Is there a better store bought brat than Johnsonville

[tonyfatso]

I just grilled a package of Johnsonville brats on the grill.... first indirect, then direct to get the grill marks and then back to indirect to finish up... total cooking time: 30 min. While the brats were on the indirect heat the first time, I sauteed a sliced green pepper over high heat on a veggie grill sheet. After the peppers softened up a bit and had some nice color, i made a foil pouch and kept them in on the back of the grill until it ws time to eat... Add a little spicy mustard and a fat kosher pickle and I was set...

[sharky]

I like Aidells Brand Brats. They have some very good flavors mixed in. You should give them a shot!


It sounds like you had a pretty good meal!

[StPeteBBQ]

Hi Guys!

I find that the Publix brats and sausages are great! They are fresh and they have lots of different varieties. The Publix near me has regular brats, and several varieties of fresh sausage, including hot and mild Italian, Chorizo, and a new Country sausage.

I like to toss a couple on when I'm smoking something that will take a while. They only take 45 mins to an hour and the smoke adds a nice flavor. I'm sure you could add some wood chips or pellets to your grills and get similar results.

[St. Louis Griller]

Johnsonville's are great. I never knew this, but Johnsonville is a city in Wisconsin and that where brats as we know them today originated. So, I guess Johnsonville's are the "original." learned that from Steven Riechlen.

I cannot make a good bratwurst. My problem is I never give them the time. I usually make them when I'm in a hurry, so I just plop them on a hot fire.

Does anyone boil them in beer and onion beforehand?

Also, good idea StPeteBBQ on throwing some on during smoking. That is why I love this board, there are simple ways of doing things out there that I've just never thought of. So many times reading stuff on here I ask myself, "Why didn't I think of that?" :)

[sharky]

I too just learned about Johnsonville!

I know they have a BIG ad campaign going on the Food Network right now. I've made beer brats before... what I did was poke a few small holes in the casing and marinated them in Heinekin over night. I then cooked them for about 45 minutes on the grill, direct heat. I had a little foil pan with some heated Heinekin where I let them sit and stew until we were ready to eat them. They tasted Great!

I'll try the boiling technique next time and compare.

[StPeteBBQ]

When you boil them in beer and onions, don't forget to toss in some butter. :D

[sharky]

Sounds like a plan to me!