This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Fire up the grill for these bratwursts infused with Yuengling® Lager beer and topped with a sweet and spicy pineapple salsa. 

It’s that time of year to fire up the grill and invite family and friends over for a cookout. We grill almost all year long but especially during the summer months. The key to a good cookout = good friends, good food and good beer!

Brats are one of our favorite things to put on the grill. Typically we love them with onions and peppers, but today I want to share this sweet and spicy pineapple salsa topper. It’s my new favorite way to eat brats. This fruit salsa pairs perfectly with Smithfield® Craft Collection™ Yuengling® Traditional Lager Bratwurst.

Choosing a quality bratwurst is the most important piece of this recipe. Smithfield and Yuengling have combined to bring the best beer brats around. The quality bratwurst from Smithfield made with premium cuts of pork and a special blend of sweet and savory spices pairs perfectly with the full-bodied amber Yuengling beer.

My husband and I are both from Virginia, in fact he grew up in a town just outside of Smithfield, Virginia-the ham capital of the world! Yuengling is America’s oldest brewery located in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Both of these towns have a slower, more thoughtful pace and are grounded in tradition with a pride for their heritage. With that heritage comes an appreciation for quality, flavor and family, making Smithfield and Yuengling the perfect pair.

How to make pineapple salsa

Ok, topping time! I love fruit salsa, especially in the summer. This fresh pineapple and jalapeno combination is a great accompaniment to the rich and flavorful beer brats.

Start with fresh, diced pineapple. I like to cut the pieces pretty small to make the salsa easier to eat. Stir in finely diced red onion, jalapeno and fresh, chopped cilantro. Super easy!! Store the salsa in the refrigerator until you are ready to top the brats.

How to grill bratwurst

A key to grilling the perfect bratwurst is to cook them on medium-low heat. Grill for approximately 18-20 minutes or until you reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Use tongs to keep rotating the bratwurst while they grill. This ensures they cook evenly on all sides and don’t overcook.

Let’s fire up the grill and get this summer started. Pick up a package of Smithfield Yuengling Traditional Lager Bratwursts at your local Kroger in the meat aisle. Be sure to let me know how you like this fresh pineapple salsa topper.

Want to try these Bratwurst with Pineapple Salsa? PIN it to your summer cookout board to save.