Whether you’re celebrating Oktoberfest or simply craving the succulent German sausage, grilling up a bratwurst is a surefire way to spice up your next cookout. Though similar to the humble hot dog, bratwursts have a distinctly meatier texture and flavor with a more complex spice profile, not to mention an important place in the history of German cuisine. Due in large part to the influence of German immigrants in the American Midwest, bratwursts are particularly popular in major Midwestern cities like Milwaukee, Chicago, and Cleveland. In fact, celebrity chef and Cleveland native Michael Symon regards bratwurst as one of his favorite hometown foods.