Beer Brats

Also known as Wisconsin's soul food, beer brats are a unique American addition to German cuisine. As there was a large number of German immigrants in Wisconsin, the German sausage known as bratwurst became very popular in the region, especially during the 1920s. They quickly became a staple at sports matches. Beer brats are poached in beer before grilling, to seal in the juices so the sausages stay succulent and moist. They are served in brat buns or hard rolls, usually accompanied by potato salads, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, or sauerkraut. The dish is a common sight at summer cookouts, and every year there is the Brat Fest, which claims to be the world's largest bratwurst festival, held in the city of Madison in Wisconsin during the Memorial Day weekend.