Keto Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
These bacon-wrapped bratwurst are first simmered in beer with onions and jalapeños for maximum flavor, then grilled until the bacon is crispy. The fiery habanero sauce adds serious heat with tomato, Fresno pepper, and chili oil creating a bold condiment that complements the smoky, savory brats. Perfect for summer cookouts and tailgate parties when you want to impress with restaurant-quality flavors.
Ingredients
- 10 brats
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 24 ounces light beerdark beer1:1flavor
richer maltier flavor
- 10 strips thick cut baconregular bacon1:1texture
less crispy result
- 10 buns, for serving
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 habanero peppers, choppedserrano peppers1:1heat
milder heat option
- 1 Fresno pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon spicy chili oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Set a pot on grill side burner and add sausages
- 2
Pour beer to cover sausages and add chopped onions and jalapeño peppers
- 3
Bring to quick boil then reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes until mostly cooked through
- 4
Cool sausages enough to handle then wrap each bratwurst in thick cut bacon
- 5
Heat grill to medium heat and lightly oil grates
- 6
Sear sausages about 15-20 minutes flipping occasionally until cooked through and bacon is crispy
- 7
Add all sauce ingredients to food processor and process until smooth
- 8
Heat sauce in small pan about 10 minutes to warm and cook through
- 9
Serve bacon wrapped brats on buns and smother with sauce
Tips
Use a flavorful summer lager for the beer bath to add complexity to the bratwurst flavor.
Don't skip the beer simmering step - it ensures the brats are fully cooked before wrapping in bacon.
Oil the grill grates well to prevent the bacon from sticking during the searing process.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover brats up to 3 days. Reheat gently on grill or in oven.
Can simmer brats in beer and wrap in bacon up to 1 day ahead. Grill when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while bacon is crispy with extra sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip oiling grill grates to avoid bacon sticking and tearing
Don't rush the simmering step or brats may be undercooked inside
Substitutions
milder heat option
richer maltier flavor
less crispy result
FAQ
Can I cook these without a grill?
Yes, you can finish the bacon-wrapped brats in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 150°F.
How spicy is the habanero sauce?
Very spicy. Habaneros rate 100,000-350,000 Scoville units. Start with less and add more to taste, or substitute milder peppers.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, the sauce keeps refrigerated up to 1 week and actually improves in flavor as it sits.