Beer Brat Soup

Beer Brat Soup Recipe with Potatoes, Peppers and Swiss Chard

Let's say you've just thrown a huge Summer Brat Party and you have a bunch of leftover brats. You overcalculated and planned on three brats per person on average, but forgot to account for all the side dishes people bring, plus the chips and dips, the beer consumption, not to mention that THREE brats is A LOT of food for anyone to eat.

OK, FINE! I officially apologize. Guilty as charged. I am notorious for overcooking for parties. One of my greatest party fears is running out of food, just after running out of beer, so I almost always overdo it. I can't help myself.

However! If you're like me, you start to look at this as an opportunity. You start to think of creative ways to incorporate your leftovers into new and exciting dishes.

You start to welcome the challenge, and sometimes, you succeed. Sometimes you hit it out of the park. That is how this recipe was born - Beer Brat Soup with Potatoes, Peppers, and Swiss Chard. Oh yes, this was a home run.

You can - AND SHOULD! - make this beer brat soup recipe with fresh, uncooked brats, but it's an ideal way to use up any leftovers you might have.

I wound up making this twice, first from leftover brats and again with fresh brats, and each version was delicious. They were identical, truly.

I wrote up the recipe using the uncooked brats, but either way you want to do it works. I also had some leftover Swiss chard in the fridge, which breaks down nicely in the broth. Spinach would work, too.

We ALWAYS have peppers on hand - OF COURSE! - but I chose a poblano for its earthiness and a few serranos for their fresh spiciness.

Add in some potato to fill out the dish, along with plenty of seasonings, and you're good to go. I hope you enjoy your beer brat soup!

Beer Brat Soup Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 bratwursts for heartier soup, use 4-5 links
• 2 medium white onions chopped
• 1 poblano pepper chopped
• 2 serrano peppers chopped
• 4-5 medium yellow potatoes chopped
• 2 cups chopped Swiss chard
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground caraway seeds
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces cream ale beer
• 4 cups chicken stock warmed
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Parsley for serving

How to Make Beer Brat Soup with Potatoes, Peppers and Swiss Chard

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Add brats and cook them, flipping often, about 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onions, peppers and potatoes. Stir and cook about 10 minutes until everything is softened.
3. Add Swiss chard and garlic and stir. Cook about a minute until the chard wilts.
4. Add caraway, celery seed, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir.
5. Add cream ale and chicken stock.
6. Coarsely chop the cooked brats and add to the pot.
7. Bring to a quick boil then reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
9. Swirl apple cider vinegar into the soup and distribute to bowls.
10. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Storage & Leftovers

Beer brat soup will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It isn't bad served cold, but is easily reheated in a microwave or tossed in a hot pan.

You can also freeze it for 2-3 months.

Patty's Perspective

You guys know how I am with my brats. I hate to see leftovers go to waste. I'm glad Mike was able to get so creative with these. I had both soups, with leftovers and non-leftovers, which were both so good. It is a brothy soup, but quite hearty. Keep this one on the menu!