Bavarian Bratwurst: Why Did It Disappear From Menus?

Bratwurst is a type of sausage that is commonly associated with Germany. Trader Joe's, an American chain of grocery stores, previously sold uncured Bavarian bratwurst, which was well-loved by customers for its authentic taste and high quality. However, in 2023, the product appeared to have been discontinued, much to the disappointment of its loyal customers. This paragraph introduces the topic of uncured Bavarian bratwurst and its discontinuation by Trader Joe's, and subsequent paragraphs can further explore the product's history, customer reactions, and potential alternatives.

Where to buy Bavarian Bratwurst

Bavarian Bratwurst is a type of sausage made from finely ground pork and veal with a mild flavour and no nitrites. It is a traditional German sausage, often served grilled or pan-fried with potato salad, sauerkraut, and mustard.

Bavarian Bratwurst can be purchased from Stiglmeier Sausage Co. Inc. Their bratwurst comes fully cooked in a natural casing and is ready to eat, although it is recommended to heat it on a grill or in a pan. It can be ordered from their website, with the contact details provided, and the approximate weight is 1 lb. (5 links).

In the past, it has also been available at Trader Joe's and Aldi. While there were reports of discontinuation at Trader Joe's, some customers have noted that the product has returned to their stores. Aldi also seems to carry a similar product, with some customers preferring the Bavarian Bratwurst from Aldi over other options.

How to cook Bavarian Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a fresh sausage made from pork and veal, with seasonings like coriander, caraway, and nutmeg. It is a popular German dish, and there are many ways to cook it. Here is a guide on how to cook Bavarian Bratwurst:

Boiling and Frying

The Bavarian Weisswurst variety of bratwurst is typically boiled in hot water and then fried. To prepare this, fill a pot with water and place the sausages in it, ensuring they are covered. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sausages simmer for about 5 minutes. Take the sausages out, dry them with kitchen paper, and spread a thin layer of mustard over them. Heat some butter in a skillet, place the sausages in, and fry them until the skin is slightly crunchy.

Grilling

Grilling is another popular method for cooking bratwurst. To grill your bratwurst, heat up your grill to medium-high heat and cook the sausages for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned.

Braising in Beer

This method involves braising the bratwurst in beer and onions. Melt some butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet on medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and caraway seeds, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the onions start to soften. Place the bratwurst in the skillet with the onions, add a bottle of ale, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, flipping the sausages occasionally. To finish, move the onions and beer broth to a dish and set aside. Brown the bratwurst on all sides, adding more butter or oil if needed. Finally, return the onions and beer broth to the skillet to keep everything hot.

Air-Frying

Air-frying is a quick and easy way to cook bratwurst without spending hours in the kitchen. It gives the sausages a crispy, flavorful crust.

Serving

Bratwurst can be served as a sandwich in a bun, topped with onions, mustard, and/or sauerkraut. It can also be served as a main dish with sides like potato salad, sweet and sour cabbage, or sauerkraut.

Bavarian Bratwurst recipe ideas

Bavarian bratwursts are typically grilled or pan-fried to get their skins crispy, but they can also be poached first to ensure they're cooked evenly or to infuse them with more flavour. Here are some recipe ideas for this German sausage speciality:

Bavarian Bratwurst Supper

This one-dish meal combines meat, potatoes, apple and sauerkraut. First, cook some bacon until crisp, then cook the bratwurst in the drippings for 10-12 minutes. Remove the bacon and bratwurst, then sauté some apple and onion in the drippings until lightly browned. Next, stir in vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper and the bratwurst, and cover and cook for 12 minutes. Finally, add potatoes and sauerkraut, and cook for another 12 minutes. Sprinkle with the bacon and serve.

Currywurst

Slice the bratwurst and serve topped with curry ketchup.

With a crusty roll

Serve the bratwurst in a crusty roll with German mustard.

With sauerkraut, French fries or potato salad

Serve the bratwurst with sauerkraut, French fries or potato salad.

Grilled or fried

Simply grill or fry your bratwurst and enjoy!

Poached

Gently poach the bratwurst in lightly salted water or beer, then fry or grill them.

