What to Do With Leftover Brats

If you find yourself with leftover brats after a family cookout, you’re in luck—they can be the start of a delicious new meal. Brats are versatile and can be repurposed in a variety of ways that will save you time and bring a twist to your usual dinner routine. Whether sliced, diced, or left whole, brats can be incorporated into a host of different dishes that your family will love.

Think beyond the bun and consider dicing your leftover brats to mix into a hearty pasta dish or chopping them up for a flavorful addition to breakfast scrambles. Leftover brats can also be a simple yet satisfying pizza topping. By embracing creativity with your leftovers, you not only minimize waste but also discover new and exciting meal options that can easily become favorites at your dinner table.

Creative Leftover Bratwurst Recipes

Transforming your leftover brats into delicious meals is easy and fun. With these recipes, you’ll reinvent the sausages into mouthwatering breakfasts, indulgent casseroles, and playful pizza or nacho toppings.

Hearty Bratwurst Casseroles

Using your pre-cooked brats, you can whip up a Bratwurst and Potato Casserole that is both satisfying and easy to assemble. Slice the leftover brats and layer them in a baking dish with sliced potatoes, sautéed veggies, and a mix of sharp cheddar cheese. Pour over a simple creamy sauce and bake in the oven until bubbling and golden.

• Ingredients: Leftover brats, potatoes, veggies, cheddar cheese, creamy sauce ingredients.
• Steps: Layer ingredients, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Bratwurst Breakfast Specials

Start your morning with a delicious Bratwurst Hash. Cube your brats and sauté them with onions, bell peppers, and diced potatoes until everything is nicely browned. Crack a few eggs over the top and let them cook to your liking.

For a quick scramble:

• Breakfast Scramble: Sauté chopped brats, whisk in eggs, cook until the eggs set, and sprinkle cheese on top for a creamy finish.

Homemade Bratwurst Pizzas and Nachos

Create a Bratwurst Pizza on premade pizza dough for a quick weeknight meal. Slice the bratwurst and scatter on the dough along with mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions for sweetness, and jalapeños for a spicy kick.

For an appetizing snack:

• Brats Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with slices of bratwurst, a generous sprinkling of cheeses, and pickled jalapeños. Bake until the cheese has melted and serve with your favorite nacho toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Transforming Brats into Soups and Stews

Leftover brats offer a rich base for robust soups and stews. Incorporating them can bring a satisfying depth to these comforting, hearty meals.

Savory Bratwurst Soups

For a Savory Bratwurst Soup, start by slicing your leftover brats into bite-sized pieces. Sauté chopped onions in a pot until they’re translucent, adding a rustic sweetness to your base. Next, introduce chunks of potatoes for a filling component that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Pour in some chicken or beef broth and bring to a simmer. Now, gently incorporate the bratwurst slices, allowing them to meld with the liquid. For creaminess, whisk in some milk or cream during the last few minutes of cooking. Season to taste, and enjoy a soul-warming bowl of soup that’s not only delicious but also makes efficient use of your leftovers.

• Ingredients:
  • Leftover brats
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Broth (chicken or beef)
  • Milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Sauté onions until soft.
2. Add potatoes and broth; simmer.
3. Introduce bratwurst slices.
4. Stir in milk or cream.
5. Season to taste and serve.

Warm and Delicious Stews

Turning your leftover brats into a Warm and Delicious Stew is another inviting option. Begin by browning brat slices in a stew pot, creating a savory foundation. Toss in carrots, diced potatoes, and onion chunks to incorporate a variety of textures. Pour in a can of cream of mushroom soup for a velvety and flavorful thickness. If you like, add a splash of cream for extra richness. Place everything in a slow cooker on a low setting for several hours. This method intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the vegetables, leading to a stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. A serving of this stew is not only a comforting end to a chilly day but also a smart way to repurpose your brats into a meal that is both satisfying and mindful of calories.

• Ingredients:
  • Leftover brats, sliced
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Onion
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown brat slices in pot.
2. Add vegetables and cream of mushroom soup.
3. Optional: Add a splash of cream.
4. Cook in a slow cooker on low.
5. Season to taste and serve warm.

Innovative Ways to Serve Leftover Brats

Transform your leftover brats into delightful meals with these innovative recipes. From hearty sandwiches to refreshing salads, discover the perfect ways to rejuvenate your brats for any meal.

Unique Bratwurst Sandwiches

Your leftover brats are a fantastic starting point for some unique sandwich creations. Consider slicing your brats and tucking them between fresh buns with a generous spread of honey mustard. For an extra crunch, add some dill pickles. Here’s a simple idea:

• Grilled Bratwurst Sandwich
  • Ingredients:
    • Leftover brats, sliced
    • Artisan buns
    • Honey mustard
    • Sauerkraut
    • Onions, caramelized
    • Bell peppers, grilled
  • Method:
    • Spread honey mustard on both sides of the bun.
    • Layer the brat slices, sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and bell peppers.
    • Grill the sandwich until the bun is toasted and the ingredients are heated through.

Bratwurst Salad and Side Dishes

Revitalize your lunch with a bratwurst salad or whip up a side dish that pairs well with your dinner. Slice your brats and mix them with green beans or cabbage for a refreshing salad. For a side dish, consider making a bratwurst and bell pepper stir-fry. Below is a flavorful example:

• Bratwurst and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
  • Ingredients:
    • Leftover brats, sliced into coins
    • Bell peppers, in strips
    • Onion, sliced
    • Olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Method:
    • Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions and bell peppers until slightly soft.
    • Add the bratwurst slices and stir-fry until everything is heated through and browned.
    • Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

For something lighter, try a zesty bratwurst salad:

• Zesty Bratwurst Salad
  • Ingredients:
    • Leftover brats, sliced
    • Mixed salad greens
    • Cherry tomatoes
    • Cucumber, sliced
    • Dill pickles, chopped
    • Mustard vinaigrette
  • Method:
    • Combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and dill pickles in a bowl.
    • Slice brats into bite-sized pieces and add to the salad.
    • Drizzle with mustard vinaigrette and toss gently.

Pair these dishes with a mustard dip or honey mustard sauce as appetizers or lunchtime treats. Use your creativity to personalize these dishes to your own tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leftover brats offer an array of culinary possibilities from hearty pasta dishes to comforting casseroles. Here’s how you can transform them into delicious meals.

How can I incorporate brats into a pasta dish?

To make a tasty pasta dish, slice your cooked brats and sauté them with onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables. Toss the mixture with cooked pasta, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a creamier texture, stir in some alfredo sauce.

What are some creative recipes using brats?

Use sliced brats as a pizza topping alongside bell peppers and onions for a “sausage and peppers” inspired creation. Alternatively, chop them and add to omelettes or frittatas for a protein-packed breakfast.

Can brats be eaten without buns, and if so, how?

Absolutely. Slice them up and add to salads for a smoky twist or serve them alongside roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, wrap them in lettuce leaves with mustard and sauerkraut.

Is there a way to use bratwurst in a casserole with cheese?

Definitely. A simple bratwurst casserole involves layering sliced brats, potatoes, sautéed onions, and cheese. Pour over a mixture of eggs and milk before baking until golden.

How long are cooked brats safe to eat after refrigeration?

Cooked brats can be safely stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. Make sure they are stored in airtight containers and kept at or below 40°F to maintain freshness.

What are some ideas for using bratwurst with rice?

For a quick meal, mix sliced brats with cooked rice, beans, and Cajun spices to make a jambalaya-inspired dish. Alternatively, stir fry them with rice, veggies, and soy sauce for a bratwurst take on fried rice.