How to Cook Brats

How to cook brats? Let’s find out! Unleash your inner master chef as we embark on a gastronomic journey exploring 11 tantalizing ways to cook the humble yet delicious bratwurst. Delve into the science and art of cooking methods, from boiling and baking to grilling and braising, even taking a techno-gourmet twist with air fryers and instant pots.

Discover how the right method can elevate the taste of your bratwurst, enhancing its juiciness and preserving its natural flavors. Say goodbye to artificial preservatives and hello to honest-to-goodness great food.

So, strap on your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to cook your best bratwurst ever!

What is a brat?

Before we dive into the cooking methods, let’s first understand what a bratwurst is. A bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from ground pork, beef, or veal and flavored with spices like nutmeg, coriander, and sage. It’s usually served in a bun and topped with condiments like mustard, sauerkraut, and onions.

What do brats taste like?

Bratwursts have a savory, slightly smoky flavor with hints of spices. They are also known for their juicy and tender texture. The taste can vary depending on the type of meat used and the seasoning.

You might enjoy these posts:

What is the difference between sausage and brats?

You may be wondering, what sets bratwurst apart from other types of sausages? Well, the main difference lies in the ingredients and spices used. Bratwurst typically contains more pork and is seasoned with different herbs and spices compared to other sausages. This gives it a unique flavor and texture that makes it stand out amongst its sausage counterparts.

What’s the difference between brats and hotdogs?

Bratwurst and hotdogs may look similar, but their differences go beyond just shape and size. Unlike hotdogs which are made from finely ground meat, bratwurst is coarsely ground and has a more distinct texture. Also, while hotdogs are typically pre-cooked before packaging, brats need to be cooked thoroughly before eating. With that said, let’s dive into the cooking methods for your bratwurst.

There are many ways to cook brats. Below, you have 12!

Baking Brats

You bake brats to perfection by following the steps below. Please keep in mind that baking brats is not recommended for frozen bratwurst.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place the brats on a baking sheet or inside a baking dish.
Bake for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are fully cooked and browned on the outside.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about baking brats in your oven

For an even cook, be sure to space the brats evenly on the baking sheet or dish.
You can brush the brats with oil or butter for crisper skin.
For added flavor, you can place sliced onions and peppers in the baking dish with the brats.

Baking Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Easy and convenient, perfect for cooking larger quantities at once.

Cons: Takes a bit longer than other methods, may result in drier brats if not monitored closely.

Braising Brats

Enjoy the richness and tenderness of bratwurst cooked in a flavorful liquid. What is braising? It’s a cooking technique where you brown the meat, then let it simmer in a liquid until tender. Follow these steps for perfectly braised brats.

Here’s how to braise brats:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Place the brats in the pot and sear them on all sides until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Pour in enough beer or broth to cover the brats halfway.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about braising brats

You can use any flavorful liquid like beer, broth, or even wine.
For added flavor, you can add herbs and spices to the liquid.

Braising Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Adds a depth of flavor and creates tender bratwurst.

Cons: Takes longer than other methods and may result in less crispy skin. It can be messy if not careful.

Boiling Bratwurst

Boiling is a popular method for cooking brats, especially since it’s quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:

Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the brats.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the brats and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about boiling brats

You can add beer or broth to the water for added flavor.
For more tender brats, you can pierce them with a fork before boiling.

Boiling Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick, easy, and convenient.

Cons: Results in less flavor compared to other methods. Can be messy if not careful.

Grilling Bratwurst (Electric Grill)

Nothing beats the smoky flavor of grilled brats on a warm summer day. But grilling isn’t limited to just outdoor cooking; you can also use an electric grill for a quick and flavorful meal. Follow these steps:

Preheat your electric grill to medium-high heat.
Place the brats on the heated grill, leaving some space between each one.
Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about grilling brats on an electric grill

You can brush the brats with oil or butter for crisper skin.
For added flavor, you can marinate the brats beforehand.

Grilling Bratwurst (Electric Grill) Pros and Cons

Pros: Results in smoky, flavorful brats. Quick and easy to clean up.

Cons: Requires an electric grill and may result in less crispy skin compared to traditional grilling methods.

Air Fryer Instructions for Brats

Enjoy healthier brats by cooking them in an air fryer, using less oil but maintaining taste. Follow these steps:

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Lightly coat the brats with oil or cooking spray.
Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are fully cooked and browned on the outside.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about cooking brats in an air fryer

You can use any type of oil or cooking spray, but we recommend using one with a high smoke point like avocado oil.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle herbs and spices on the brats before cooking.

Air Fryer Instructions for Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Healthier option with less oil, quick and easy to clean up.

Cons: Requires an air fryer and may result in less crispy skin compared to other methods.

Broiling Brats

Quick and easy, broiling gives your brats a nice, crispy finish. Broiling is a cooking technique where food is cooked directly under high heat. Here’s how to broil brats to perfection:

Preheat your broiler.
Place the brats on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and place it under the broiler, about 6-8 inches away from the heat source.
Broil for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about broiling brats

You can brush the brats with oil or butter for crisper skin.
For added flavor, you can add sliced onions and peppers on top of the brats before broiling.

Broiling Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick, easy, and results in crispy bratwurst. Requires minimal cleanup.

