How to Grill Brats
Summer grilling is here, which means it’s time to learn how to grill brats! There are a variety of ways, but when it comes down to it, the process is so simple, anyone can do it! This post outlines how to grill brats as well as some delicious summer side dishes to go with them!
There is nothing better than the smell of grilled food anytime of the year if you ask me. We are always grilling over here! I love being outside while cooking dinner, watching the kids run around until dusk!
Bratwursts have become a favorite around here. It’s a like step up from hot dogs and always reminds us of the state fair. Hmmm, grilled anything really makes the perfect ending to a summer evening, doesn’t it?!
There are a variety of different methods to grill those delicious juicy brats depending on if you have a propane grill or charcoal grill. I do not think there is any best way, just preferred methods! I will share some below along with what works best for our family!
Using fresh sausage is the best for grilling brats! You can use a german sausage, or make your own beer brats if you want! You can find a good beer brats recipe online easily!
We love to get ours from a local butcher, but you easily find great ones ready to grill at your local grocery store. There are different flavors you can choose from at the store! Don’t forget to grab a few hot dogs to throw on the grill with your brats!
When I am are done grilling the meat, if I have time I like to put a little butter on our brat buns and give them a good little toasty grill! Adds just a little extra to our grilled bratwursts that it is worth the extra few minutes!
Do you have to boil Brats before grilling?
This question is one I get all the time, do you boil your brats before you grill them? There are a few reasons to boil them before you grill, one of them being, it just saves time! Because boiling the brats before grilling will assure they are wholly cooked before actually crisping up on the grill, you won’t waste time checking your fresh brats to see if they are fully cooked.
Another plus is it also allows all the delicious juices to stay inside while the casing gets brown and crispy on the grill giving extra flavor to those perfectly cooked brats.
Additionally allowing your brats to fully cook in water before transferring to the grill, this will also help the casting not split open. Once you have boiled them, place them on the grill for about a minute to cook before turning. This will help the casting not split giving you flavorful tasting bratwursts!
To boil them, just slip the uncooked bratwurst sausages into a pot of water on medium-high heat. You will let them cook at a low boil for about 7-8 minutes, and then promptly put them on your grill grates, grilling to perfection.
How do you grill uncooked Brats?
So, if you are not boiling your brats before grilling, you can still easily manage to grill the raw brats on your grill! Uncooked fresh bratwursts may be cooked directly on the grill over medium heat for 18-25 minutes or until no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees fahrenheit. I like to watch them carefully and turn frequently with a pair of tongs to avoid overcooking.
Be sure to avoid the urge to cut into or prick the grilled bratwurst with a fork or sharp object. You want to allow the juices to stay in so you can enjoy those delicious brats. As you are grilling you can set the grilled brats to the side of your grill or place in an aluminum pan and cover with aluminum foil until ready to enjoy!
How do you cook Brats on a grill?
- Preheat grill to 350 degrees F
- Place brats (precooked or boiled) directly on the hot grill and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping them about every 5 minutes
- Try not to poke or pierce with a sharp object to keep juices inside.
- Remove brats from the grill and rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before serving
Do you close the grill when grilling Brats?
I like to keep the grill lid up so I can watch the sausages closely. Since brats can vary in size, thickness, density, and juiciness, each batch will cook a little bit differently, so leaving the lid up can allow you to watch them carefully.
Other ways to cook Brats
There are different ways to cook your brats if you don’t want to break out the grill. After boiling them, you can brown them over medium-low heat in your cast-iron skillet. Be sure to lightly coat your pan with some olive oil for a nice sear on those delicious brats—it won’t take much time to brown them right up!
You can also use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to cook bratwurst. You will add your uncooked brats, 1 sliced onion, beer (or chicken stock or white grape juice), and 1/2 of a stick of butter cut into cubes. Make sure the liquid you choose is just covering the meat. Bring the beer bath or liquid of choice to a slow boil, turn the heat to medium-low, and simmer the bratwurst for 10 minutes.
I am sure you could even try your air fryer for the perfect brats! Set your air fryer to 350 degrees and lay the brats in a single layer on the bottom of the sprayed container. Allow to cook for 12-15 minutes flipping half way through!
What are some of your favorite toppings to add to your grilled brats? My kids love the traditional ground mustard and the occasional relish topping! I know there are a variety of condiments that can really enhance the bratwurst’s flavor!
Here are a few traditional choices below, but be sure to let me know in the comments some others because we always love to try new things!
Favorite Condiments to add to your Bratwursts
- Diced Red Onions
- Cheese
- Sweet Relish
- Dill Relish
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Saute Mushrooms
- Chili
- Coleslaw
- Sauerkraut
Side Dish Ideas
As you are heating up the grill, don’t forget at add your sides to your bratwurst meal! Traditionally, people love a good sauerkraut piled with their brats! Did you know you can easily make this on your own using cabbage, salt, water, and a glass jar?!
It’s so simple and such a great probiotic to have on hand! But that will have to be another post for another time…back to our bratwursts…
Besides a side of sauerkraut, there are other delicious options to beef up your supper! Here are some of our favorites!
This season, as you fire up the grill and throw those juicy bratwursts and hot dogs on the grill, don’t forget that this is one of the simplest main dishes to grill! Your meal will be ready to eat in just minutes! I love throwing together a quick potato salad or pasta salad to go with this favorite grilled supper!
We adore these precious nights together eating and sharing a meal as a family. Nothing beats knowing your babies’ bellies are full and satisfied as you enjoy these moments together! Happy Grilling!
