Beer Brat and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe
Introduction
This Beer Brat and Caramelized Onion Pizza combines savory bratwurst with sweet, slowly caramelized onions for a unique, flavorful twist on classic pizza. Perfect for a game day or casual dinner, it balances hearty and rich flavors in every bite.

Ingredients
- 2 bratwursts, uncooked
- 2 bottles light beer (12 oz each)
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 thin pizza crust, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the beer into a deep rimmed frying pan or pot and add the bratwursts. Poke a few holes in the bratwurst with the tip of a knife. Bring the beer to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the brats turn grey, about 20 minutes.
- Step 2: While the brats cook, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a pan and add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, until the onions become translucent and caramelized, roughly 30 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 3: When the brats are done simmering, remove them from the beer and place in a frying pan with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter. Fry until each side is browned. Let them rest a few minutes, then slice into pieces.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pizza dough on a baking sheet. Arrange mozzarella slices evenly across the crust.
- Step 5: Distribute the caramelized onions and sliced bratwurst evenly over the cheese.
- Step 6: Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown on the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute sweet onions for a more pronounced caramelized flavor or red onions for a sharper bite.
- Use a pre-made pizza sauce if you prefer a saucier base, but the beer brat and onion combo shines on a plain crust too.
- Try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or oregano after baking to brighten the flavors.
- If you like a bit of spice, add sliced jalapeños before baking or a drizzle of hot honey after.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, to keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked bratwursts for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked bratwursts can be used. Skip the simmering step and simply slice and brown them in butter before adding to the pizza.
Is it necessary to cook the brats in beer?
Cooking the bratwursts in beer adds moisture and infuses extra flavor, but you can simmer them in water or broth if you prefer. The beer, however, enhances the overall taste of the pizza.
PrintBeer Brat and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe
This Beer Brat and Caramelized Onion Pizza combines the rich flavors of beer-boiled bratwursts and sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions on a crispy pizza crust topped with fresh mozzarella. Perfect for a tailgate party or a hearty dinner, this recipe brings together savory sausage, melted cheese, and the deep complexity of caramelized onions in one delicious pie.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sausage and Beer
- 2 bratwursts, uncooked
- 2 bottles light beer, 12 oz each
Caramelized Onions
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
Pizza
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 thin pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Boil Bratwursts: Pour the light beer into a deep rimmed frying pan or pot and add the bratwursts. Poke a few holes in each bratwurst with the tip of a knife to allow the beer to infuse the meat. Bring the beer to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the brats turn grey and are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Caramelize Onions: While the brats are simmering, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and cook them gently, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the onions become translucent and then brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes depending on onion size.
- Fry Bratwursts for Browning: After simmering, transfer the bratwursts to a frying pan with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Fry them until each side is browned and lightly crisp. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Assemble Pizza: Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet. Distribute the sliced mozzarella evenly across the crust. Then add the caramelized onions and sliced bratwurst pieces on top, spreading them out so every bite has a balance of flavors.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown around the edges, indicating the crust is cooked through and the toppings are heated perfectly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve, ideal for a casual tailgate or satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on exact brands and products used.
- If you prefer a more charred bratwurst flavor, grilling after boiling is a great alternative to frying for the browning step.
- You can substitute the light beer with a non-alcoholic beer or broth for a different flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust if you have one available.
Keywords: Beer bratwurst pizza, caramelized onion pizza, bratwurst recipe, easy pizza recipe, tailgate pizza

