Wisconsin Grilled Beer Cheese Brat Bites

Introduction

Get ready for a flavor-packed Wisconsin classic: grilled bratwurst bites drenched in creamy beer cheese and finished to bubbling, golden perfection on the Arteflame grill. This recipe captures the essence of Midwest grilling with a crunchy sear and rich melted cheese all done on the flat cooktop and direct center grate. Perfect for game day snacks or backyard get-togethers!

Ingredients

• 4 bratwursts (Wisconsin-made preferred)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale)
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling and the cheese sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives (optional for garnish)

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Soak three paper napkins in vegetable oil.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches over 1,000F — perfect for searing.

Step 2: Grill and Slice the Bratwursts

1. Place bratwursts on the flat cooktop near the hotter center zone.
2. Cook until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 150F.
3. Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thick rounds.

Step 3: Make Beer Cheese on the Griddle

1. On the outer edge of the flat top, place butter and let it melt slowly.
2. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
3. Slowly pour in the beer, stirring constantly.
4. Add cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until velvety and smooth. Move sauce away from center if it thickens too quickly.

Step 4: Sear Brat Bites on the Center Grate

1. Dip each bratwurst round halfway into the beer cheese and place cheese-side up on the flat cooktop near the hot center to set slightly.
2. Once set, quickly place cheese-side down onto the center grill grate for a 30-second sear, until golden and bubbly.
3. Remove when internal temp is 165F. Pull from grill at 150F to allow carry-over cooking.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

1. Place brat bites on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle remaining beer cheese over the top.
3. Sprinkle chopped chives on for garnish and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use a sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mix in some pepper jack for an extra kick.
• Let the beer cheese thicken slowly on the outer griddle ring; too much heat can cause separation.
• Always monitor grill zones for optimal cooking temperatures—move food as needed.
• Use a meat thermometer and pull brat bites off at 150°F for optimal juiciness.
• Use real Wisconsin brats and cheese for an authentic local flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Beer Cheese Bites: Add 2 tbsp diced fresh jalapeños to the cheese sauce and top with sliced pickled jalapeños.
2. Smoky BBQ Brat Bites: Mix 1 tbsp BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce and finish with smoked gouda instead of cheddar.
3. German Style Kraut Bites: Add a layer of sauerkraut between the brat slice and beer cheese. Sprinkle with caraway seeds.
4. Pretzel Crusted Bites: Press crushed pretzel bits onto the cheese side before searing for a salty crunch.
5. Loaded Bacon Brat Bites: Mix crumbled bacon into the beer cheese and top with a sprinkle of green onions.

Best pairings

• Cold Wisconsin Lager or IPA
• Grilled pretzels or soft pretzel bites
• Creamy coleslaw
• Dill pickle spears
• German potato salad

Conclusion

This Wisconsin-inspired grilled bratwurst recipe is nothing short of bite-sized perfection. Thanks to the even sear of the Arteflame’s flat top and the steakhouse searing capability of the center grill grate, your brat bites will have the perfect textural balance of juicy meat and creamy cheese. Enjoy every golden bite!