HERITAGE RED WATTLE PORK, CHEDDAR CHEESE & JALAPENO BRATS

Here’s a fantastic recipe for cooking Heritage Red Wattle Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño Brats that brings out the flavors of the spicy and cheesy brats, while keeping them juicy and delicious.

Grilled Heritage Red Wattle Cheddar and Jalapeño Brats with Beer Braise

Ingredients:

• 4-6 Heritage Red Wattle Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño Brats
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional, for extra heat)
• 1-2 bottles of beer (preferably a lager or pale ale)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 4-6 brat buns or pretzel buns
• Toppings: Mustard, sauerkraut, pickles, extra cheddar cheese, or grilled peppers and onions.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brats:

   • If you plan to grill the brats, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). You can also pan-sear or roast them if grilling is not an option.

2. Beer Braise:

   • In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and optional jalapeño slices. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and slightly translucent.
   • Pour in the beer, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any caramelized bits.
   • Season with black pepper and salt.
   • Add the brats to the beer mixture, making sure they are partially submerged in the liquid.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the brats cook gently in the beer for 15-20 minutes. This beer braise helps flavor the sausages and keeps them moist.

3. Grill the Brats:

   • After the brats have simmered, transfer them to the preheated grill.
   • Grill the brats for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to get a nice char on all sides. Be careful not to pierce the casing so that the juices and cheese stay inside.

4. Toast the Buns:

   • While the brats are grilling, butter the brat buns or pretzel buns and toast them on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.

5. Serve:

   • Place each grilled brat in a toasted bun.
   • Top with your favorite condiments such as mustard, sauerkraut, grilled peppers and onions, extra cheddar cheese, or pickles.

Optional Side Suggestions:

• Serve the brats with German potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob for a hearty meal.
• Pair with a cold lager, pilsner, or IPA to complement the flavors of the cheddar and jalapeños in the brats.

This method of beer-braising followed by grilling brings out the best in Heritage Red Wattle Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño Brats, ensuring they are juicy, flavorful, and have a perfect snap from the grill!