This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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.

Overhead photo of Brat Sauce surrounded by brats on a white platter.

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.

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.

Overhead photo of a bratwurst sauce garnished with parsely surrounded by brats.

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.

If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.

Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes