This blog may exist mostly as an excuse to create cheese-stuffed, buffalo chicken–covered, or bacon-wrapped snacks—recipes I can “taste-test” on random Tuesday mornings instead of eating a balanced breakfast. I don’t claim lofty culinary motives; I just love making and eating irresistible party food. Case in point: these 5-Ingredient Bacon-Wrapped Bratwurst Bites.
These bites have become a go-to for gatherings. They’re simple to prepare, perfectly portioned, and deliver a balance of sweet, spicy, smoky, salty, and meaty flavors. I made them for a homegating party, the championship game, a birthday, and again just to film the process. They’re easy to rehearse and even easier to eat—so you’ll likely find yourself making them for the next big game, too.
The five ingredients are simple: beer (or water/broth if you prefer), bratwurst, bacon, brown sugar, and chili sauce. I simmer uncooked bratwursts in beer until they’re fully cooked—about 10–12 minutes—which helps ensure they’re not pink in the center and adds flavor. If you’d rather avoid alcohol, simmer them in water or broth instead.
After simmering, let the brats cool slightly, then cut each into four equal pieces so they’re bite-sized. Cutting them this way also matches the width of the bacon once it shrinks during baking. Wrap each piece with a half strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick for easy handling. To avoid burnt toothpicks, soak them in water for 20 minutes to an hour before using.
For the glaze, combine equal parts brown sugar and chili sauce and brush it generously over the bacon-wrapped bites. The mixture caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet-and-spicy glaze that makes these little bites addictive. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is caramelized—about 20 minutes—and serve warm. Mustard and chopped chives are optional for serving if you want dipping options and a fresh finish.
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5 Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites
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Author: Morgan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 20 bites 1x
Ingredients
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- 5 uncooked bratwursts, pierced all over with a fork
- 2 (12 ounce) bottles of beer
- 10 strips uncooked bacon, cut in half
- ½ cup chili sauce such as Heinz chili sauce or sriracha
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- Chives for serving, optional
- Mustard for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place bratwurst in a large pot or deep pan. Pour the beer over the brats and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the bratwursts are cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the bratwursts from the pot, let cool, and then cut into 4 equal-sized pieces.
- One at a time, wrap a brat bite in a half slice of bacon and secure it in place with a toothpick*. Place the wrapped bratwurst on a baking sheet and repeat for the remaining bratwurst pieces. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce and brown sugar. Brush the bratwurst bites generously with the mixture.
- Bake until the bacon is cooked and the glaze caramelizes fully, about 20 minutes. Serve with chives and mustard if desired.
Notes
* To prevent the toothpicks from burning, you can opt to soak them in water for 20 minutes to an hour before using.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
