Did someone say sausage? World Bratwurst Day is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to bite into one of Germany’s finest culinary exports. Traditionally made with pork (although veal and beef versions exist), Bratwurst is as much a part of German culture as beer and pretzels. Served with sauerkraut or red cabbage, maybe a few pickles, onions, and a generous squirt of mustard, it’s the kind of food that doesn’t need fussing with.

Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15–20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Bratwurst sausages
• 4 fresh hot dog rolls or crusty buns
• A handful of fresh lettuce leaves
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Pickled cucumbers or gherkins, sliced
• Olive oil, for grilling
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the spicy mustard drizzle:

• 3 tablespoons wholegrain mustard
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• A dash of hot sauce (to taste)

Method

1. Preheat your grill or griddle pan to medium-high. Brush the sausages lightly with olive oil and grill them, turning often, until browned and cooked through (about 12–15 minutes).
2. While the sausages cook, toast the buns on the grill for a minute or two until golden and lightly crisped.
3. Mix the drizzle by combining all mustard drizzle ingredients in a bowl. Adjust heat and sweetness to your liking.
4. Assemble the rolls. Layer lettuce leaves in each bun, then top with grilled Bratwurst.
5. Add sliced onion, pickles, and a generous swirl of the mustard drizzle.
6. Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with fries and a cold beer or iced tea.