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How Beer Brats Became The Wisconsin Food Staple They Are Today By Laura Christine Allan Oct. 20, 2025 6:20 pm EST

During the summer months and early autumn, it's time to get grilling. Besides burgers, there are few grill staples as classic as a sausage — especially bratwurst. From August to October, the legendary Wisconsin delicacy called the beer brat is in its finest form. Consisting of seasoned pork and veal, these sausages are salty, fatty, savory, and perfect when served with an ice-cold beer.

While bratwurst has southern German origins, beer brats in particular are definitely a Wisconsin thing. Various counties and cities claim ownership of this savory sausage treat, but it's a known fact that the state has been churning out beer brats for over 100 ye

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