For our next blog, we’re diving deep into another Wisconsin favorite... Brats!!
After being with my husband nearly 10 years, we recently discovered we have very different ways of cooking a bratwurst. Which led me to do some Internet research and ask friends + family this question... "How do you cook a Wisconsin Brat?"
Fun fact: When you Google 'how to make a bratwurst' 7,840,000 results come up. Holy moly, right?
Growing up, my dad got off work before my mom, so he would usually get dinner started and do most of the cooking. So, most of how I have learned to cook has come from my father. And I may be biased... but I’m pretty darn sure he’s one of the greatest cooks that I have ever known! In my adult years I take great pride when I get to play sous chef with him.
When I asked my dad about cooking a brat (I already knew his thoughts and feelings on this), he said "Well kid, I’m gonna tell you this is a great debate. There are two very different ways you can cook a bratwurst. A lot of people parboil their brats in beer or water before they grill them and then sometimes put them back in to beer/water keep them warm. But I think they get too mushy that way. I like to first grill my brats and really get that dark 'golden brown crust' with a few of those beautiful grill singe marks. Then I add them to either a pot or a crockpot with beer with sliced onions and peppers".
Part two
The toppings… You didn’t think we were done did you? Toppings on a bratwurst presents a whole nother matter in itself. Again, when googled, here are the top 14 most requested toppings on a bratwurst:
- Stoneground mustard
- Grilled onions
- Sauerkraut
- Ketchup
- Relish
- Chili
- Coleslaw
- Pineapple salsa
- Melted cheese
- Wasabi mayo
- Bacon and applesauce
- Jalapeños
- Beer marinated onions and peppers
- Chicago style
As for me... I’m a pretty simple Wisconsin girl. Give me a brat with some mustard and sauerkraut along with a beer and I'm happy!
Now don’t forget when you’re making your brats, you always have to put two-six extra on cause you never know who might stop by. Or you want to throw leftovers in your eggs the next morning, maybe take them in your lunch, or heck even a midnight snack. Don’t tell me you’ve never had a cold brat at midnight?! 🍻🌭
So friends, how do you have a Wisconsin brat?
Jaclyn from Wisconsin Up