Kraut-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Brats: The Ultimate Grilled Delicacy for Any Occasion
Imagine: a juicy bratwurst, bursting with savory Frank’s Kraut, expertly wrapped in two strips of thick-cut, crispy bacon, grilled to absolute perfection, and nestled in a warm, crusty hoagie roll. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that redefines what a bratwurst can be.
When it comes to grilling, there are countless delicious options, but few capture my heart quite like a perfectly cooked bratwurst. For me, it’s a quintessential taste of summer, backyard gatherings, and joyous celebrations. However, why settle for “good” when “epic” is within reach? That’s precisely what we’re doing today. We’re taking an already beloved bratwurst and elevating it to legendary status by incorporating two of its best companions: tangy sauerkraut and irresistible bacon. This dynamic duo transforms a simple grilled brat into an unforgettable feast that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
This mouth-watering recipe is brought to you in partnership with Frank’s Kraut. My love for their sauerkraut spans a lifetime, and all opinions expressed here are genuinely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make An Affair from the Heart possible, allowing me to share these incredible recipes with you.
The Inspiration: Why Just On It When You Can Have It IN It?
The idea for this sensational dish struck me a few weeks ago, during one of our regular grilling sessions. We were preparing our usual brats, and as I reached for the sauerkraut, a thought sparked: why just put the kraut *on* the brat when you could put it *inside*? The concept immediately captivated me. But then came the practical question: how to keep that wonderful sauerkraut snugly tucked away within the brat during grilling? The answer became brilliantly clear: bacon! Think of the bacon as a perfectly savory embrace, a cozy blanket that holds all that flavorful goodness together while adding its own signature crispness. It was a moment of culinary revelation, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this incredible creation with you today!
Crafting Your Epic Kraut-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Brats: What You Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving grilling greatness. For this recipe, quality matters, especially when it comes to the stars of the show.
- Frank’s Kraut: The foundation of flavor for our stuffing. Its consistent quality and perfectly balanced tang are essential.
- Six High-Quality Bratwursts: Choose your favorite brand. Fresh, plump brats will hold up best to stuffing and grilling.
- Twelve Pieces of Thick-Sliced Bacon: This isn’t the time for thin-cut! Thick-sliced bacon provides the structural integrity needed to wrap around the stuffed brat and delivers that satisfying, crispy texture.
- Six Crusty Hoagie Rolls: A sturdy, crusty roll is crucial to hold our substantial brat. Toasted, they add another layer of texture and flavor.
- Optional: Beer (for boiling): A couple of cans of your favorite beer can infuse an extra layer of flavor into the brats during the initial boiling stage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Perfection
Let’s dive into the simple yet effective process of preparing these show-stopping brats. Each step is designed to ensure maximum flavor and ease of grilling.
1. Pre-Cook Your Brats for Optimal Texture
The journey begins by gently pre-cooking your bratwursts. This step is key for two reasons: it ensures the brats are almost fully cooked before they even hit the grill, and it makes them much easier to slit and stuff. You have a choice here: boil them in plain water, or for an extra depth of flavor, simmer them in a couple of cans of your favorite beer. The beer adds a wonderful malty note that complements the kraut and bacon beautifully. Boil them until they are just firm, but not fully cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare for Stuffing
Once the brats are pre-cooked, carefully remove them from the liquid and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle. Now, using a sharp knife, carefully slice each bratwurst lengthwise down the middle. It’s crucial *not* to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket, almost like a hot dog bun, to hold our stuffing. Leave about half an inch intact on either side to keep everything contained.
3. Generously Stuff with Frank’s Kraut
Now for the star stuffing! Take a generous, heaping spoonful of Frank’s Kraut and carefully pack it into the slit you’ve created in each bratwurst. Don’t be shy here – really get that kraut in there! I even like to leave a little mounded on top, knowing that the bacon will help keep it in place. The tangy kraut will soften and meld with the brat’s flavor as it grills, creating a delightful contrast. (And yes, you can absolutely add even more kraut on top once they’re cooked – it’s practically a requirement!)
