BRAT THOUGHTS: People Pleasers, Personal Faves, and Wacky Wursts
local bratwurst aficionado rates some of the best examples of this ‘robust sausage’ in the Valley
According to legend, and Wikipedia, nearly 800 years ago in Franconia, Germany, culinary perfection was developed: The bratwurst was created. Today, more than 4,400 miles away thanks to immigration and problematic land policy, this robust sausage has found itself as a staple in the summertime diet of many Wisconsinites.
For those of us fortunate enough to live near Eau Claire, there are a bevy of options to acquire this versatile vittle. Restaurants, gas stations, food trucks, butcher shops, grocery stores, stands in front of grocery stores – you can’t throw a stick without hitting someone trying to hawk a brat.
All these options can be a bit overwhelming, so I have selected a few choices from three Eau Claire institutions for you to consider. Each locale features a “People Pleaser” (a gold standard many people will love), a “Personal Favorite” (the brat that gets me most excited), and a “Wacky Wurst” (a variety a bit further from typical but delicious nonetheless). Let’s take a look at what Eau Claire has to offer:
Festival Foods
While opinions on this local chain’s parking lot differ, there is no denying their deli selection is impressive. The wide array of meats, cheeses, and sides also includes bratwurst. Fresh selections of the signature Festival Foods Oktoberfest Bratwurst depends on location and availability, but frozen flavors are more readily in stock.
People Pleaser: Badger Brat
This brat allows your state pride to shine by featuring Bucky’s colors with white mozzarella and red peppers. There is a mellow heat and enough cheese to satisfy the gentler palette while keeping things interesting. Typical garnishment will suffice, but tangy yellow mustard works particularly well. It’s a great place to start your brat journey if you have yet to venture from the basic bratwurst.
Personal Favorite: Bacon Cheddar
In my opinion, there is no better offering from Festival Foods than the bacon cheddar brat. Perhaps I am stuck in the early 2000s, but one of the best pairings with any meat is bacon, bratwurst included. This meaty double dip works exceptionally well with the subtle sharpness of cheddar. Toppings are where I typically add some heat with a creamy hot sauce, but nearly anything belongs on top.
Wacky Wurst: Mac & Cheese Brat
Do you remember as a child when you ate cut-up hot dogs in your boxed mac and cheese? You can revisit that nostalgia again with this devilishly delicious brat. It's a comfort food combination that might require a small sampling as noodles in a brat might not be for everyone. As with the childhood classic, ketchup is actually what you want here – yes, even with a brat.
Rump’s Butcher Shoppe
Recently dubbed the pride of Altoona (by me, just now), Rump’s is a must for anyone gifted with the sense of taste. Winner of multiple Best of the Chippewa Valley crowns, Rump’s is renowned for its quality and commitment to the authentic butcher experience. Plan on having a few spare dollars when visiting: Just like at Target, a quick run for just one thing spirals into $150 real quick.
People Pleaser: Rump’s Beer Brats
There is always time for a classic. Sometimes when you listen to music, the only thing that feels right is The Beatles, and sometimes when you want a bratwurst, the only thing that hits the spot is a beer brat. These are the alpha and omega for the brat connoisseur. Recommended pairings include a Summer Shandy and a July sunset over the lake.
Personal Favorite: Spinach Feta & Chicken Brat
If you know me, and you probably don’t, then you know I am a sucker for feta, and this brat is no different. What this brat lacks in true bratiness (it is chicken after all) it makes up for in herby flair. The delicate dance from the Mediterranean inspiration hypnotizes the senses. I recommend a generous helping of Dijon mustard, preferably from somewhere local, like Silver Spring Foods.
Wacky Wurst: Cranberry Wild Rice Brat
The best from the bog. Rice might not be everyone’s forte when eating a brat, but these are worth the risk because rice sets a perfectly neutral balance with the pork for the true hero in the confection, cranberry, to rain heavenly tartness from above. I have – and will continue to – eat these without any garnishment or bun.
Jacobson’s Market
Serving both Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Jacobson’s Market is sure to meet your meat requirements. Whether you are a brat novice or an experienced grillmaster there is always something for everyone at Jacobson’s. Just be sure to double-check your GPS when heading to pick something up or you’ll end up lost in an Ace Hardware.
People Pleaser: Firecracker
This is the flag-bearing, “white person spicy” bratwurst. Just enough heat to make your aunt go “That’s got some heat!” but really, it's comfortably tame and not going to make regular body functions unpleasant. Due to the bit of kick, I’d recommend a creamy aioli if you want to get fancy like me.
Personal Favorite: Philly Cheese Brat
Sometimes when you want a brat, you really want a sandwich. Most of the time, when I want a sandwich, I want a Philly Cheese. This brat nails the spirit of that Eastern icon with every bite earning the respect of the namesake along the way. I enjoy grilling extra peppers and onions when preparing the brats to use as a topper.
Wacky Wurst: Bloody Mary Brat
I don’t believe it’s bold to say Bloody Marys aren’t for everyone. This brat, with a similar flavor profile to Bloody Mary-flavored cheese curds, is no different. But just like the drink, if you have the itch, it’s the only thing that will scratch it. Pairs well with: cheese, pickles, olives, garlic, celery, asparagus, tomatoes, shrimp, bacon, etc., etc.
Those are just a few of what the Chippewa Valley has to offer. I wouldn’t take my word for anything, so get out there yourself and grill or fry all of these and more! The summer only comes around once every few years in Wisconsin, so go make the most out of it with delicious local bratwurst.