With this easy recipe, it’s just a few ingredients in a pot, and a few on the side – and it’s time to party! The first time I had real ” Brats in Beer ” was at my childhood friend (also one of my bridesmaids) Jill’s house for a backyard BBQ. They lived in Los Angeles but her husband Bob Eroen (German heritage) had grown up in Manhattan Beach and knew where to get real homemade “bratwurst”. Where? Alpine Village, in Torrance California (a little inland of Manhattan Beach). It was her lovely daughter’s 4th birthday? I added the question mark because as Ellen DeGeneres said in a comedy skit when describing a child’s age while moving her hand up and down above an imaginary head , “Oh she was so cute! She was like 2…or 6…or 10 or…something…” I’m a mother, yet ironically, I cannot remember things like my friends’ kids’ ages as well as I used to! But that day, I DO remember thinking, “I have to make this recipe for a party some day – it’s so easy”. So here you go!

Easiest Party Recipe. Brats in Beer. I don’t have time for professional photos. Do you?

Ingredients:

• Bratwurst (1 1/2 per person).
• Beer (1/2 can or bottle per brat)
• Onion (1/4 for each brat)
• Garlic cloves (as many or as few as you want. I like to smear them on the roll. I’m weird that way).
• Butter (Tablespoon for every brat. Optional but delicious). 
• Rolls (also optional. I find that if the rolls are too bready, they take away from the Brats flavor. But if you love bread, by all means get bready)
• Various Mustards (this is where it gets fun. Make honey mustard (so easy), horseradish mustard, serve whole grain mustard, maple mustard etc….
• Sauerkraut
• Sliced peppers (I love having sliced Pepperoncinis , sweet Cherry Peppers etc… in small bowls on the side – whatever you like!)

Heat onions in butter. You don’t eat butter? Use oil, no problem. Add garlic and brats. Some people grill the brats to cook them ahead of time and add some grilled flavor. I find it easier just to boil them in the pot. Add a little water if the liquid reduces down too much. Serve with rolls, mustards, sauerkraut and peppers on the side. Keep the brats on the burner and let people come to the stove. Done!