Growing up we were never a big sports family. Sure, every summer we would go to at least one baseball game, and every fall and spring until my brother was about 10, we spent Saturday mornings cheering him on at his soccer and baseball games; but other than that, sports really weren’t our thing. In fact, I don’t ever remember my dad kicking back to watch a football game on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
Despite not growing up in a sports loving family, of course when I was in high school, the lure and excitement of the infamous “Friday night lights” was too hard to pass up! Hangin’ with my friends to cheer on my other friends was what the fall semester was all about.
Then I went off to college in a small town, where again, football was EVERYTHING! It was there, as I tried to find my way in that big university, that the weekly football games became a way to fit in, to make friends and to have fun in that small town.
Ever since then, I have been a super fan of my favorite college team, keeping up with the weekly score and at least enough stats to know how “my team” is doing and to carry on a conversation with other football fanatics; you know, because when it comes to football, everyone has an opinion! LOL!
But to be honest, that’s what I love! No matter what team you are cheering for, what color is plastered all over your home and body, or even the fun little rivalries between friends while cheering on competing teams, football brings us all together, and yet makes us each one of a kind!
Whether bonding over mutual teams, or a spread of favorite football snacks, football season brings on the fun! Even though my college years are behind me, several of my friends and family love to get together at least a few times during the fall to get in on all the football excitement! Even though our football watching parties look a little different than they did “way back when” they are still loads of fun!
Recently when I was planning one of our get-togethers, I was shopping for supplies at Target, and picked up some Dr Pepper to have on hand. As I was stocking our cooler with the Dr Pepper, and the wheels in my head were turning about our game day menu, I was inspired by the Dr Pepper to create this twist on a tailgating favorite, Braised Bratwursts with Dr Pepper Mustard and Caramelized Onions! This meal is simple (even with the homemade mustard!) yet absolutely perfect! It was a fantastic way to cheer on our favorite team!
Braised Bratwursts with Dr Pepper Mustard and Caramelized Onions
by Heather H. of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Prep Time: 15 minutes Wait Time: 6-8 hours Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 6
Printable Version
Ingredients:
Dr Pepper Mustard:
½ cup yellow mustard seeds
½ cup Dr Pepper
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Caramelized Onions:
1 tablespoon grapeseed or canola oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup
Dr Pepper
Bratwursts:
1 tablespoon grapeseed or canola oil
6 bratwursts
½ cup Dr Pepper
6 large hoagie rolls, for serving
Directions:
For Mustard:
In a medium sized glass bowl, stir together mustard seeds, Dr Pepper and vinegar. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours.
After refrigeration, stir salt, brown sugar and mustard powder into mustard seeds. Pour mixture into a food processor or blender and pulse on high for 60 seconds, or until desired consistency is reached. Add additional Dr Pepper, if needed, to help with the blending process. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
For Caramelized Onions:
In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and ½ teaspoon salt; saute for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until soft and caramelized.
Stir in the Dr Pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and reduced, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
For Bratwursts:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bratwursts and cook, turning once, until well browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add Dr Pepper to skillet and reduce heat to a medium low. Cover and cook, flipping occasionally, until sausages are fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes.
For Serving:
Slice hoagie rolls in half and spread a generous amount of Dr Pepper mustard onto both sides of each hoagie roll. Add cooked bratwursts and top with caramelized onions. Serve immediately.
Stock up on Dr Pepper, using the special Target Cartwheel offer, to help you celebrate your favorite team! From Nov. 1 – Dec. 12, use Cartwheel to receive 5% off of 12-packs and 2-liters of Dr Pepper or 10% off of 6 or 8-packs of bottles and cans.
Then show Dr Pepper how you are one of a kind fan for your chance to win! From Nov. 2 – Dec. 13, those who upload an Instagram photo showing how they are a #OneOfAKindFan of Dr Pepper will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Target GiftCard™. A winner will be awarded each week. Must be 18 or older to enter. For more great recipe ideas using Dr Pepper please visit this site!
Dr Pepper #OneOfAKindFan Photo Sweepstakes
#CollectiveBias
Hmmm…I love Dr Pepper. And I love mustard. So I'm thinking this combination would be amazing…especially on brats! Talk about the perfect tailgating recipe right there! #client