If you're looking for something different to add to your cook outs this summer, consider bratwurst! These German sausages are as simple to cook as hot dogs, but add an international flair to your barbeque — and they go well with beer! Read on to learn how to grill brats.

• Although the literal translation of the word bratwurst is fried sausage, brats are frequently grilled. Bratwurst is a German spiced sausage, usually made from a combination of beef, pork, and veal. When grilled, brats are usually served on a crusty bun with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.

Serve grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard (Creative Commons photo by j bary)

• You won't need a whole lot of things to grill some hot dogs, but it's good to make sure you've got everything handy before you start.

1. Bratwurst
2. A gas or charcoal grill
3. Long handled tongs

1. Preheat the grill.

2. Place the bratwurst on the grill.

3. Using the tongs, turn the sausages frequently while they are cooking.

4. Don't prick them with a fork, as that will let the juices escape.

5. It will take 20-25 minutes to fully cook the brats.

• Some people boil the brats in beer for 20-25 minutes before grilling them.

1. If you elect to do that, you'll only need to grill the brats until they are brown, as they are fully cooked.
2. You can also simmer the brats in beer after grilling, to enhance their flavor.
   1. For 10 brats, combine 3 cans of beer, 1 chopped onion, and one stick of butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
   2. Add the grilled brats, and keep warm until ready to serve.

• Introduction
• Step 1: What You'll Need to Grill Bratwurst
• Step 2: How to Grill Bratwurst
• Step 3: Grilled Bratwurst with Beer