Grilled North Dakota Smoked Cheddar Brats

Introduction

These Grilled North Dakota Smoked Cheddar Brats are smoky, juicy, and full of flavor thanks to the reverse searing technique and the unmatched heat of the Arteflame grill. This recipe brings together local North Dakota chili-smoked cheddar bratwursts and the 1,000°F sear zone in the center of your Arteflame to achieve that iconic steakhouse-quality finish. By finishing them low and slow on the flat griddle cooktop, these brats stay tender and cooked to perfection. Serve them on buttery toasted buns for a meal that’s worthy of a backyard celebration.

Ingredients

• 4 North Dakota smoked cheddar bratwursts
• 4 brat or hoagie buns
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for toasting buns)
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Sauerkraut (optional)
• Pickles or relish (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• 3 paper napkins
• Firewood (for fueling your Arteflame)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the fire pit of your Arteflame grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to grow. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Brats

1. Place your bratwursts on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear at 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for about 1–2 minutes to lock in the juices, rotating to ensure even searing.

Step 3: Move Brats to Flat Cooktop

1. Once seared, slide the brats onto the flat cooktop area around the center grate.
2. Grill the brats slowly, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches about 150°F. Remember to remove them when they’re 15°F below final desired temp (typically 165°F).

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter on the flat cooktop.
2. Add sliced onions to the butter and cook slowly until caramelized—about 10 minutes. Move closer to or further from the center for more or less heat as needed.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Spread a little butter on the inside of the buns.
2. Place them facedown on the flat cooktop for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Place a brat into each bun.
2. Top with caramelized onions and any desired condiments like sauerkraut, mustard, or relish.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious grilled flavor of North Dakota smoked cheddar brats!

Tips

• Always keep the inner grill grate blazing hot for quick searing.
• Use your flat cooktop griddle zones to control finish temperature—hot near center, milder by the edge.
• Butter makes everything taste better—don’t skip it!
• The reverse sear method keeps your brats juicy and tender.
• Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove meat 15°F before target temp for perfect doneness.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Brats: Swap in smoked cheddar jalapeño bratwursts and top with spicy pickled onions and pepper jack cheese.
2. Beer-Infused Brats: Simmer the brats first in a cast-iron pan of beer on the griddle, then sear and grill for added depth.
3. Apple Gouda Brats: Use pork brats with apple and gouda flavor, served with caramelized apples and stone-ground mustard.
4. Sweet & Smoky Brats: Glaze the brats with a honey-bourbon sauce during the flat griddle cook for a sweet-smoky fusion.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Brats: Wrap each brat in bacon before grilling. Use toothpicks to secure and cook low on griddle after searing for juicy, crispy perfection.

Best pairings

• Side: Warm German potato salad or grilled corn on the cob.
• Drink: A cold North Dakota craft pilsner or amber ale.
• Dessert: Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream served right off the Arteflame cooktop.

Conclusion

With intense searing heat, perfectly controlled finish zones, and effortless cleanup, grilling North Dakota Smoked Cheddar Brats on the Arteflame makes any cookout memorable. The reverse sear technique ensures juicy, flavorful brats with that ideal snap. Once you try these brats done the Arteflame way, there’s no turning back.