Brats are always a good thing, but this Brat Sauce makes them irresistible! It is the perfect way to turn your grill out into something special. This recipe isn't a finicky one, so feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking. It makes much more mustard sauce than you'll need for a small gathering, and that is not by accident. I love this sauce with other grilled meats, and it is fabulous over roasted vegetables.
Who else gets excited by grilling season?
Ok, truth be told I live in Florida. So grilling season it pretty much every day of the year except for the random two weeks scattered throughout the winter that it actually gets too cold.
But still, there is something about the school year being over that has me looking forward to lazy afternoons with the kids by the pool.
Anyone who knows me knows that one of my favorite things in the world is sauces.
So when the men in the family demand Brats, I am all about coming up with the tastiest sauce to serve them with.
This Smoky Mustard Sauce for Brats is so easy to make and really elevates your grill out. I love that it adds a touch of heat without being too hot for the kids.
This sauce is unbelievably good and you will find yourself wanting to put it on everything. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and heat to your personal taste - I don't have much of a sweet tooth but one of my boys likes it on the sweeter side.
Ingredients
- Yellow Mustard: The star of our show! Yellow mustard provides the tangy base that defines our sauce. If you're feeling adventurous or just out of yellow mustard, feel free to substitute with Dijon mustard for a sharper bite.
- Honey: Sweetness to balance the tang! Honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the acidity of the mustard beautifully. Maple syrup can be a great alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option or just want to experiment with flavors.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a zesty kick that brightens up the sauce. If apple cider vinegar isn't available, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can serve as suitable substitutes, adjusting the sauce’s tanginess to your liking.
- Chili Powder: Adds a touch of heat and depth. If chili powder is too mild for your taste buds or not in your spice rack, try a dash of cumin or a bit of extra cayenne pepper for more kick.
- Smoked Paprika: This is what gives our sauce that irresistible smoky aroma. In its absence, a bit more liquid smoke or a pinch of ground chipotle can mimic that beloved smokiness.
- Onion Powder: It brings a subtle sharpness and depth. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute if onion powder is not on hand, adding a different but equally delicious dimension.
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: For that peppery bite. Freshly cracked pepper is preferred for its bold flavor, but pre-ground black pepper works in a pinch.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for heat. If you're out or prefer less spice, omit it altogether or swap it for a dash of hot sauce to control the heat level more precisely.
- Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: This adds a layer of umami complexity. If you're avoiding soy and don’t have coconut aminos, tamari or Worcestershire sauce can be excellent alternatives.
- Coconut Oil or Other Oil: To bind and carry our flavors. Any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil will do the trick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Liquid Smoke: For that "just-off-the-grill" flavor. If you don’t have liquid smoke, increasing the smoked paprika slightly can help compensate, though the unique flavor of liquid smoke is hard to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. When entertaining, I like to make it a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to combine.
Brats are fabulous on hot dog buns with a sauce like this bratwurst sauce or mustard and ketchup. Top it off with relish or sauerkraut.
Variations for This Recipe:
- Any sweetener can be used in place of the honey.
- Gluten-free tamari or Bragg's liquid aminos can be used in place of coconut aminos.
- Use Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard in place of the yellow mustard.
- Add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Sriracha.
- Add 1 teaspoon celery seed.
Tips and Tricks
- The Right Tools: A small, heavy-bottomed saucepan is your best friend here. It distributes heat evenly, ensuring your sauce cooks perfectly. And a silicone spatula? Perfect for scraping every last bit of sauce goodness from the pan.
- Taste Test: I cannot stress this enough - taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is unique, so what's perfect for me might need a tweak for you. Be bold and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste buds. More honey? A dash more vinegar? Go for it!
- Chill Factor: Once off the heat, give your sauce some rest time. This lets the flavors deepen and marry beautifully.
- Serve It Your Way: While traditionalists might insist on bratwurst, don't let that limit you. This sauce is a star on burgers, a spicy kick in potato salads, and even a secret ingredient in your deviled eggs.
More Dips and Sauces to Try
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce: Ever wondered how to get that perfect zing in your buffalo wings? My Homemade Buffalo Sauce recipe is a game-changer, bringing the heat and heart to any family gathering.