4. The Bacon Embrace
Here’s where the magic truly happens. Take two pieces of thick-sliced bacon and carefully wrap them around each kraut-stuffed brat. Ensure they are wrapped snugly, with the ends overlapping slightly. The beauty of this method is that no toothpicks or extra fasteners are typically needed! Simply place the brat on the grill with the bacon seam-side down first. As the bacon begins to cook and crisp, it will naturally seal itself, holding the kraut firmly inside and the bacon securely in place. If you’re concerned about flare-ups from bacon grease, or simply want an easier grilling experience, I highly recommend using a Grill Mat. It’s a fantastic tool for preventing sticking and managing grease, ensuring your bacon cooks perfectly every time without charring.
5. Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the bacon-wrapped brats seam-side down first, as described above. Grill, turning occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and cooked on all sides, and the bratwurst is thoroughly heated through. The bacon should have a rich, golden-brown color. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill’s heat and the thickness of your bacon. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, especially if you’re not using a grill mat.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the brats are perfectly grilled, carefully remove them from the heat. Serve them immediately on those warm, crusty hoagie rolls. You can add extra Frank’s Kraut on top, along with your favorite mustard or other condiments. For those following a low-carb diet, these brats are absolutely perfect without the bun. Just look at that plate of deliciousness – it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal all on its own!
The Ultimate Tailgating and Game Day Treat
These Kraut-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Brats aren’t just for casual backyard grilling; they are an absolute game-changer for tailgating season. Frank’s Kraut and tailgating truly go hand-in-hand – it’s a tradition for many, and this recipe takes that tradition to a whole new level.
You can bet your bottom dollar that these Kraut-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Brats will be making a star appearance at all our tailgates this Fall. They are incredibly convenient because, aside from the final grilling of the bacon, much of the prep work can be done ahead of time. Boil your brats, slit and stuff them, then wrap them in bacon at home. Store them in a container, and they’re perfectly ready to toss on the grill once you arrive at the tailgate party!
This makes for minimal fuss at the event itself, allowing you more time to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere with friends and family. A hot, savory, and satisfying meal is just minutes away, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that fuels all your game day excitement.
For more incredible ideas and recipes that are perfect for tailgating and showcasing the versatility of sauerkraut, be sure to follow my tailgating board and my sauerkraut board on Pinterest. You won’t want to miss any of the delicious inspiration!
My Enduring Love for Frank’s Kraut: More Than Just a Condiment #Frank’sKrautSelfie
My partnership with Frank’s Kraut extends over three wonderful years, during which we’ve collaborated to develop a wealth of sauerkraut recipes. As a food blogger, working with a company whose products you genuinely adore is truly a dream come true. My connection with Frank’s Kraut began in childhood; I grew up savoring its distinctive tang, a staple on our family table. Today, as an adult with my own family, Frank’s Kraut remains a constant in our pantry and on our plates.
But it’s not just about the incredible taste. Sauerkraut, especially Frank’s Kraut, offers remarkable health benefits. It’s a fermented food, packed with probiotics that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, and it’s rich in vitamins and minerals. I strongly encourage you to explore their website to learn more about the myriad ways sauerkraut can positively impact your health. While you’re there, be sure to connect with them on their social media channels for daily doses of fresh tips, exciting recipes, and community engagement. You can find them on:
Frank’s Kraut on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
So, are you ready to ignite your grill and create some truly unforgettable Kraut-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Brats? Let’s get cooking and savor every incredible bite!
If you’re as fascinated by sauerkraut as I am, and want to delve deeper into its origins, production, and an extensive collection of recipes, don’t miss The Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut. It’s everything you ever wanted to know about this incredible fermented food!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Kraut Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Brats
Ingredients
- Frank’s Kraut
- 6 Hoagie Buns toasted and cut down the center
- 6 Bratwurst boiling in either beer or water until almost done, slit down the center
- 12 pieces of thick sliced bacon
Instructions
-
Boil the brats in beer or water until almost cooked. Slit them down the center (don’t cut all the way through).
-
Stuff the slit with Frank’s Kraut, and leave some heaping out of the top.
-
Snugly wrap the brat with two pieces of bacon.
-
Grill until bacon is cooked on all sides.
-
Serve on toasted hoagie buns. Top with more Frank’s Kraut if desired.
Nutrition