Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut - New Jersey Style

Introduction

Get ready to grill the best bratwurst you've ever tasted—New Jersey-style! Using the Arteflame Grill, this recipe brings together perfectly seared bratwursts and tangy sauerkraut grilled right on the flat griddle cooktop. No pots, pans, or ovens—just bold flavors, juicy sausages, and a delicious bite in every bun. The Arteflame’s combination of high-temp grilling and slow finishing makes it the ultimate tool for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 bratwurst sausages (uncooked)
• 6 fresh bratwurst buns
• 2 cups sauerkraut (rinsed and drained)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins, then light the paper to ignite the fire.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat top is sizzling hot.

Step 2: Sear the Bratwurst

1. Place the bratwursts directly over the center grill grate to sear them at high heat.
2. Sear each side for about 2–3 minutes until they develop a crispy brown crust.

Step 3: Cook the Bratwurst to Perfection

1. Move the seared brats to the outer flat cooktop to cook through gently.
2. Turn occasionally and bring the internal temperature to 150°F, removing them when they hit 145°F to let carryover cooking finish the job.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauerkraut Mixture

1. While the brats cook on the flat top, melt butter near the center of the flat cooktop.
2. Add sliced onions, stir occasionally until lightly caramelized.
3. Mix in sauerkraut, caraway seeds, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook until warmed through and slightly browned at the edges (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Toast the buns on the outer edge of the flat cooktop until lightly crisp.
2. Place each brat in a bun, top with warm sauerkraut mixture, and a drizzle of Dijon mustard if desired.

Tips

• Always rotate sausages to cook evenly and avoid burning one side.
• Melt butter slightly more toward the center of the cooktop for better sauteing.
• Use tongs to prevent puncturing the bratwurst casing and losing juices.
• Enjoy minimal cleanup—just scrape the cooktop and you're done!

Variations

1. Spicy Bratwurst: Use hot bratwursts and add sliced jalapeños over the sauerkraut for heat lovers.
2. Beer and Onion Brat: Soak brats in beer with sliced onions prior to grilling for an extra depth of flavor, then caramelize those same onions on the flat cooktop.
3. Apple Kraut Brat: Add thin sliced apples and cinnamon to the sauerkraut while grilling to give it a sweet-tangy bite.
4. Cheddar-Stuffed Brat: Use cheddar-infused bratwursts and top with grilled onions and pickles.
5. Bavarian Mustard Brat: Replace Dijon with a zesty Bavarian mustard and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Best Pairings

• German-style potato salad (grill directly on Arteflame in foil packets)
• Grilled sweet corn with compound butter
• Fried pickles or grilled dill pickle chips
• New Jersey craft lager or a chilled pilsner
• Homemade soft pretzels with mustard dip

Conclusion

Grilling bratwurst on the Arteflame delivers on juicy, caramelized perfection every time. With no lid or pans needed, you get an authentic grilling experience with unforgettable flavor and virtually zero cleanup. Try these bratwursts for your next family cookout or game day feast—New Jersey-style done right!