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Grilled Brats Recipe is quick and simple. Get dinner on the table fast and enjoy a flavor packed meal.
Grilling bratwurst is super easy and such a filling dinner idea. We started cooking brats on a more regular basis because they are just so fast to cook and really delicious.
If your family enjoys hot dogs, this recipe is a must try. Once you learn how to cook bratwurst, you will enjoy this effortless meal. We also make Slow Cooker Brats, Air Fryer Brats or How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove for another easy cooking method.
Table of Contents
What is Bratwurst?
It is German sausage made with beef, pork or veal. Typically, you will find brats made with pork as this is most common.
This meat is generally served on a sub size roll with sauerkraut. However, this can vary by region and location as to how it is served and what type of brats are cooked.
Ingredients
- Bratwursts
- Bratwurst Buns
- Sauerkraut (optional)
Scroll to the bottom for the full list of ingredients and recipe.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Preheat the grill. It needs to set to medium high heat (approximately 350 degrees F).
- Step 2 – Put the brats on the grill to cook. Place the raw brats on the grill over indirect heat on the grill grates. Cook them for 15 minutes to 16 minutes (turning occasionally) until the brats reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Step 3 – Move to direct heat. Then move the brats onto direct heat side of the grill with tongs. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook the casing on the bratwurst and to brown the outside of the bratwursts for a nice sear over medium-high heat.
- Step 4 – Warm the buns for a few seconds. This can be done by either microwaving them for 30-60 seconds or placing them on the grill for a few seconds to heat them through.
- Step 5 – Serve and enjoy. Then serve the bratwurst sausages in the hot dog buns topped with the sauerkraut and enjoy! If you love sauerkraut try Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut.
Recipe Tips
- Meat thermometer. You definitely want to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are full cooked. This is the most accurate way to check and make sure the internal temperature is 150 degrees.
- Cook the brats slowly. Low and slow is the way to go when cooking brats. This ensures the inside gets done without making the outside too brown. You get the perfectly crispy texture on the outside while the inside is juicy and tender.
- Room temperature. The brats cook more evenly if allowed to come to room temperature before grilling.
- Direct Heat. The final steps of cooking the brats require grilling over direct heat. This step is crucial because it results in the crispy outside. It only takes a few minutes.
How Long to Grill Brats?
It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You do not want to overcook the uncooked brats.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The internal temperature should be about 152 when fully cooked.
Be careful when checking the temperature that you do not pierce the casing in the middle. This will result in the juices seeping out and you lose all of that flavor.
Instead, insert the meat thermometer through the center through the end. This is where the casing is already open.
Serving Suggestions
- Mustard and Sauerkraut. This is the traditional way to eat bratwurst. Place inside a bun with mustard and top with a generous portion of sauerkraut.
- Potato Salad. Bratwurst is delicious served with potato salad.
- Sautéed Onions and Peppers. Instead of sauerkraut, top the brats with lots of sautéed onion slices and pepper. I also like it with mustard, ketchup and shredded cheese.
How to Freeze
Allow the brats to completely cool. Place inside a freezer bag or container.
They can be frozen up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
While you can put them back on the grill to reheat, my preferred method is to use the microwave or oven. It makes it really easy for a quick lunch or dinner.
Reheat in the microwave using a microwave safe plate for 50 to 60 seconds. If you prefer the oven, reheat at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes.
Feel free to use the method that is most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can if you prefer. However, you do not have to. This method is most often used to pre-cook the inside so they do not burst when grilling. I do not add this extra step because using a lower heat ensures they do not burst.
The preferred method is medium low heat grilled slowly to perfection on a gas grill.
Grilling at a lower heat ensures they are grilled perfectly on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Feel free to also grill on a charcoal grill for your next backyard BBQ.
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I like to portion them into individual serving containers.
This makes it so easy to grab for lunch on the go. It will definitely help with your morning routine and lead to less takeout temptation.
Yes, you can cook these brats in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
More Easy Grilling Recipes
If you make these Grilled Brats Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.
Grilled Brats
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!
