Grilled Bratwurst is a great grilling option for lunch or dinner. It is hearty, flavorful and simple to make. Make for your next BBQ or weeknight meal.
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Grilled Bratwurst is one of our favorite meats to grill. We love that there is no preparation needed. All you need to do is preheat oven and grill. There is no additional ingredients that are needed and they do not require marinating.
Brats Recipe is a quick dinner idea. Within about 15 minutes your brats will be grilled to perfection. They are hearty and delicious and a family favorite.
If you like this recipe, make Sausage Foil Pack, Campfire Pigs in a Blanket or Sausage and Peppers Foil Pack.
Table of Contents
What is Bratwurst?
Bratwurst is German sausage made of pork, veal or beef but Bratwurst is most commonly made of Pork. Bratwurst is usually served with potato salad or sauerkraut and topped on a white bun.
Types of Bratwurst
There are different types of Bratwurst that you can get at your local grocery stores.
- Pre-Cooked Bratwurst – These can easily be found in the cold section at your grocery store. They are usually by the hot dog section and are labeled stadium brats. This type of brat is commonly found in Germany. It is made of lighter pork.
- Un-Cooked Bratwurst – Un-Cooked Brats can be found at the meat counter at your local grocery store or meat market. These are usually a little thicker than pre-cooked brats and usually have a casing on them. Most meat markets make their own brats and offer different flavors.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
How to Grill Bratwursts
- Step 1 – Prepare Gas Grill – Preheat your grill over medium-high heat (approximately 350 degrees F). You can also use a charcoal grill.
- Step 2 – Begin Grilling Raw Brats – Place the bratwurst sausage on the hot grill over indirect heat on the grill grates. Cook them for 15-16 (turning occasionally) until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Step 3 – Move Brats to indirect heat – Then move the brats onto direct heat on side of the grill with a pair of tongs. Grill for 1-2 minutes to cook the casing on the bratwurst and giving a nice sear. Then brown the outside of the bratwursts.
- Step 4 – Heat Buns – Warm them buns by either microwaving them for 30-60 seconds. Or you can place them on the grill for a few seconds to heat them through.
- Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – Then serve the bratwursts in the buns topped with the sauerkraut and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
For the Best Grilled Bratwurst follow these easy tips. Even though brats are easy to prepare and grill, these tips will help for the brats to come off the grill great.
- Slowly Grill Brats – We recommend starting the bratwurst on a low grill temperature. This allows for the brats to cook nice in slow to achieve that crispy texture and juicy on the inside.
- Meat Temperature – Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure your bratwurst is cooked. But it needs to be inserted in the right place so you do not release any of the juice. Insert the thermometer at the center of the brats through the end of the casing.
- Crowd Pleaser – When we are grilling for a get-together, we like to grill brats along side burgers and hot dogs. They are always a crowd pleaser. You can also simmer in beer for an amazing flavor beer brats.
What to Serve with Brats
When preparing grilled brats it is traditionally you will find that bratwurst are served hoagie roll. The hoagie is prepared crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is then topped with mustard only. You can also top with mustard and sauerkraut which is a family favorite.
Bratwurst Favorite Toppings
These bratwurst are even better with your favorite condiments. Serve them in a toasted hot dog buns topped with these family favorite toppings.
- Grilled Peppers and Onions
- Chopped Bacon
- Ketchup
- Cheese
How to Reheat
There are several ways to reheat your cooked bratwurst. Reheating brats will be warm to the touch when ready to serve.
- Microwave – Place on a microwave safe plate and reheat for about 50 seconds.
- Oven – Place brats on a baking sheet and reheat for about 4 minutes in the oven.
- Grill – You can also place back on the grill for about 6 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilling brats does not take long to do. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to completely cook the bratwurst. For the first 15 minutes cook brats on the indirect heat then move to direct heat for about 2 minutes.
You can use an meat thermometer to make sure the bratwurst reaches an internal temperature of 150-155 degrees.
Placing the bratwurst on the indirect heat for the last few minutes allows for the casing to get nice and crispy. Every few minutes turn brats to ensure all sides are cooked.
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To freeze cooked brats place in an air tight container or freezer bag and freeze. If stored properly your cooked brats will last about 3 months.
Yes, you can easily cook these uncooked brats in a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal idea.
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We love to hear from you. If you make this Grilled Bratwurst Recipe, please leave a comment or a star review.
Grilled Bratwurst
Ingredients
- 6 Bratwursts
- 6 Bratwurst Buns
- Sauerkraut optional
Instructions
- Preheat your grill over medium high heat (approximately 350 degrees F).
- Place the bratwursts on the grill over indirect heat on the grill and cook them for 15-16 (turning occasionally) until the brats reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Then move the brats onto direct heat and grill for 1-2 minutes to cook the casing on the bratwurst and to brown the outside of the bratwursts.
- Warm them buns by either microwaving them for 30-60 seconds or placing them on the grill for a few seconds to heat them through.
- Then serve the bratwursts in the buns topped with the sauerkraut and enjoy!