Baked

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a cookie sheet with a light coating of cooking oil. Dry the bratwurst with a paper towel and place them on the sheet. Bake for approximately eight minutes on each side, checking that the bratwurst is cooked through with no pink showing in the middle and an internal temperature of 160°F. If you want to achieve the famous caramel brown colour, finish the bratwurst in a pan.

Steamed

Add a bit of water to a pan with the bratwurst and place a lid on the pan to steam them. Once cooked through, drain the water, keeping the bratwurst in the pan, and brown and turn the sausages to achieve a caramel brown colour.

Boiled

Add your favourite beer or water to a medium-size saucepan and bring to a low boil. Add the bratwurst, cover with a lid and cook over a low simmer for 10-12 minutes. Preheat a frying pan or grill to medium-high heat, add the cooked bratwurst and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned and caramelised all over.

Bavarian Bratwurst reviews

Trader Joe's Uncured Bavarian Bratwurst has received rave reviews from customers, many of whom claim that it is the best bratwurst they have tasted in America. Several reviewers highlight its authenticity, comparing it to the bratwurst they have tried in Germany. One reviewer notes that the bratwurst is "the one thing that assured a regular trip to TJ's", while another says they will no longer shop at Trader Joe's now that the product has been discontinued.

Some reviews focus on the taste and texture of the bratwurst, describing it as having a "great flavour" and being "juicy and snappy". One reviewer notes that the bratwurst has a "pleasant, mild flavour" and "a little bit of underlying sweetness".

Other reviews focus on the convenience of the product, with one reviewer saying that they have been telling everyone "how great" the bratwurst is. Another reviewer compares it to other big brands, stating that it is "much, much better than Johnsonville or other big brands".

A few reviewers mention serving suggestions, with one recommending that people "eat them with Herman mustard- Düsseldorf Mittel Senf", and another suggesting Handlmaier's sweet mustard from Regensgurg, "the home of these sausages".

Despite the positive reviews, it appears that Trader Joe's Uncured Bavarian Bratwurst has been discontinued, with several reviewers expressing disappointment and requesting that the product be brought back.

Alternatives to Bavarian Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, or less commonly, beef or veal. It is usually grilled or pan-fried to get the skins crispy, and is often served with mustard, in a bun, or with sauerkraut, French fries, or potato salad.

Bauernwurst

A traditional German favourite, Bauernwurst is made from coarsely ground, smoked pork and beef meat, seasoned with onion, garlic, marjoram, and mustard seeds. It is excellent for grilling and frying and can be served with medium-hot mustard or mild curry ketchup and sauerkraut or green cabbage.

Blutwurst (Blood Sausage)

Blutwurst is a specialty cooked sausage that is eaten around the world. It is traditionally made from the blood of freshly butchered pigs, sheep, lamb, cows, or geese, which is then cooked or dried and mixed with a filler such as other meat cuts, bread, barley, or oatmeal. In Germany, it is made from pork rind, blood barley, and spices, and is usually eaten with mustard and bread.

Bockwurst

Bockwurst is a type of sausage made from finely ground, premium-quality meat from pork. They are pre-cooked and can be eaten cold straight from the jar or heated in hot water. They are typically served with hot mustard or hot curry ketchup and crusty German bread or potato salad.

Debreziner

Debreziner sausages originated in the Hungarian city of Debrecen. They are spiced with paprika, garlic, pepper, and marjoram and have a light smokey aroma. They are perfect for frying or grilling and are typically served with gravy, red cabbage, and German dumplings.

Gelbwurst (Yellow Sausage)

Gelbwurst is a Bavarian specialty made from pork and veal, with ginger, nutmeg, and other spices. It is typically served with whole grain breads or crusty rye bread, or with radishes and Bavarian pretzels.

Käse Krainer (Krainer Cheese Bratwurst)

Käse Krainer is a coarsely-ground sausage made from hormone-free, locally-sourced pork and beef, naturally smoked, and stuffed with chunks of Emmenthaler cheese cubes. It is typically grilled or fried and served with whole grain bread and whole grain mustard, or with spaetzle noodles, sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, and/or red cabbage.

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