Beer and sausage, what more could you ask for!? Mix them both together with a little bit of seasoning and become the envy of the campground. Can’t you already taste it? Here’s how to make a simple camp-style beer brats recipe to wow even the toughest food critic.
What you’ll need
Camp-style beer brats are simple. All you need are a few key ingredients:
- Beer – Any kind works. The stronger the flavor, the more it comes through. I typically stick with light beers like pilsners, IPAs, and wheats, though you can use porters and stouts too for a little extra heavy flavor.
- Brats – Again, whatever kind of sausage you’re into works. We like the Johnsonville brand, especially if it’s stuffed with cheese or garlic (or both!). Hotdogs are also a good alternative.
- Sauerkraut – Nothing tops a beer brat like sauerkraut. Can’t you feel the Oktoberfest!?
- Seasoning – Beer brats are best with a little bit of spice. I prefer Old Bay, red pepper, and paprika, but you’re welcome to get creative.
- Hotdog buns – There’s no better brat-holding utensil!
Mix ‘em all up
Once you’re armed with all the ingredients, it’s time to put them all together:
- Grab a big boiling pot and fill it with about a can of beer. You’ll want enough beer to cover the tops of the brats when you put them in. Set it on your cooking apparatus of choice (we like the two-burner Coleman camp stove), and light it up.
- Add your sauerkraut. I typically just throw in the whole bag, can, or bottle, whatever you’ve got. The more the merrier! Any leftover sauerkraut is delicious on sandwiches later.
- While the sauerkraut mixture is heating up, start grilling your brats. You don’t need to cook them completely because they’re going to boil in the pot later. Just brown them enough to give them a little campfire coating, if you know what I mean!
- Once your brats have a little brown on them, toss them into the pot. Make sure they’re nice and covered by the sauerkraut.
- Add your seasoning. Some like it spicy, and some don’t. My mixture usually looks pretty red after I throw in all the old bay, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Pop the lid on the pot and let it boil. I typically let it go for about 10 to 15 minutes. Since the brats are already somewhat grilled, it shouldn’t take long for them to cook through. After a few minutes, cut one to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. If you’re cooking hotdogs, just wait for them to get hot.
After a few minutes, a delicious aroma should waft from your pot. It may or may not attract nearby campers, so make sure you throw a few extra brats in the pot!
When everything is nice and cooked, grab your hotdog buns, slap a brat inside, top with seasoned sauerkraut and your favorite condiments, and enjoy! I’m already jealous I’m not your camping buddy this weekend!
Camp-style beer brats are an easy recipe that’s sure to delight anyone in your camping party (and possibly the surrounding area). Enjoy!