Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions

A recipe for Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions! Sausages are simmered in a spiced beer caramelized onion mixture, then assembled on bread with shredded Gruyère cheese for quite the comforting meal.

This recipe for Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions is such a great option for any time of year! Sausages are browned on each side, then simmered in a delicious combination of caramelized onions, beer, and spices. 

Once cooked through, each Bratwurst is arranged in a hot dog bun (I particularly like pretzel buns), topped with the caramelized onions and a handful of shredded Gruyère cheese, and finally broiled until melted and bubbly before serving.

A Few Tips

This recipe is best using raw bratwurst. The precooked sausages will not work. The bratwurst can be boiled in the beer a day or two in advance and heated on the grill or skillet just before serving.

I browned the Bratwurst in the skillet before adding the onions, but you can also grill them until golden before simmering in the beer.

To caramelize the onion slices, cook over low to medium low heat until a deep golden color and softened. Don’t rush the process by turning the heat up. It takes time for the flavor to develop, around 30-45 minutes.

If desired, toast the bread before assembling the sandwiches. Just remember the tops will toast further if placing under the broiler to melt the cheese.

I paired the Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions with pretzel buns. I especially love the contrast with the soft chewy texture. Feel free to use your favorite hot dog or sausage buns.

Don’t be shy with topping the sandwiches with a large handful of shredded Gruyère cheese. While broiling, it will quickly melt to create a thin, bubbly layer.

The Gruyère cheese can be swapped for a sharp Cheddar if desired.

Looking for more recipes with caramelized onions?

Try my:

• Kasnocken (Austrian Dumplings with Cheese and Onions)
• Guinness Onion Soup
• Apple and Caramelized Onion Tart

Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Adapted from Honest Cooking

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5 from 4 votes

Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions

A recipe for Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions! Sausages are simmered in a spiced beer caramelized onion mixture, then assembled on bread with shredded Gruyère cheese for quite the comforting meal.

Course Main

Cuisine N/A

Keyword beer, bratwurst, caramelized onion, hot dog, onion, sandwich

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

0 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 raw bratwurst sausages
• 2 onions peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliltiers) good quality beer
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Gruyere cheese shredded
• German mustard for serving
• 4 pretzel or hot dog buns

Instructions

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Once heated, add the sausages and cook until golden brown on each side. Do not cook through. Once golden, remove to a plate and set aside.
• Reduce heat to medium low and add the sliced onions. If needed, add a little more butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Adjust heat between medium and low as needed to caramelize the onions without burning.
• Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Stir in the fresh thyme, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
• Pour in the beer, scraping any browned pieces that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
• Gently add the sausages back into the pan with the beer. Increase heat to medium.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sausages are cooked through and the beer has reduced, about 15 minutes.
• Slice the hoagie or hot dog buns in half lengthwise if not precut. Spread the mustard on one inner side.
• Add a bratwurst and top with caramelized onions and shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make four sandwiches.
• Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve immediately.