Introduction: Ready for a Hearty, Flavorful Summer Classic?
Craving a bold, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game-day gathering? These Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw are your perfect choice! Featuring juicy bratwursts simmered in lager and seared to perfection, paired with a tangy, creamy Dijon coleslaw, this dish is a delightful mix of savory and zesty flavors. Served in toasted hot dog buns with an optional jalapeño kick, it’s inspired by your love for bold, savory dishes like Marinated Salumi Sandwich and Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Thighs. Adaptable for keto and gluten-free diets, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser. Ready to fire up the skillet? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Overview: Why Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw is a Must-Try
This Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw recipe combines tender, beer-infused brats with a crunchy, tangy coleslaw, all nestled in a toasted bun for a satisfying meal. The quick cooking method makes it ideal for weeknights or gatherings. What makes it special? It’s a hearty dish that’s ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for showcasing bold flavors, and adaptable for keto or gluten-free diets, offering a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.
- Time Requirement: About 25 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or quick meals.
- Why It’s Special: It’s a savory, beer-infused bratwurst dish with tangy coleslaw crunch.
These beer brats are a hearty, flavorful treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw. Each ingredient adds to the savory, tangy, and crunchy magic.
Dijon Coleslaw
- Mayonnaise (⅓ cup): Creates a creamy, rich base.
- Maille Original Dijon Mustard (4 tsp): Adds sharp, tangy flavor.
- Maille Whole Grain Mustard (1 Tbsp): Brings textured, spicy depth.
- Pickle Juice (1 Tbsp): Enhances tanginess with a briny kick.
- White Wine Vinegar (3 Tbsp): Provides bright, acidic balance.
- Sugar (1 Tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness to balance acidity.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild heat.
- Red Cabbage (4 cups, sliced thin): Offers vibrant color and crunch.
- Green Cabbage (2 cups, sliced thin): Adds classic coleslaw texture.
Beer Bratwursts
- Bratwursts (8): Provide juicy, savory protein.
- Lager (24 oz): Infuses brats with malty, rich flavor.
- Butter (1 Tbsp): Enhances browning and richness.
- Hot Dog Buns (8): Serve as a soft, toasty base.
- Jalapeños (optional, for garnish): Add spicy, fresh crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt (non-vegan) or vegan mayo for dairy-free.
- Mustards: Use any Dijon or whole grain mustard; adjust quantities for milder flavor.
- Pickle Juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Cabbage: Swap with shredded kale or broccoli slaw for variety.
- Bratwursts: Use vegan sausages or chicken sausages for different flavors.
- Lager: Swap with non-alcoholic beer, chicken broth, or apple cider for alcohol-free.
- Hot Dog Buns: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for keto/gluten-free (~2–3g net carbs per serving without buns).
- Keto Adjustment: Skip buns, reduce sugar in coleslaw to ½ tsp, and use keto-friendly mayo (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns; ensure bratwursts and mustards are gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne to coleslaw or increase jalapeños for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw is quick and straightforward, with a fast coleslaw prep and simple brat cooking. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.
Step 1: Make the Dijon Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, whisk ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 4 tsp Maille original Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp Maille whole grain mustard, 1 Tbsp pickle juice, 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Add 4 cups thinly sliced red cabbage and 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage; toss to coat thoroughly.
- Set aside to let flavors meld.
Tip: Slice cabbage thinly (use a mandoline for ease); refrigerate coleslaw for a chilled, crisp texture.
Step 2: Cook the Beer Bratwursts
- In a deep saucepan, heat 24 oz lager over medium heat until simmering.
- Add 8 bratwursts and cook over low heat for 8–10 minutes.
- Remove brats from saucepan and transfer to a large nonstick skillet with 1 Tbsp butter.
- Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through (160°F internally), about 3–5 minutes.
Tip: Simmer brats gently to avoid bursting; pat dry before skillet-searing for better browning.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Toast 8 hot dog buns in a toaster or skillet until golden.
- Place a portion of Dijon coleslaw in each bun.
- Add a bratwurst to each bun.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños (optional) and serve with French fries.
Tip: Toast buns lightly to avoid sogginess; serve immediately for the best texture.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw
Making these Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw is all about creating a balanced, flavorful dish with bold textures. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Make Coleslaw Tangy: Whisk dressing thoroughly for a creamy, zesty coating.
- Cook Brats Juicy: Simmer in beer for flavor, then sear for a crisp exterior.
- Toast Buns Golden: Ensure a sturdy, toasty base for the fillings.
- Assemble Fresh: Layer coleslaw and brats for a crunchy, savory bite.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a platter for a casual, game-day vibe or individual plates for dinners.
- Pair with a keto-friendly side like cucumber salad or grilled zucchini (if using keto substitutions).
- Garnish with extra jalapeños, a sprinkle of parsley, or a drizzle of mustard for a polished look.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but stores well for quick meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store brats and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store buns separately at room temperature for 1 day.
- Avoid freezing coleslaw, as cabbage loses crunch; brats can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Reheat brats in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve coleslaw cold to maintain crunch.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep coleslaw up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Simmer brats in beer up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and sear fresh.
- Slice jalapeños just before serving for freshness.
Tip: Add a splash of pickle juice to coleslaw leftovers to refresh flavors.
