65+ Mouthwatering Bratwurst Toppings (& Topping Combinations!) (2024)

When it comes to bratwurst, there are endless topping possibilities. Here are some of the most popular and tasty options for brat toppings.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional bratwurst toppings or like to mix things up a bit, we’ve got you covered. Here are some excellent options to level up your brats.

We’ve included 1) must-have traditional toppings, 2) adventurous and creative bratwurst toppings, and 3) irresistible topping combination recipes.

Most Common Bratwurst Toppings

First, let’s cover the traditional, must-have condiments and toppers to include when serving brats. Don’t forget:

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Diced or grilled onions
• Sauerkraut

Ultimate List of Brat Topping Ideas

We’ve compiled the ultimate list of brat toppings, perfect for a brats bar with a full spread of toppings or for when you want to try new flavors. The options are endless—and mouthwatering.

Mustards

• Yellow mustard
• Spicy brown mustard
• Stone ground mustard
• Dijon mustard
• Balsamic mustard
• Hot sriracha mustard
• Honey mustard

Dijon, yellow, and spicy brown mustards are all classic condiment options for brats. For even more variety, use stone ground mustard, balsamic, hot sriracha, and honey mustard.

Ketchup & Sauces

• Ketchup
• Curry ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Honey
• Horseradish

Ketchup is a must-have condiment, but you can also spice things up with curry ketchup, bbq sauce, teriyaki or buffalo sauce, honey, and horseradish.

Relish

• Pickle relish
• Warm bacon-onion relish
• Red pepper relish
• Onion relish
• Zucchini relish
• Sliced dill pickles

Pickle relish is delicious on brats, but you can expand relish options with warm bacon-onion, and red pepper relish. If you don’t have relish on hand, slice or chop dill pickles as a substitute.

Onions

• Caramelized onions
• Grilled onions
• Diced onions

No brat spread is complete without onions. Yellow onion, white onion, red onion, sweet onion, and shallots are all great options to grill, dice, and caramelize.

Sauerkraut

• Sauerkraut
• Caramelized sauerkraut
• Red cabbage sauerkraut

Don’t forget the kraut! Bratwurst and sauerkraut are the perfect combination. This tasty topping can be served hot or cold. The traditional kraut is made with white cabbage, but you can also use red cabbage sauerkraut.

Fresh or sauteed veggies

• Green bell peppers
• Red bell peppers
• Jalapenos
• Mushrooms
• Potato slices (or German potato salad)
• Chives
• Green onions

Add fresh, grilled, or sauteed vegetables to your brats for delicious flavor and pops of color. Chopped chives and green onions make for perfect garnishes.

Fresh or sauteed fruits

• Apples
• Peaches
• Pineapple

Fresh, grilled, and sauteed fruits are unique toppings for brats, but so delicious. Use apples in the fall and peaches and pineapples for summer grilling.

Salsas

• Mild or spicy salsa
• Pineapple salsa
• Spicy peach salsa
• Fresh pico de gallo

Salsa adds another level of flavor to bratwursts. Fruit salsas, like pineapple and peach, are great options for grilled brats in the summer. Be sure to check out the Hawaiian brat recipe with pineapple salsa below.

Cheese

• Sliced or chunked cheese
• Beer cheese
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Queso
• Mac and cheese

We recommend using all the cheese on your bratwursts. Blue cheese, swiss cheese, pepper jack, American, provolone, and cheddar cheese are all excellent options.

Mayo

• Mayonaise
• Miracle whip
• Lime mayo
• Sriracha mayo
• Chipolte mayo
• Wasabi mayo

Mayo is another common brat topping, and there are so many variations of mayo you can use – lime, sriracha, chipotle, and wasabi.

Meats

• Bacon or bacon bits
• Pulled pork
• Pulled chicken

When one type of meat isn’t enough, add bacon, bacon bits, pulled pork, or chicken. Check out our barbecue pulled pork brat combination recipe below.

Crushed chips

• Potato chips
• Doritos
• Tortilla chips

For a delicious crunch, top your brats with crushed potato chips or Doritos. If you’re going for a taco flavor, opt for tortilla chips or taco Doritos.

Seasonings

• Salt or kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Coriander seed
• Chili powder

Seasonings can level up your bratwurst. Simply use salt and pepper, or get more adventurous with chili powder and garlic.

Tasty Bratwurst Topping Combinations

Last but certainly not least, here are delicious topping combination ideas and bratwurst recipes. When serving a brat bar for guests, you can even include chalkboard signs with topping combination recipes and suggestions.

Barbecue mac & cheese brats

A flavor-filled combo, top brats with cheddar macaroni and cheese, diced onions, and drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce. Add your favorite mac toppings as well.

Hawaiian bratwursts

Teriyaki and pineapple are a delicious combination. Start by topping your grilled brat with pineapple salsa or fresh diced pineapple, chopped tomatoes, mayonnaise, provolone, or cheddar cheese. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and garnish with diced chives.

Chili cheese brats

The ultimate flavor combination—chili cheese brats. Top cheddar wurst sausage with chili (canned or homemade), nacho cheese (melted shredded cheddar will work too), and freshly chopped onions.

Simple homemade chili recipe perfect for chili cheese dishes: pan fry 1 pound of lean ground beef, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 chopped onion. Then add 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 8 ounces beef broth (or water), 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer until it thickens.

Mexican street corn bratwursts

Turn your favorite Mexican sweet corn into a unique bratwurst. Grill both bratwurst and corn on the cob, then top your brat with corn sliced from the cob, lime mayo, cotija or feta cheese crumbles, sprinkle with chili powder, and garnish with sliced green onions.

Philly cheese brats

For Philadelphia cheese brats, saute thinly sliced onions, mushrooms, and green peppers in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Top your brat with sauteed mix and American cheese, then melt to perfection.

Chicago style bratwursts

Prepare your favorite beer brats and top with diced sweet onions, chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and a signature pickle spear.

Cheddar jalapeno bratwursts

Spice up your brat with cheddar cheese sauce, sliced jalapeno peppers (fresh or sauteed), and sliced green onions.

Barbecue pulled pork brats

For an extra meaty option, add pulled park and onions to your bratwurst. Then drizzle with barbecue sauce, add slices of American cheese, and heat until the cheese is melted. Add coleslaw if you prefer.

Apple cider bratwursts

Perfect for fall—apple cider brats. Begin by sauteing onions and then brown bratwursts in a frying pan. Next, add apple cider and brown sugar. Top with chunks of apple and cook until bratwursts are done and apples are soft.

Final Thoughts

The sky is the limit when it comes to bratwurst toppings. We hope you’ve found some delicious ideas to get you started. Whether you like them simple or extra saucy, these toppings will take your brats to the next level. What are your favorite toppings?

More Topping Ideas

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• Ultimate list of ice cream toppings

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65+ Mouthwatering Bratwurst Toppings (& Topping Combinations!)