The Best Homemade Bratwurst Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making your own bratwurst at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. You’ll love how simple it is to customize the flavors to your taste, ensuring every bite is perfect for you. Freshly ground meat and spices create a juicy, flavorful sausage that beats anything from the store. Plus, the process is fun and satisfying, making it a great activity to share with family or friends. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought brats!

Recipe

Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage known for its rich flavor and juicy texture. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the seasoning to your taste. This recipe provides a straightforward method for crafting delicious homemade bratwurst.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, finely ground
• 1/2 lb pork fat, finely ground
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground mace
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp marjoram
• Natural hog casings, soaked and rinsed

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork shoulder and pork fat.
2. Add the ice water and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine all the spices.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the meat and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
5. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
6. Prepare the sausage stuffer and attach the hog casings.
7. Stuff the meat mixture into the casings, twisting into 5-inch links.
8. Prick any air bubbles with a needle.
9. Cook immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Notes:

• For best results, keep all ingredients and equipment cold while working.
• Adjust seasoning to taste if desired.

Equipment:

• Meat grinder
• Sausage stuffer
• Kitchen scale
• Mixing bowls

Time:

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: German

Serving: 6-8 links

Nutrition

This homemade bratwurst recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium

350 | 15g | 25g | 10g | 800mg

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade bratwurst with classic sides like sauerkraut and warm potato salad, which bring out its rich flavors. A cold beer or crisp lemonade makes the perfect drink to wash it all down, keeping things invigorating. Trust me, these pairings turn a simple meal into something special.

Traditional Side Dishes

When it comes to pairing sides with a hearty meal, I always think about balancing flavors and textures. For bratwurst, I love starting with sauerkraut—its tanginess cuts through the rich sausage perfectly. Warm potato salad, dressed with a mustard vinaigrette, adds comfort and creaminess. A side of soft pretzels or crusty bread is great for soaking up any juices. Grilled veggies, like bell peppers and onions, bring a touch of sweetness and smokiness. And don’t forget a zesty German cucumber salad for some invigorating crunch. These sides create a well-rounded feast that truly complements the bold flavors of homemade bratwurst.

Refreshing Beverage Pairings

Though bratwurst is a star on its own, it’s even better with a drink that complements its hearty, savory flavors. I love pairing it with a crisp lager—it’s light enough to balance the richness without overpowering it. If you’re not into beer, try a dry cider; its slight sweetness and fizz cut through the sausage’s boldness beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, I’ll reach for sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime—it’s invigorating and keeps things simple. These choices elevate the meal, making every bite and sip feel like they’re meant to be together. Cheers to that!