The History of Brats and Creative Ways to Put Your Own Spin on Them

Where did brats come from? On this episode of Meat & Greet, Myke Stittsworth digs into the history of bratwurst — from its German origins to how it became a Midwest staple — and then gets creative with ways to make brats your own.

Stittsworth Meats is known for its bratwurst lineup, and Myke shares what goes into developing new flavors and why the brat is one of the most versatile things you can put on a grill.

Brats Through the Ages

• The German origins of bratwurst and how it came to the Midwest
• What makes a bratwurst different from other sausages
• Creative flavor ideas: cheese-stuffed, jalapeño, wild rice, and more
• How Stittsworth Meats develops its signature brat flavors

About Meat & Greet

Myke Stittsworth joins KBUN Sports Radio's High Noon every week from Stittsworth Meats in Bemidji, MN.

🎧 Listen to this episode on KBUN | Browse all Meat & Greet episodes

---

🍖 Recipe: Stittsworth Brats Three Ways

Explore the versatility of Stittsworth Smoked Brats with three distinct flavor profiles: Jalapeño Cheddar, Pizza Style, and Reuben -- proof that brats transcend tradition.

Base Ingredients (All Versions)

• 12 Stittsworth Smoked Brats (4 per variation)
• 12 brat buns
• 2 tablespoons butter

Jalapeño Cheddar Toppings

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
• 2 tablespoons crema or sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Pizza Style Toppings

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Reuben Style Toppings

• 1 cup sauerkraut, warmed
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 4 dill pickle spears

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium and oil grates.
2. Grill Stittsworth Brats 15--18 minutes total, turning frequently until browned and heated through.
3. Toast brat buns lightly on grill.
4. For Jalapeño Cheddar: Place grilled brat in toasted bun, top with cheddar and jalapeños, drizzle with crema mixed with cumin.
5. For Pizza Style: Place grilled brat in toasted bun, spread marinara, top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan, then close lid for 1 minute to melt cheese.
6. For Reuben Style: Place grilled brat in toasted bun, layer sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, top with a dill pickle spear.

Pro Tip: Stittsworth Smoked Brats are fully cooked and seasoned, making them the perfect canvas for creative toppings. Toast the bun lightly to prevent sogginess from toppings.