoagie Rolls
• Spicy Brown Mustard or Stone Ground Mustard
• Sauerkraut (fermented is best for flavor)
• Pickled Jalapeños (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Begin by lighting your Arteflame grill. Build a medium-sized fire in the center to get the grill grate hot and the griddle plate warming up.
2. Aim for a medium-high heat on the flat top griddle (around 400°F to 450°F) for searing, while keeping a cooler zone toward the outer edges for managing the temperature.
3. Ensure the cooktop is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking once the meat hits the metal.

Step 2: Prepare the Beer Bath

1. Place a heat-safe cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty foil pan directly on the flat cooktop or the center grill grate.
2. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and butter into the pan. Sauté them briefly until the onions start to become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in the beer. Allow the liquid to come to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously, as you want to poach the brats gently, not burst them.

Step 3: Simmer the Brats

1. Nestle the raw bratwursts into the beer and onion mixture. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
2. Let the brats simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step cooks the meat through and infuses it with the flavors of the ale and aromatics.
3. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption. The brats should turn greyish-white, indicating they are cooked internally.

Step 4: The Sear

1. Remove the brats from the beer bath using tongs and place them directly onto the hot flat top griddle of the Arteflame.
2. Grill the brats for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep mahogany brown color and a crispy casing.
3. While the brats are searing, continue to cook the onions and peppers in the skillet until the beer reduces and the veggies are caramelized and soft.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

1. Slice your buns open and place them face down on the flat top grill for 30 to 60 seconds until they are golden brown and toasted.
2. Place a grilled brat into each toasted bun.
3. Top generously with the beer-braised onions and peppers from the skillet. Add mustard, sauerkraut, or any other desired toppings. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips

Mastering the art of the Colorado Beer Brat is all about temperature control and patience. One common mistake is piercing the casing of the bratwurst while cooking. Avoid using a fork; always use tongs to handle the sausages. Piercing the skin allows all the delicious fats and juices to escape, leaving you with a dry sausage. The beer bath serves a dual purpose: it cooks the meat safely without burning the skin, and it acts as a marinade that penetrates the meat as it heats up.

When choosing your beer, opt for something with a bit of body but not too much bitterness. A malty amber ale, a crisp lager, or a pilsner works wonders. Heavily hopped IPAs can sometimes turn bitter when reduced, so use those with caution depending on your crowd's palate. Also, don't throw away the beer mixture after removing the brats! Letting it reduce further creates a glaze for the onions that is packed with umami flavor.

Variations

While the classic Colorado style relies on beer and onions, the versatility of bratwursts on an Arteflame grill allows for endless creativity. You can adjust the flavor profile to match the season or your personal preferences. If you are cooking for a crowd with diverse dietary needs, consider swapping the pork brats for chicken sausages or plant-based alternatives, though cooking times may vary slightly. Here are a few popular twists on the classic recipe:

• The Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beer bath and finish with pepper jack cheese.
• The Cheese Lover: Use cheddar-filled bratwursts and top with melted Swiss cheese during the last minute of searing.
• The Dark & Stormy: Substitute the lager for a dark stout or porter for a richer, sweeter onion glaze.
• Bacon Wrapped: After the beer bath, wrap each brat in a slice of bacon before searing on the flat top until crispy.
• Apple & Sage: Use hard cider instead of beer and add sliced apples to the onion mixture for an autumnal twist.

Best pairings

A hearty meal like Colorado Beer Brats deserves sides that can stand up to the bold flavors of the main dish. Since you already have the grill fired up, it makes sense to utilize the flat top for your sides as well. The salty, savory nature of the sausage pairs beautifully with acids and starches. Potato salad is a classic choice, but grilling smashed potatoes directly on the Arteflame adds a smoky texture that cold salad lacks.

For beverages, the obvious choice is the same beer you used for cooking. It creates a harmonious dining experience. If you prefer wine, a crisp Riesling or a Grüner Veltliner cuts through the richness of the pork and the acidity of the sauerkraut. For a non-alcoholic option, a spicy ginger beer or a root beer offers a nice sweet-and-spicy contrast. Here are some excellent side dish ideas:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob with chili lime butter.
• Warm German Potato Salad with bacon vinaigrette.
• Creamy Coleslaw to add a cool crunch.
• Grilled Asparagus or Zucchini spears.

Conclusion

Grilling Colorado Beer Brats on the Arteflame is more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the outdoor lifestyle and the joy of wood-fired cooking. The combination of the tender, beer-infused interior and the charred, snappy exterior creates a texture and flavor profile that standard boiling or frying simply cannot replicate. It is a dish that brings people together, encouraging guests to gather around the fire, share a drink, and anticipate the feast to come.

Whether you are in the heart of the Rockies or in your own backyard, this recipe transports you to a place of comfort and culinary satisfaction. It is rugged, reliable, and absolutely delicious. So, grab your favorite local brew, fire up the grill, and get ready to serve a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Cheers to good food and great company!