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German Bratwurst (Grilled Sausage)

German Bratwurst (Grilled Sausage)

Juicy pork and veal sausages seasoned with nutmeg, ginger, garlic, and marjoram, stuffed in natural casing and grilled until golden. Served with crusty rolls, mustard, and sauerkraut.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine German
Servings 4
Calories 464 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl​
  • Sausage stuffer or meat grinder with attachment
  • Grill or grill pan (or oven + baking tray)
  • Toothpick or skewer
  • Parchment paper (if baking)

Ingredients
  

For the Sausages:

  • 500 g ground pork preferably with 25% fat content
  • 200 g ground veal or beef
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp marjoram
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/4 cup ice cold water
  • 1 meter natural hog casing rinsed and soaked in water

For Serving:

  • Fresh crusty bread rolls
  • Sauerkraut
  • Mustard preferably German varieties like Düsseldorf or Bavarian sweet mustard
  • Optional: caramelized onions

Instructions
 

  • To begin, prepare the sausage mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and veal (or beef). Add salt, white pepper, nutmeg, ginger, marjoram, and minced garlic. Use your hands to knead the mixture thoroughly for 3-4 minutes until well combined and slightly sticky. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Slowly add the ice cold water to the sausage mixture, a tablespoon at a time, mixing well between additions. This step helps achieve a smooth and moist texture in the final sausage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the hog casing. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water and soak it in fresh water for 30 minutes to soften. Check for any holes by running water through the casing. Keep the prepared casing submerged in water until ready to use to prevent drying out.
  • Attach the hog casing to a sausage stuffer or the attachment of a meat grinder. Fill the stuffer with the chilled sausage mixture. Slowly push the mixture into the casing, being careful not to overfill or introduce air pockets. Twist the casing every 10-12 cm to form individual sausages. Continue until all the mixture is used.
  • Once the sausages are formed, prick them lightly with a toothpick or skewer to release any trapped air. Lay the sausages on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up before cooking. This step ensures they hold their shape during grilling.
  • Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If using an oven, preheat to 200°C (390°F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Grill the sausages for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. If using an oven, bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Avoid piercing the sausages during cooking to retain their juices and ensure a juicy interior.
  • Serve the bratwurst hot, nestled in a fresh bread roll, topped with mustard and sauerkraut. Add caramelized onions if desired for an extra layer of flavour. Pair with a cold German beer or apple cider for an authentic experience. Arrange the platter with additional mustard varieties and garnishes for a vibrant presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 30gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 1267mgPotassium: 509mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg
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