Bubba Joe’s Backyard Oktoberfest: Anytime! Anywhere!

Grilled Brats, Golden Dumplings, and Good Cheer from the Palmetto State to Your Plate!

Somewhere not far from where Hwy 321 merges with Hwy 301, there’s a mythical German town known to the locals as “Ulmersdorf.” In Ulmersdorf, there’s no law that says you have to wait for September to throw an Oktoberfest party. In fact, Bubba Joe would argue that the best time to fire up the grill and celebrate German-style is any time you feel like it — December, July, or maybe even on a random Tuesday.

If you can make it to Ulmersdorf, you should get there this weekend. But if you can’t find Ulmersdorf, whether you’re tailgating, camping, or just cooking for the neighbors on your back porch, here’s everything you need to turn your humble patch of grass into a Backyard Bubba Oktoberfest Bash.

🥨 The Secret to Perfect Brats Every Time

You don’t need to be born in Bavaria to master the perfect bratwurst. Just follow Bubba Joe’s time-tested, taste-approved process below. It’s four steps from where you are to Bratwurst glory:

1. Warm ‘em up — Let the brats rest at room temp for about an hour.

2. Beer bath magic — Simmer them gently in a pot of beer, sliced onion, maybe a little garlic, and a pat of butter. No boiling, just a gentle love soak for 15–20 minutes.

3. Grill to thrill — Finish on the grill: 5–10 minutes over indirect heat, then 2–3 minutes on each side over direct heat for that perfect snap.

4. Rest, then devour — Let those brats sit for 5 minutes before serving. You’re welcome.

🥔 Bubba’s Famous German Potato Balls (and Gravy That’ll Make You Weep)

These golden beauties (Kartoffelklöße, if you wanna get fancy) are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and downright glorious when topped with onion gravy. Made from mashed potatoes, flour, and a pinch of nutmeg, these dumplings are easy to make and even easier to love.

Pro Tip: Add a buttery crouton or bacon bit in the center of each dumpling for a hidden surprise.

Smother them in homemade onion gravy made with sautéed onions, beef broth, and a little Worcestershire sauce. Bubba Joe calls it “liquid gold.”

🥬 The Trifecta of German Sides

You can’t go full Oktoberfest without some of these traditional (but backyard-approved) sides:

1. Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

Shredded red cabbage simmered with apples, onions, vinegar, and sugar. Tangy, sweet, and a beautiful pop of color on the plate.

2. Sauerkraut Bubba Style

Sauté it with a little onion, some caraway seeds, maybe even bacon or apple chunks. Add a splash of beer, and warm it gently.

3. Bratkartoffeln (Crispy Fried Potatoes)

Slice boiled potatoes, fry them with bacon and onion until golden and crunchy, and hit them with a pinch of salt and chives. Better than fries. Bubba’s honor. (OUR PERSONAL FAVORITE)

🍻 Raise a Mug (No Booze Required)

Want the German beer experience without the alcohol? Bubba Joe’s got you covered:

• Beck’s Blue – crisp, clean pilsner (OUR PERSONAL FAVORITE)

• Clausthaler Dry-Hopped – malty and refreshing

• Erdinger Alkoholfrei – smooth wheat beer

• Paulaner Weißbier Non-Alcoholic – classic German flavor, no headache tomorrow

Serve cold in a frosty mug. You’ll barely know the difference.

🏍️ Bonus: Bubba Joe Hits the Road

Here’s a fun fact: Bubba Joe doesn’t just cook in one backyard. He travels the Palmetto State on his motorcycle, pulling a smoker behind him, bringing bold flavors and backyard wisdom to Bubba Chefs far and wide.

So whether you’re in Bamberg, Beaufort, or the back forty, Bubba Joe might just roll up to your fence line someday — apron flapping in the breeze, bratwurst sizzling behind him.

🎉 Host Your Own Bubba-Fest!

You’ve got the brats, the dumplings, the sides, and the beer. What else do you need?

Maybe just a folding table, some music, and a few hungry friends. That’s all it takes to create a little Backyard Gemütlichkeit — Southern style.

And remember:
You don’t need Oktober to throw an Oktoberfest.
You just need Bubba Joe.

Our Story

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