Get ready to transform your ordinary grilling game with a recipe that combines the irresistible trio of bratwurst, crispy bacon, and melted cheese! These Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Brats are not just a meal, they're a culinary experience that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled bratwurst, where each slice reveals a molten core of cheesy goodness, all wrapped in a crispy bacon embrace. This isn't just another sausage recipe - it's a flavor adventure that will elevate your barbecue from basic to legendary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst sausages
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 4 hot dog buns
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) or prepare a preheated oven at 400°F.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each bratwurst lengthwise, creating a pocket without cutting completely through. Be gentle to maintain the sausage's structural integrity.
- Mix shredded cheese with mustard and BBQ sauce in a small bowl, creating a flavorful cheese filling.
- Generously stuff each bratwurst's pocket with the cheese mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Take two bacon slices for each bratwurst and wrap them spirally around the sausage, slightly overlapping to secure the bacon and cover the entire sausage.
- If grilling, place bacon-wrapped brats directly on the grill grates. If using an oven, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow fat to drip.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon. Internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot in toasted buns, optionally adding extra mustard or BBQ sauce as desired.
Tips
- • Choose thick-cut bacon for the best wrapping and crispiness • Don't overstuff the bratwurst - moderation is key for even melting • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect 160°F internal temperature • Let brats rest after cooking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld • For extra flavor, try mixing different cheese types like cheddar and pepper jack • If grilling, use indirect heat to prevent bacon from burning • Toast your buns for an extra layer of texture and flavor • Experiment with different mustards and BBQ sauces for unique taste variations
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 125mg