Cons: It may result in less flavor than other methods, which is why it’s not recommended for thicker brats.

Slow cook Brats

Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Slowcooking brats is perfect for busy days, and it’s a great way to achieve tender, juicy bratwurst. Follow these steps:

Place the brats in your slow cooker.
Add any flavorings like herbs, spices, or vegetables.
Pour in enough beer or broth to cover the brats.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about slow-cooking brats

You can use any flavorful liquid like beer, broth, or even apple juice.
For added flavor, you can brown the brats in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.

Slow cook Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Results in tender, flavorful bratwurst with minimal effort.

Cons: Takes longer than other methods and may result in less crispy skin. May require additional prep work, such as browning beforehand.

Boiled brats seved in buns with onions and mustard

Instant Pot Brats

Save time with the Instant Pot method, where taste meets convenience. If you do not know what an Instant Pot is, it’s a multi-functional pressure cooker that can cook food quickly. If you do not have an Instant Pot, you can use any electric pressure cooker.

Here’s how to make brats in an Instant Pot:

Turn on the sauté mode and add some oil.
Once heated, add the brats and brown them on all sides.
Add any flavorings like herbs, spices, or vegetables.
Pour in enough beer or broth to cover the brats.
Close and lock the lid, then set the pressure release valve to sealing.
Press the “manual” button and adjust the cooking time to 10-15 minutes on high pressure.
Once done, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about cooking brats in an Instant Pot

You can use any flavorful liquid like beer, broth, or even apple juice.
For added flavor, you can brown the brats in a pan before adding them to the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick and easy with minimal cleanup. Results in tender and flavorful bratwurst.

Cons: Requires an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. May result in less crispy skin compared to other methods.

Frying Brats

Nothing beats the classic taste of a well-fried bratwurst. Frying brats is also a quick and easy option, especially if you do not have access to a grill. Follow these steps for perfectly fried brats:

Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.
Once hot, add the brats to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
Use tongs to turn them occasionally.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about frying brats

You can use any type of oil, but we recommend using one with a high smoke point like avocado or vegetable oil.
For added flavor, you can add sliced onions and peppers to the pan while cooking the brats.

Frying Brats Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick and easy with minimal cleanup. Results in a classic, flavorful bratwurst.

Cons: Requires oil and may result in a greasier end product compared to other methods. May also require flipping or turning more often for even cooking.

Grilling Brats (Gas Grill)

Experience the deliciousness of a traditionally grilled bratwurst. Grilling brats on a gas grill is a popular and simple method that results in perfectly cooked, flavorful brats. Follow these steps:

Preheat your gas grill to medium heat.
Place the brats on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about grilling brats on a gas grill

You can brush the brats with oil or butter for added flavor and to prevent sticking.
For added flavor, you can marinate the brats beforehand or add sliced onions and peppers on top while grilling.

Grilling Brats on a Gas Grill Pros and Cons

Pros: Results in flavorful, crispy bratwurst with minimal effort.

Cons: Requires access to a gas grill and may result in flare-ups or uneven cooking if not monitored carefully. May also require flipping or turning more often for even cooking.

Grilling Brats (Charcoal Grill)

For that smoky, char-grilled flavor, try grilling brats on a charcoal grill. This method takes a bit longer but is worth the wait for the delicious results. Here’s how to do it:

Heat up your charcoal grill and let the coals get hot.
Place the brats on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about grilling brats on a charcoal grill

You can add wood chips for extra smokiness and flavor.
For added flavor, you can marinate the brats beforehand or add sliced onions and peppers on top while grilling.

Grilling Brats on a Charcoal Grill Pros and Cons

Pros: Results in smoky, flavorful bratwurst with crispy skin.

Cons: Takes longer than other methods and requires access to a charcoal grill. Requires more attention and skill to maintain the right temperature throughout cooking. May also result in uneven cooking if not monitored carefully.

Sous Vide Bratwurst

Sous vide cooking is a method where food is sealed in an airtight bag and cooked in a temperature-controlled water bath. This results in perfectly cooked and juicy bratwurst every time.

Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your water bath to 160°F (71°C).
Place the brats in an airtight bag, and add any desired seasonings or flavorings.
Cook the brats in the water bath for 1-2 hours.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove from the water bath and sear on a hot pan or grill for a few minutes to give them a crispy exterior.
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips about cooking brats sous vide

You can use any desired seasonings or flavorings, such as herbs, spices, and marinades.
For an extra crispy exterior, you can also broil the brats in the oven for a few minutes after searing.
Know that if your brats are frozen, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

Sous Vide Bratwurst Pros and Cons

Pros: Results in perfectly cooked, juicy bratwurst with minimal effort. Allows for precise control of cooking temperature and time.

Cons: Requires a sous vide machine or immersion circulator. Takes longer than other methods. This may result in less crispy skin compared to other methods.

photo of brats in grill and text : How to Cook Brats - 12 Cooking Methods for the Best Results

As you can see, we have 12 ways you can enjoy your bratwurst. You can choose the method that suits you best depending on your preferences, equipment availability, and time constraints. Remember, no matter which method you choose, always cook your brats to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

So go ahead and try out these different cooking methods for delicious and satisfying bratwurst every time! Have any other tips or tricks for cooking brats? Let us know in the comments below. Happy cooking!