Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and this weekend also signals the start of football season. That means it's time to fire up the grill and settle in with food that fuels the game. Smoked Brats with Beer Onions deliver hearty, flavorful excitement for tailgates, backyard parties, or family gatherings. Juicy brats slowly smoked to perfection and onions simmered in beer create a winning combination that feels tailor-made for kickoff weekend.
Game Day Favorites should be simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing; this recipe checks every box. Smoking the brats adds a depth of flavor that traditional grilling can't match, while the beer-braised onions bring a rich, savory finish. Serve them on soft rolls with your choice of toppings, and you've got an instant classic for football fans of all ages.
Labor Day gatherings often balance nostalgia for summer with excitement for cooler evenings ahead. This recipe bridges both, giving you smoky comfort food that works as well under the sun as it does around the fire pit. Whether you’re watching the first kickoff or enjoying one last summer cookout, these brats make the perfect centerpiece.
Need a smoker? Alfresco Backyard Living has a complete selection of Traeger grills, the Hybrid Grill Series from American Made Grills, and accessories for gas grills to dabble with smoking your favorite wood. Our team can help you find the right fit to make recipes like this part of your weekend lineup.
Smoked Brats with Beer Onions make every game day spread complete. Whether you’re kicking back with friends or hosting family, they deliver bold flavor and an effortless way to keep everyone satisfied. Pair them with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that keeps the crowd coming back for more.
Makes 6 brats
Smoked Brats with Beer Onions Ingredients
- 6 uncooked bratwurst
- 6 bratwurst buns
Beer Onions
- 2 large yellow onions sliced
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 cup dark beer
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Smoked Brats with Beer Onions Directions
- Preheat. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F using your favorite hardwood.
- Smoke. Place the brats directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until their internal temperature reads 160 degrees F.
- Make the beer onions. While the brats smoke, prepare the onions. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly browned and cooked through. Stir in the beer and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook over medium heat until most of the beer has reduced and the onions are plump, but not too saucy (about 15 minutes). Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Finish smoking. Once your brats are to temperature, you can either serve them as-is (the skin will have a snap but not a crunch) or increase the heat on your grill to high and crisp the exterior for 2-3 minutes (the brats will likely split and have a crunchy exterior casing).
- Enjoy. Serve the smoked brats atop buns with the beer onions and your favorite toppings.
Taken from heygrillhey.com