Disclaimer: This is a collaboration with Klement’s Sausage. I am proud to support a Wisconsin based company with such a delicious product. All opinions are my own.
Kick off grilling season with a delicious topper for your Klement’s Smoked Bratwurst! Using Wisconsin beer, cheese and a onion/pepper combo, this simple topping will be a hit at any BBQ.
You probably know by now, but I went to school in Wisconsin. Madison is a place I hold near and dear to my heart–so many memories! It’s crazy we’ve been away for almost seven years now! There are certain foods or things that trigger so many fond moments in my life.
Now that spring is finally here in the Midwest (okay….it did snow last week), we are all breaking out of hibernation. The patio table is out of the shed and the grill has been fired up at least twice already. It’s crazy how many new neighbors you notice walking around when the weather is finally nice again!
In Madison, warm weather is welcomed by the opening of the Memorial Union Terrace. Located right on the lake, this is seriously one of my favorite places in the world. You can catch live music, movies and it’s the ultimate place to catch up with friends. They have these infamous brightly colored chairs and tables, plus pitchers of beer and amazing grilled food. The terrace is a go-to spot for anyone in Madison during the summer–day quickly turns into night while spending time there.
During the nice weather, bratwurst are a staple on our grilling menu. Klement’s offers a delicious Smoked Brat that is precooked, which is a huge time-saver! The smoky flavor is amazing once cooked on a charcoal grill. Obviously you can top them with your regular condiments…or kick it up a notch with these cheesy drunken peppers and onions. Living up to the stereotype, we do love beer and cheese in Wisconsin. I used my favorite Spotted Cow for these, but you can use whatever you have on hand! The alcohol does cook off, leaving a great flavor.
The drunken peppers and onions might not look picture perfect, but they are SOOO delish and super easy to whip up. I made them inside on the stove top, but you could easily use a grill save pan to make these along side the bratwurst.
- 1 package Klement's Smoked Bratwurst (5 links)
- Brat buns (optional)
- 2 peppers , thinly sliced
- 1 large onion , thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon grill seasoning
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 12 oz favorite beer (We love Spotted Cow)
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar
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Grill brats inside or outside until nice and brown. No need to pre-boil them!
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In a skillet, add 1 teaspoon canola oil. Heat to medium high. Add peppers and onions, season with grill seasoning. 21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe's is great. Cook for 6-7 minutes to caramelize.
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Reduce heat to medium. Slowly pour the whole bottle of beer over the peppers and onions. Cover and bubble for 10 minutes, until beer has cooked down.
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Add mustard and cheese. Stir to melt.
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Using tongs, put pepper/onion mixture on top of brats. Place in bun. Enjoy!
These drunken peppers and onions would be great with the Klement’s Polish or Italian sausage on the grill too. Aside from the precooked sausages, Klement’s offers fresh sausage, summer sausage and sausage sticks. Check your local grocery store to see what varieties they offer!
What ways you do you kick off grilling season? What’s your favorite Klement’s Sausage?
Nice recipe. I chose not to make it as a sandwich but added fingerling potatoes and a spice mixture to the brats-onions-peppers mix. I also used a grated Gruyere topping and then baked the whole thing for 30 minutes.
BTW, I had previously caramelized the onions and seared the brats before putting together the bake.
This sounds delish!!