Recipe Variations
These Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw are versatile, drawing on your love for bold, savory dishes like Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Thighs and Easy Weeknight Skillet Paella. Here are some fun ideas:
- Keto Beer Brats: Skip buns, use keto-friendly mayo, and reduce sugar in coleslaw (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns; ensure bratwursts and mustards are gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap brats with vegan sausages and use vegetable broth instead of lager.
- Spicy Bratwursts: Add ½ tsp cayenne to coleslaw or top with extra jalapeños.
- German-Inspired: Swap Dijon for spicy brown mustard and add ½ cup sauerkraut per bun.
Tip: Serve with a side of keto-friendly pickles or a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flair.
Conclusion: A Hearty, Zesty Treat to Love
Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw are the perfect way to enjoy a bold, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy. With juicy, beer-infused brats and crunchy, tangy coleslaw, this dish is as delicious as it is crowd-pleasing. Perfect for casual dinners, game days, or summer barbecues, these brats are sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, garnish with your favorites, and savor every savory, zesty bite. What’s your favorite way to enjoy these beer brats? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!
Print
Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw
Description
Craving a bold, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game-day gathering? These Beer Bratwursts with Dijon Coleslaw are your perfect choice! Featuring juicy bratwursts simmered in lager and seared to perfection, paired with a tangy, creamy Dijon coleslaw, this dish is a delightful mix of savory and zesty flavors
Ingredients
Dijon Coleslaw
- Mayonnaise (⅓ cup): Creates a creamy, rich base.
- Maille Original Dijon Mustard (4 tsp): Adds sharp, tangy flavor.
- Maille Whole Grain Mustard (1 Tbsp): Brings textured, spicy depth.
- Pickle Juice (1 Tbsp): Enhances tanginess with a briny kick.
- White Wine Vinegar (3 Tbsp): Provides bright, acidic balance.
- Sugar (1 Tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness to balance acidity.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild heat.
- Red Cabbage (4 cups, sliced thin): Offers vibrant color and crunch.
- Green Cabbage (2 cups, sliced thin): Adds classic coleslaw texture.
Beer Bratwursts
- Bratwursts (8): Provide juicy, savory protein.
- Lager (24 oz): Infuses brats with malty, rich flavor.
- Butter (1 Tbsp): Enhances browning and richness.
- Hot Dog Buns (8): Serve as a soft, toasty base.
- Jalapeños (optional, for garnish): Add spicy, fresh crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt (non-vegan) or vegan mayo for dairy-free.
- Mustards: Use any Dijon or whole grain mustard; adjust quantities for milder flavor.
- Pickle Juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Cabbage: Swap with shredded kale or broccoli slaw for variety.
- Bratwursts: Use vegan sausages or chicken sausages for different flavors.
- Lager: Swap with non-alcoholic beer, chicken broth, or apple cider for alcohol-free.
- Hot Dog Buns: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for keto/gluten-free (~2–3g net carbs per serving without buns).
- Keto Adjustment: Skip buns, reduce sugar in coleslaw to ½ tsp, and use keto-friendly mayo (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns; ensure bratwursts and mustards are gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne to coleslaw or increase jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dijon Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, whisk ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 4 tsp Maille original Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp Maille whole grain mustard, 1 Tbsp pickle juice, 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Add 4 cups thinly sliced red cabbage and 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage; toss to coat thoroughly.
- Set aside to let flavors meld.
Tip: Slice cabbage thinly (use a mandoline for ease); refrigerate coleslaw for a chilled, crisp texture.
Step 2: Cook the Beer Bratwursts
- In a deep saucepan, heat 24 oz lager over medium heat until simmering.
- Add 8 bratwursts and cook over low heat for 8–10 minutes.
- Remove brats from saucepan and transfer to a large nonstick skillet with 1 Tbsp butter.
- Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through (160°F internally), about 3–5 minutes.
Tip: Simmer brats gently to avoid bursting; pat dry before skillet-searing for better browning.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Toast 8 hot dog buns in a toaster or skillet until golden.
- Place a portion of Dijon coleslaw in each bun.
- Add a bratwurst to each bun.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños (optional) and serve with French fries.
Tip: Toast buns lightly to avoid sogginess; serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different beer?
Yes! Swap lager with ale, stout, or non-alcoholic beer; choose a light beer for milder flavor.
2. Is this dish keto-friendly?
With buns and sugar, it’s not keto-friendly (~20–25g net carbs per serving). Skip buns and reduce sugar for keto (~2–3g net carbs).
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegan sausages and vegetable broth instead of lager.
4. Why is my coleslaw watery?
- Pat cabbage dry before tossing to reduce moisture.
- Serve coleslaw fresh to avoid water release.
- Drain excess liquid before adding to buns.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep coleslaw and simmer brats up to 1 day ahead; sear and assemble fresh.
6. How long does it last?
Coleslaw and brats last in the fridge for 3 days; store separately.
7. Can I use other cabbages?
Yes! Swap red/green cabbage with Napa cabbage or broccoli slaw.
8. What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve hot in toasted buns with French fries, paired with a keto-friendly side like cucumber salad (if using keto substitutions), garnished with jalapeños or parsley.