Are you a fan of bratwursts? Do you love the combination of bacon and cheddar?
If so, then you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll be sharing a recipe for delicious bacon cheddar brats that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
But before we get to the cooking part, let’s take a quick look at what goes into making these mouth-watering sausages. From grinding the pork to stuffing the casings, we’ll cover all the steps involved in creating these delectable treats.
So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Bacon Cheddar Brats?
Now that you have your bacon cheddar brats ready, it’s time to cook them to perfection. Here’s how:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the brats on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning them often, until they are browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
3. If you prefer to cook them on the stove, add a little bit of oil to a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the brats and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them often, until they are browned and cooked through.
4. Another option is to bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the brats on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
5. No matter which cooking method you choose, make sure to let the brats rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that they are tender and juicy.
Ingredients And Equipment Needed
To cook bacon cheddar brats, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
– 1 package of Johnsonville Bacon Cheddar Brats
– 12 slices of bacon
– 1 package of hotdog buns
– Mustard or other condiments of your choice
Equipment:
– Outdoor grill or stovetop skillet
– Meat thermometer
– Brush for oiling the grill grates or skillet
– Toothpicks (optional)
If you want to add some extra flavor to your brats, you can also try adding some chopped jalapeno peppers and cubed cheddar cheese to the mix. For this, you will need the following additional ingredients:
– 5 lbs whole pork butt, removed from the bone and cubed
– 8 tsp minced garlic (about 10 cloves)
– 3 tbsp fresh coarsely ground black pepper
– 1 cup finely minced red onion
– 1 cup chopped parsley
– 3 tbsp paprika
– 4 tsp salt
– 1 1/2-cup jalapeno peppers, diced
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
With these ingredients and equipment, you’ll be able to cook up some delicious bacon cheddar brats that are sure to be a hit at your next cookout or backyard barbecue.
Preparing The Pork
Before you can make your bacon cheddar brats, you need to prepare the pork. Start by coarsely grinding your pork butt. You can do this using a meat grinder or a food processor. Once the pork is ground, it’s time to add the other ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine your diced jalapenos and shredded cheese. Then, mix together the ground pork, jalapenos, cheese, and seasonings. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly.
If you are using a sausage stuffer, follow the instructions for stuffing the mixture into casings. If you don’t have a sausage stuffer, you can form the mixture into patties or meatballs instead.
Once your bacon cheddar brats are prepared, it’s time to cook them using your preferred method. Whether you choose to grill, pan-fry, or bake them in the oven, following these steps will ensure that your brats are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
Adding Bacon And Cheddar
If you’re looking to add even more flavor to your bacon cheddar brats, consider adding some extra bacon and cheddar into the mix. Here’s how:
1. Start by cooking some bacon in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s partially cooked but not fully crispy.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and chop it into small pieces.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine your ground pork and beef with the chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and any other desired spices or seasonings.
4. Mix everything together well, making sure that the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Stuff the mixture into hog casings and cook according to your preferred method (grilling, stovetop, or oven).
By adding extra bacon and cheddar to your brats, you’ll get an even richer and more savory flavor that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Just be sure not to overdo it on the cheese, as too much can cause the brats to burst during cooking.
Stuffing The Casings
Before you can cook your bacon cheddar brats, you need to stuff the casings with the delicious filling. Here’s how to do it:
1. Cut the cheddar cheese into 1/4-inch wide strips and set them aside.
2. Slice the brats down the length of them and cut in about 3/4 of the way, leaving the bottom casing intact.
3. Stuff one piece of the cheese along the length of the brat. Pinch the brat over the piece of cheese as best as you can.
4. Tightly wrap two pieces of bacon around the length of the brat and secure it at both ends with a toothpick. You want to make sure that the brat is evenly wrapped in the bacon, this will help the cheese stay inside.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of your brats are stuffed and wrapped.
6. Once your brats are stuffed and wrapped, it’s time to cook them using one of the methods outlined above.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly stuffed bacon cheddar brats that are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or family gathering.
Cooking The Brats
When it comes to cooking bacon cheddar brats, there are a few different methods you can use. One popular option is to boil them in seasoned beer before searing them in a Dutch oven or skillet. This method enhances the flavor of each bite and creates a juicy and tender texture.
To boil the brats in beer, start by adding the beer, garlic, salt, iron, and peppercorns to a Dutch oven or skillet with a lid. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add the brats. Cover the pot and let the brats simmer for about 30 minutes. It’s important not to peek during this time, as the steam helps to cook the brats evenly.
Once the brats are cooked through, reserve a quarter cup of the liquid and discard the rest. Heat up the Dutch oven or skillet again until it’s screaming hot, then sear the brats until they have a crispy exterior. If needed, sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
If you prefer to grill your bacon cheddar brats, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the brats on the grill. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, turning them often until they are browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Alternatively, you can cook them on the stove by adding a little bit of oil to a skillet and heating it over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the brats and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them often until they are browned and cooked through.
No matter which cooking method you choose, be sure to let the brats rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that they are tender and juicy. Serve your bacon cheddar brats with your favorite toppings like mustard, onions, cilantro, cheese, pickles, or sauerkraut for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions And Tips
Now that your bacon cheddar brats are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up with some delicious toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions and tips to take your brats to the next level:
1. Toppings: Bacon cheddar brats are already packed with flavor, but adding toppings can take them to a whole new level. Some classic toppings include mustard, sauerkraut, onions, and relish. You can also get creative and try toppings like jalapenos, avocado, or even mac and cheese.
2. Sides: Brats pair well with a variety of sides. Potato salad is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. For a healthier option, try serving them with a side salad.
3. Beer Pairing: Since brats are often boiled in beer, it’s only fitting to pair them with a cold brew. A light lager or pilsner pairs well with the salty and savory flavors of the brats.
4. Grilling Tips: When grilling brats, make sure to turn them often to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure they are cooked through.
5. Leftovers: If you have leftover brats, they make a great addition to breakfast the next day. Try slicing them up and adding them to scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a delicious morning meal.
With these serving suggestions and tips, you can elevate your bacon cheddar brats from a simple meal to a gourmet feast. Enjoy!
