How to Make Beer Brats With Savory Onion Gravy at Home

Beer brats with savory onion gravy are a classic comfort food that brings together the hearty flavors of sausage, aromatic onions, and a rich, beer-laced sauce. Whether enjoyed at a backyard gathering or as a cozy homemade meal, this dish is sure to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can recreate this pub favorite right in your own kitchen. Let’s walk through how to make beer brats with savory onion gravy from scratch.

Preparing Beer Brats and Onion Gravy From Scratch

To begin your beer brats journey, gather your ingredients: a package of beer brats, a large onion, a bottle of your favorite beer, one cup of chicken stock, a tablespoon of corn starch, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper. The quality of each ingredient makes a difference, so opt for fresh sausages and a flavorful beer. Slice the onion into rings—these will form the sweet, caramelized backbone of your gravy.

Preheat an oiled pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion rings, sprinkling them with coarse ground black pepper and a touch of kosher salt. Allow the onions to cook low and slow, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and start to caramelize. This patient sautéing is key to developing the deep flavors that will infuse your gravy.

Once the onions are tender and aromatic, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour in the entire bottle of beer, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, nestle the raw beer brats into the mixture and add the cup of chicken stock. This combination will simmer together, allowing the brats to absorb the complex flavors of onion, beer, and broth. Cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the sausages are fully cooked through.

Simmering, Browning, and Serving Your Flavorful Brats

After simmering, carefully remove the brats and set them aside on a plate. Now, with the brats out of the pan, it’s time to turn the simmered onion-beer mixture into a rich, velvety gravy. Increase the heat and continue to simmer the liquid, allowing it to reduce by about half. Meanwhile, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of the hot pan liquid to create a slurry, ensuring there are no lumps.

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry back into the pan, stirring constantly. As the mixture boils, you’ll notice the sauce thickening into a luscious gravy that clings beautifully to the onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Once your gravy reaches the perfect consistency, transfer it to a bowl or container to keep warm while you finish the brats.

Return the pan to medium-high heat and add a splash of oil if needed. Place the brats back in the hot pan and brown them on each side until they develop a deep golden color and a slight crisp. This final browning step adds irresistible texture and an extra layer of flavor. To serve, arrange the browned brats on a platter or individual plates, then generously ladle the savory onion gravy over the top. Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side for a satisfying meal.

Making beer brats with savory onion gravy at home is a delightful way to bring rustic, pub-style comfort right to your kitchen table. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked sausages enveloped in a rich, aromatic gravy that’s bursting with flavor. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every bite of this hearty homemade classic!