Grilled Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Cheese Wraps
Beer-simmered bratwursts grilled until crispy, then wrapped in flour tortillas with tangy sauerkraut, honey dijon mustard, and melted smoked swiss cheese. A hearty, crowd-pleasing handheld meal inspired by classic German flavors. Perfect for casual dinners, tailgates, or feeding a hungry group. This version combines the richness of grilled sausage with the brightness of fermented cabbage and the creaminess of melted cheese, all bound up in a warm tortilla and finished on the grill for a satisfying textural contrast.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh bratwurstchicken sausage1:1poultryleaner
- 12 ounce beer
- ¼ lb sauerkrautcoleslaw1:1fresher crunch
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inch)whole wheat tortillas1:1health-consciousFull guide →
- ¼ cup honey dijon mustardwhole grain mustard1:1texture change
- 4 slice smoked swiss cheesecheddar1:1sharper flavor
Instructions
- 1
Bring bratwurst and beer to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- 2
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
- 3
Remove from heat and let bratwurst cool in beer.
- 4
Place bratwurst on grill and cook until browned.
- 5
Split each bratwurst in half lengthwise.
- 6
Arrange sauerkraut down the center of each tortilla.
- 7
Top with two bratwurst halves.
- 8
Spread mustard over bratwurst and add a cheese slice.
- 9
Fold tortilla sides over filling to enclose.
- 10
Place wraps flap side down on grill and cook, turning halfway, until browned and heated through.
Tips
Beer-simmering the bratwurst before grilling keeps them juicy inside while the grill chars the exterior. Don't skip this step.
Split the bratwurst lengthwise after cooling so the flat side makes contact with the grill and caramelizes properly.
Place wraps flap side down so the seam seals from the grill's heat and holds the filling secure.
Good to Know
Wrap leftovers individually in foil and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat.
Simmer and cool bratwurst up to 1 day ahead. Assemble wraps up to 4 hours before grilling; keep chilled. Grill just before serving for best texture.
Serve hot off the grill with extra mustard, pickles, or a cold beer. Pair with simple sides like chips, fries, or a green salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the simmering step to avoid dry, tough sausage.
Don't grill wraps on high heat to prevent burnt exterior and cold interior.
Don't overfill tortillas to avoid tears and filling leakage during grilling.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
Yes. Simmer and cool the bratwurst a day ahead. Assemble the wraps up to 4 hours before grilling and store covered in the fridge. Grill just before serving for the best texture and melted cheese.
What if I don't have a grill?
Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook bratwurst in the pan after simmering, then toast the assembled wraps seam side down in the same pan until browned and cheese melts.
Can I freeze leftover wraps?
Not recommended. The tortilla becomes soggy upon thawing. Better to freeze cooked bratwurst separately and reassemble fresh when needed.