We love Brat Dogs, which are hot dogs made with bratwurst on buns and served with sauerkraut! This Summer Brats and Sauerkraut Tray is made with grilled brats and store-bought sauerkraut–fancied up with your favorite mustards and buns. It’s perfect for summer entertaining, holidays, potlucks and gatherings.

dipping a spoon into mustard on a Summer Brats and Sauerkraut Tray

I love a very simple summer dinner! Just pull out a board or tray and serve up delicious Brat Dogs. Level up your grilled hot dogs with grilled brats! It’s the perfect all-American meal for a hot summer night. We used to serve trays of these “dogs” at pool parties when our family was younger. The brats are just a bit more substantial (and tasty) than a regular hot dog, in my opinion.

Brat Dogs and sauerkraut

This is a great meal for the family, or really fun if you have people stopping by on the weekend! And did I mention, it’s all about the mustard? And the jury is out … do you love sauerkraut or not? (wink-wink)

a Summer Brats and Sauerkraut Tray

Why I love this recipe

  • Everyone loves a grilled brat – especially with favorite condiments.
  • Brats are an easy ingredient to keep stocked in the fridge (we buy at Costco).
  • It’s a substantial meal for lunch or a light dinner.
holding a Summer Bratwurst with Sauerkraut in front of a Summer Brats and Sauerkraut Tray

Gather these ingredients:

  • Bratwurst (we buy at Costco, but you can also buy fresh at your local market)
  • Sandwich rolls or hot dog buns
  • Sauerkraut: we buy store-bought at Costco
  • Sweet mustard
  • Yellow mustard
  • Fresh corn on the cob
  • Cilantro
  • Fresh cherries (or summer fruit)
  • Chips (optional)
holding a brat and sauerkraut sandwich

What sides go with Brat Dogs?

an oval Summer Brats and Sauerkraut Tray

How to prepare a Brat Dogs Board or Tray:

  1. Cook brats according to packaging. We love to grill them, and also lightly grill the buns.
  2. On a tray or board, place buns and brats along the outside. Next, place your corn alongside the buns, leaving the center open.
  3. Arrange sauerkraut in the center, followed by mustards, and finally the cherries. Garnish corn with cilantro and serve!
a close up bratwurst with sauerkraut and yellow mustard

Tips and substitutions:

  • You can deck out your brat burger or sandwich in so many ways! But the easiest? Just serve them on a tray or board with all the toppings, fresh fruit, and corn on the cob! Oh, and don’t forget the sauerkraut.
  • Serve on an enamelware serving tray. I love this Enamelware Serving Tray by that I’m using in these photos.
  • You can also serve these Bratwurst Dogs on one of our BIG BOARDS.
  • Here’s our favorite mustard: Handlmaier Sweet Mustard. Stock up on a few jars, because if your family is like ours, you’ll quickly go through them.
  • Buy this Haendlmaier Sweet Bavarian Mustard on Amazon [affiliate link].
  • Use sandwich buns or hoagie rolls for this recipe. If you are in a bind you can use hot dog buns, but the brats might be a little too big.
  • You can also set out other condiments like mayo, relish, and ketchup (and chopped onion).
a close up of grilled brat with bun

More sandwich boards to try:

close up grilled brat on bun and grilled corn with mustard in small bowl
holding a Summer Bratwurst with Sauerkraut in front of a Summer Brats and Sauerkraut Tray
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Get the Recipe:

Brat Dogs

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8
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Ingredients
 

  • 8 bratwurst
  • 8 sandwich rolls or large hot dog buns
  • 1 c sauerkraut, heaping
  • ¼ c Handlmaier Sweet Mustard, or similar kind
  • ¼ c yellow mustard
  • 8 ears of corn
  • Cilantro to garnish
  • ¾ lb cherries

Instructions
 

  • Cook brats according to packaging. If desired, spread mayonnaise or butter onto the buns and toast over the grill.
  • To assemble, place buns and brats along the outside of the tray or board.
  • Next, place corn alongside the buns, leaving the center open for a bowl of sauerkraut.
  • Arrange sauerkraut in the center, followed by mustards.
  • Add in the cherries. Garnish corn with cilantro and serve!

Notes

Reposted from July 2020.
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer
Calories: 515kcal, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 1.124mg, Potassium: 670mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 208IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 3mg
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Brat Dogs (bratwurst hot dogs)