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Recipes Nugget Market Signature Recipes

Beer-Braised Brats with Onions & Thyme

Prep time
10 minutes PT10M
Cook time
35–45 minutes PT35–45M
Yield
4 servings
Difficulty
1 out of 5 on the difficulty scale
Fresh to Market beer and Bratwurst sausages braised in onion gravy with fresh thyme in a cast iron skillet, surrounded by onions and herbs on a wood table

Bring out the best in our Meat Department's bratwurst by simmering these scratch-made sausages with a bit of beer, thyme, and caramelized onions.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound Fresh to Market Bratwurst Sausages
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 12 ounces pilsner or lager beer
  • ½ cup beef or chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional), for serving

Preparation

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst and sear until browned on all sides, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is deeply caramelized and soft, 12–15 minutes.

Return the bratwurst to the pan. Add the thyme sprigs, beer, and stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Partially cover and braise until the bratwurst are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, 15–20 minutes.

Remove the thyme stems. Swirl in the butter until melted and glossy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve the bratwurst and onions with the pan sauce, with optional Dijon mustard on the side.