- Cashew Lime Crema: For those craving a creamy, dreamy addition to their tacos or bowls, Cashew Lime Crema is a dairy-free delight that combines the nutty richness of cashews with a zesty lime punch.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Dip into the refreshing world of Mediterranean cuisine with this Tzatziki Sauce recipe. It's a cool, cucumber-infused hug for your tastebuds, perfect alongside gyros, grilled meats or as a dip for crunchy veggies.
- Sweet Potato Fries Dipping Sauce: Say goodbye to plain ketchup and hello to my Sweet Potato Fries Dipping Sauce. This secret blend of sweet and spicy flavors will turn your sweet potato fries into an unforgettable snack.
Mustard Brat Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or other oil
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, chili powder smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium low heat for 25 minutes.
- Add coconut aminos, coconut oil and liquid smoke. Cook for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from stove. Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Bratwurst Recipes to Try:
- Beer Brats from Dinner at the Zoo
- One Skillet Bratwurst and Onions from Salt Pepper Skillet
Robin Rue
I need this mustard sauce in my life. I have never had a brat before, but this sauce would be phenomenal on my homemade pretzels.
Terri Steffes
I'll have to try this mustard. Yum! I haven't heard of coconut aminos though. I'm going to have to look that one up.
Rachel Zampanti Langer
Here in Wisconsin our brats are boiled in beer, grilled, and served with good old German sour Kraut. I honestly have some boiling on the stove right now! Haha! I will have to give this mustard a go - maybe it will change tradition.
Darci
I am also from WI. Brought brats cut into rings with this sauce to a party here in CA...it was a huge hit, even with my fellow Wisconsinites and Midwesterners.
Http://tiarastantrums.com
I love all the varieties that Johnsville offers. We tend to purchase their sweet Italian sausages. Those are our favorites.
Cassandra B. @PoweredbyBLING
I love coconut aminos! We use them instead of soy sauce. A brat with this mustard and some sauerkraut is my idea of summer heaven.
Cynthia L
I love Brats. My Mother is German and we have visited Germany many times. One of the first things I eat is a Brat from the market. This mustard sauce sounds really yummy. I will have to give it a try the next time we have Brats.
Blythe A.
I added this to my Yumprint cookbook. I love a good mustard sauce with great ingredients. Can't wait to try it out.
Yvonne Lo
This looks like a yummy appetizer for a fancy dinner party or grill out! Got this pinned!
| yvonnesowell.com |
Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman
I've recently gone mostly plant-based, and we are on a Buddha BOwl kick this summer, so I'm definitely making some of this sauce - it sounds delicious!
Terryn Winfield
You found a way to make brats look amazing! And they are gluten free, yay! My husband will be thrilled with me for making these, thanks!
jillconyers
I don't eat meat but I'm sure I could find a veggie dish that I could use the sauce with. It sounds delicious.
yonawilliams
When I first read 'smoky mustard sauce,' I didn't expect it to look like that, and now I want to try it even more. I read the ingredients, and would have never guessed some of them. Sounds really tasty!
Ana De Jesus
The smoky mustard sauce looks amazing. I would love these with veggie brats and I am a fan of smoked sauce x
Maria - Tough Cookie Mommy
This is such a delicious appetizer for any outdoor family event. I love the idea of being able to dip them in this delicious mustard sauce.
Wendy Polisi
That is what I cooked it but I have great heavy pots. If you don't have heavy pots or your stove runs hot you may need to adjust.
Dana
Thanks Wendy!
Justin @ Salt Pepper Skillet
This looks so good. Definitely want to try it next time I make brats.
Wendy Polisi
If you do let me know how it goes!
Steven Thompson
This sauce sounds delicious. Lucky for me I have a party to go to tomorrow and little brat bites with a smokey mustard sauce will be perfect!
Wendy Polisi
Hope you enjoy it Steven!
Carrie
Hi Wendy,
Does this sauce have a strong mustard taste? I'm not a fan of mustard but don't mind it in recipes as long as it doesn't taste "Mustardy".
Wendy Polisi
It is a mustard sauce, so it does taste like mustard. It has more complex flavors, but I wouldn't recommend it if you hate mustard.
Linda Mathieu
Absolutely delicious! Great addition to a brat night. Thank you, Wendy, for this simple and creative recipe needing only on hand pantry ingredients.