Grilled Bratwurst Bites

Grilled Bratwurst Bites are the perfect summer appetizer. Slices of grilled brats are served with a tangy mustard sauce for dipping.

I love grilling bratwurst in the summer. They are my favorite sausage, and they're so delicious on the grill. Slice them and serve them appetizer style, like I'm doing in this recipe, or serve them on a toasted bun. Either way, brats are easy to cook and fuss-free.

Bratwurst comes in cooked and uncooked varieties. For this recipe, I'm using uncooked brats. If using pre-cooked brats, reduce the grilling time. Only grill long enough to heat the brats through.

How to cook brats

Grill - Grilling is my favorite way to cook brats. It's fast and easy and the clean-up is minimal. Preheat the grill to medium and grill the bratwurst for 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. If the flame is flaring up, turn the grill down to medium-low to allow the brats to cook through completely without burning on the outside.

Stovetop - Brats can also be cooked in a skillet or grill pan on the stove. Cook over medium heat, turning to brown on both sides, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Brats can also be braised in beer or chicken stock along with other seasonings. The flavorful liquid infuses the brats with extra flavor.

Oven - Cook the bratwurst as part of a sheet-pan meal. Add the bratwurst, potatoes, and veggies to a sheet pan and bake until brown. Always use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160 degrees.

Three-ingredient mustard sauce

Mustard goes so well with brats, so this creamy mustard dipping sauce is the perfect condiment for these grilled bratwurst bites. And, with just three ingredients, it couldn't be easier to make.

• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• stone-ground mustard

Mix all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of mustard to taste. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

The mustard sauce can be made ahead of time and keeps well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. It doubles as a delicious dip for pretzels or as a savory spread for ham sandwiches.

How to serve bratwurst

Appetizer - For this bratwurst appetizer, slice the grilled brats and serve with toothpicks and mustard sauce for dipping. Bites are the perfect appetizer for summer snacking, game days, Octoberfest, or any time you crave delicious sausages like these bacon-wrapped sausage bites.

In a bun -  Leave the brats whole and serve on a toasted bun. Top with sauerkraut, mustard sauce, and onions. Try my Brats and Kraut which pairs sweet and sour sauerkraut with bratwurst.

What to serve with bratwurst

Any side dish you like to serve with hamburgers or hot dogs goes great with brats. From potato salad to pasta salad, there are so many options.

• Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
• Easy Creamy Miracle Whip Coleslaw
• Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad