There’s no better time to fire up the Bradley grill, enjoy piping hot, juicy brats and relax with an ice cold beer than on Independence Day. It’s the perfect day to get together with friends and family, thanks to the vacation day and nice weather.
Anyone who’s cooked for friends or family knows it’s a lot of work. And the last thing a self-respecting outdoor chef wants to do is serve up a burnt brat!
We have a few suggestions that will help you grill up the perfect sausage. Consider these tips if you want to impress friends and family down to the very last bite.
Low & Slow
A burnt brat is the sure sign of impatience and the sure spark of frustration. The only way to grill brats is on a low and slow setting. Cook them indirectly if you want to eliminate any chances of burning.
For gas grill users, start the brats on medium and, as the juices begin to flow, lower the temperature to avoid flaring. This will help keep the sausage intact and preserve its juices.
For charcoal users, you can use your hand to gauge the fire temperature by holding it several inches above the cooking grate and counting to five. If the intensity of the heat forces you to remove your hand at five seconds, then you’re about right on the mark.
The “Brat” Tub
Prepare a brat tub by pouring 2 or 3 cans of beer in an aluminum baking dish. Then, add one white onion (thinly sliced) and a couple tablespoons of butter. When the brats have reached that perfect, golden-brown look, place them in the steamy liquid and let simmer for 20 minutes – or about the time it takes to kick back and enjoy a cold beer. This produces a brat that’s even more bold and flavourful. Let guests help themselves to seconds and thirds, and have food that’s hot and ready for those stragglers that show up late.
If you or your guests really like the crispy texture, then serve immediately off the grill, instead of simmering.
Do It Justice
Calling a brat a hot dog is just degrading, and so is serving a brat on a weightless hot dog bun. It might get you slapped in Wisconsin! The bratwurst world is filled with loyal enthusiasts and rich grilling tradition. So, give justice where justice is needed.
The first and foremost way to do this is to serve your brats on a substantial roll. The kind that’s able to cope with the bell peppers, onions, sauerkraut, pickle, spicy mustard or other condiments you pack on. Your guests will feel and taste the difference.
The Whole Package & Then Some
It’s always better to have too much than to run short on food, and this is especially true of brats. If you do your part on the grill, your guests won’t be able to resist seconds and even thirds. And you never know who might unexpectedly show up. It’s nice to be able to offer a neighbor or passerby a bite of pure goodness. You can always use leftovers for breakfast burritos, or eat for lunch the next day. Therefore, there’s no reason to cook too few.
If there’s one good thing about grilling brats (other than their awesome flavour), it’s that you’re able to feed a large group without compromising your entire day. It’s easy preparation, easy cooking and easy cleanup, which is why it’s a top favorite on July 4th in the U.S.
This year, grill up the most amazing brats you’ve ever tasted by following our suggestions and let us know how they turn out!
We would like to wish our friends in the U.S. a happy Independence Day!
