Summer is coming to a close for most of the us but here in the great white north, aka Michigan, we still have a few weeks left before school starts.
So I’m soaking up as much as I can of the last days of summer before I send my kiddos back to school.
I do have to say that summer this year has been pretty amazing. The weather here is just beautiful in the spring and summer… basically the best thing about living in Michigan… and we have been making the most of every minute and day.
It has definitely been a busy one and it all started with the first week that my oldest was out of school.
The hubby had an unexpected vacation during the first week of June and we decided to take a little mini vacation to the Mall of America.
Usually when he has a vacation, we either stay home and do a stay-cation because he works so much and just wants time to relax at home, or we head back to Florida to visit family.
Of course visiting family is fun but when all of your vacations revolve around doing only that, it gets a little boring.
We had fun with that and then the summer was off to a busy start. Having a few backyard BBQs to go to, as well as hosting our own, and all the festivities around the hubby graduating residency and starting his new job… It’s just been non-stop.
So when I heard that Smithfield® had teamed up with Yuengling® earlier this summer to create Smithfield Yuengling Bratwurst, I just knew I had to give it a try and make a sweet recipe for one of our BBQ’s.
Bratwurst is one of my favorite things to grill when we have people over… and, of course, I absolutely love beer so grabbing a few of these when I saw them at Kroger was a no-brainer (you can also find them at any of the Kroger Banner stores, such as Ralph’s, Dillons, Food 4 Less, etc.).
Also, instead of just grilling some plain brats and sticking them on buns, you know I had to “dress them up” and make a sweet topping to go with them.
Since the brats were made with Yuengling, I grabbed a case to serve with the brats as well as cook with.
Instead of a traditional sauerkraut topping I made some beer braised caramelized onions and wrapped the brats in bacon. Because everything is better with bacon – especially Yuengling Bratwurst.
The brats are incredibly easy to make. You just wrap them in bacon, secure with a toothpick on each end, then grill on low for a while until they are done. Then while the brats are cooking you can make the onions.
Once everything is done, just serve it buffet style for your guests and let them grab food themselves.
I mean, it is a backyard BBQ anyway so people are just hanging out and it’s very informal. Set out the beer in a tub full of ice, buns, brats, onions, and any other topping and you’re set.
People can grab their food and still hang out in the backyard chatting, throwing footballs, or chasing their kids, without having to sit down and eat the food with a knife and fork.
Now, while it’s still summer out for us – for a couple weeks anyway – I’m heading back outside to enjoy this gorgeous weather and watch my kids swim in the kiddie pool.
Go print out this quick and easy recipe, grab your Smithfield Yuengling Bratwurst at Kroger and enjoy the last few days of summer!
Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
Ingredients
- 5 beer bratwurst
- 5 strips bacon
- 5 bratwurst buns
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 1/2 cup beer
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium and wrap beer bratwurst with bacon and secure each with toothpick.
- Place brats on grill and cook, turning frequently, for 10-15 minutes until brats are done and bacon is crispy.
- While brats are cooking, heat skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and onions and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized. Add beer and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until beer is reduced.
- Serve bacon brats in large buns topped with onions.
