The Heritage Behind Every Bratwurst
When people around the world think of comfort food, few things are as iconic as the German sausage.
From the smoky aroma of a sizzling Bratwurst to the snap of a perfectly grilled Frankfurter, these sausages represent centuries of craftsmanship and regional pride.
At The Sausage Haüs, our mission is to bring that same authentic German tradition to the UK — combining 300 years of sausage-making expertise from Hardy Remagen with modern-day cold-chain reliability through Baird Foods.
Whether you’re a chef, caterer, or simply a fan of great food, understanding what makes a true German sausage helps explain why it remains one of Europe’s most beloved foods.
What Defines a German Sausage
A German sausage isn’t just meat in a casing. It’s a carefully balanced blend of quality pork, precise seasoning, and traditional smoking or boiling methods perfected over generations.
There are more than 1,200 recognised types of German sausages, each rooted in local ingredients and traditions.
However, nearly all share three traits that define their quality:
- Premium meat: usually pork or pork-beef blends with a high lean content.
- Distinct seasoning: from mild white Bratwurst to paprika-rich Krakauer.
- Traditional preparation: slow smoking over beechwood or gentle boiling to preserve flavour and texture.
Because of these standards, a German sausage has a cleaner taste, a firmer bite, and a recognisable aroma that sets it apart from typical British or American hotdogs.
The History Behind the German Sausage
The story of the German sausage dates back to the Middle Ages.
In many regions, sausage-making was a way to preserve meat before refrigeration — but it quickly became an art form. Each town developed its own version:
- Nuremberg Bratwurst – small, finely ground, and delicately spiced.
- Thüringer Rostbratwurst – coarser and more aromatic, often grilled over charcoal.
- Frankfurter Würstchen – lightly smoked and boiled, famous for their signature snap.
By the 18th century, sausage-making had become a respected profession in Germany, governed by guilds and strict standards.
Today, those same principles continue through companies like Hardy Remagen, whose recipes and smoking techniques trace back over 300 years.
The German Sausage in the UK
Over the past decade, the German sausage has become a staple in the UK — not just during Christmas markets, but year-round in pubs, catering events, and retail stores.
British consumers increasingly value authentic, high-protein foods with a premium feel.
That’s why The Sausage Haüs introduced genuine German favourites such as:
- Bratwurst — mild, juicy, and crowd-pleasing.
- Krakauer (Bacon Frankfurter) — smoky, hearty, and ideal for pubs.
- Cheese Frankfurter — filled with creamy Emmental and our top retail seller.
Through our partnership with Farmfoods, customers can even enjoy the real thing at home.
(See our Farmfoods German Sausages article for more details.)
The Secret: Heritage Meets Precision
So what makes a German sausage authentically German?
The answer lies in heritage meeting precision.
German producers such as Hardy Remagen follow recipes handed down through generations but apply them using modern food technology for perfect consistency.
Every batch is carefully monitored for fat-to-protein ratio, spice balance, and cooking temperature.
At The Sausage Haüs, we ensure those standards continue all the way to your kitchen.
Thanks to Baird Foods’ cold-chain logistics, our sausages maintain freshness and flavour during nationwide delivery — whether for retail shelves, event catering, or wholesale supply.
As a result, each German sausage you serve offers the same authentic taste that’s been loved for centuries.
Popular German Sausage Types Explained
To appreciate the variety, here are a few classics every menu should know:
Bratwurst
The best-known German sausage, typically made from pork and veal.
It’s lightly seasoned with nutmeg, ginger, and coriander — ideal for grilling or pan-frying.
Krakauer (Bacon Frankfurter)
A smoked sausage enriched with diced bacon for extra flavour and texture. It’s bolder and saltier than Bratwurst and holds up well to high heat — perfect for hotdog menus. Read our product spotlight for more information.
Cheese Frankfurter
A modern favourite that combines pork with creamy Emmental cheese. The melting centre adds indulgence, making it a top seller in both retail and catering.
You can read the full spotlight here: The Sausage Haüs Cheese Frankfurter.
Chilli Frankfurter
For a touch of heat, this variant adds mild spice while keeping the traditional smoky base.
It’s particularly popular at festivals, funfairs, and street-food stands.
How the German Sausage Differs from British Sausages
While both countries share a love of sausages, the German hotdog differs in texture and preparation.
British sausages often use breadcrumbs or rusk fillers, resulting in a softer texture.
German varieties, on the other hand, rely purely on finely ground or coarsely chopped meat and natural casings.
Additionally, many German sausages are pre-cooked or smoked, making them faster and safer to handle for caterers.
That’s one reason they’re increasingly popular in UK hospitality — convenience without compromise.
The German Sausage in Modern Catering
In catering, a German sausage offers three major advantages:
- Speed – Pre-cooked sausages can be served in minutes.
- Safety – Pasteurisation eliminates the risks of undercooking.
- Profitability – Customers perceive them as premium, allowing higher margins.
These benefits make The Sausage Haüs range a trusted choice for pubs, food trucks, and event organisers.
(See our Showmen & Event Catering article for more on this.)
Why Authenticity Matters
In a crowded market, authenticity sets you apart.
Using the phrase German sausage on a menu means little unless the product truly follows German standards — the right seasoning, smoking technique, and natural casing.
That’s why The Sausage Haüs partners exclusively with Hardy Remagen.
Their products carry the same quality assurance expected in Germany itself.
When customers taste that snap, aroma, and flavour, they instantly recognise the difference.
The Future of the German Sausage in the UK
Interest in authentic European foods continues to grow, and the German hotdog is leading the trend.
From household shoppers to wholesale buyers, more people are turning toward quality, convenience, and provenance.
At The Sausage Haüs, we believe this is just the beginning.
Through partnerships with UK retailers like Farmfoods and large-scale distributors such as Baird Foods, we’re making genuine German sausage products more accessible than ever — both to trade and retail customers.
Conclusion
The German sausage isn’t simply a meal — it’s a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition.
From Bratwurst to Cheese Frankfurter, every bite reflects generations of experience, attention to detail, and pride in doing things properly.
Whether you serve them in pubs, at events, or retail counters, our sausages deliver authentic German quality that customers return for again and again.
Explore our full range of German sausages wholesale UK or contact The Sausage Haüs team today for trade enquiries and sample requests.
