If you're looking for a flavorful twist on traditional grilled bratwurst, this Hard Cider Brats recipe is the ultimate fall-inspired BBQ dish. Smoked bratwurst links are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory blend of hard apple cider, onions, garlic, and spices, then finished with a sear for crispy casing and deep flavor. Serve these brats on a toasted bun with stone-ground mustard or your favorite slaw for a next-level grilling experience.
Hard Cider Brats Recipe: Smoked Bratwurst Braised in Apple Cider
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Entree
Cuisine
American
Servings
12
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Calories
366
Make this easy juicy, tender brat with crispy edges, sweet-and-savory complexity, and a smoky finish—ideal for fall cookouts, Oktoberfest menus, or anyone who wants a gourmet twist on classic grilled sausage.
Ingredients
-
5–6 bratwurst links (uncooked, quality pork brats recommended)
-
12 oz hard apple cider (dry or semi-dry)
-
1 yellow onion, sliced
-
3 cloves garlic, smashed
-
1 tbsp butter
-
1 tbsp Yoder Smokers Pork Rub (or similar sweet/savory BBQ rub)
-
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
-
Optional: sauerkraut, stone-ground mustard, or apple slaw for serving
Directions
Preheat & Season
Preheat your pellet grill to 250°F.
Season brats lightly with BBQ rub and a touch of salt and pepper.
Smoke the Brats
Place brats directly on the grill grates and smoke for 45–60 minutes, until they begin to brown and puff slightly.
Braise in Hard Cider
In a cast iron skillet or foil pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add sliced onion and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the hard cider and bring to a gentle simmer.
Nestle the smoked brats into the cider mixture.
Return the pan to the grill and braise uncovered at 275°F for 30–45 minutes, or until the liquid reduces slightly and brats reach 165°F internal temp.
Sear to Finish
Optional: Move brats over direct heat and sear for 1–2 minutes per side for crispier skin.
Recipe Note
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: The cider bath infuses the brats with subtle sweetness and apple aroma.
- Perfect for Pellet Grills: Low-and-slow smoking adds rich depth.
- Great for Fall or Game Day: A cozy, crowd-pleasing sausage recipe that’s simple but satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve brats on toasted pretzel or hoagie buns.
- Top with caramelized onions from the cider bath, stone-ground mustard, and a scoop of kraut or slaw.
- Pairs perfectly with more hard cider or a crisp lager.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 4 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 366
- Carbs
- 15 grams
- Protein
- 12 grams
- Fat
- 29 grams
- Sodium
- 942 milligrams
