If you love the taste of grilled brats, there’s nothing like knowing just how long to cook brats on grill so they come out perfectly each time. Grilled bratwursts are a favorite for backyard barbecues and summer get-togethers due to their smoky, juicy flavor when done right. In this blog post we’ll explore how long to cook brats on grill in order to achieve that ultimate juiciness and memorable flavor. Let’s learn some pro tips on how best to approach this tasty treat!
Something about Bratwurst (Brats)
One of the best grilled dishes around has to be bratwursts! Not only are they succulent and juicy, they only take minutes to cook over a hot flame.
What is Bratwurst?
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage traditionally made from pork, veal, or beef. The name is derived from the Old High German Brätwurst, from brät-, finely chopped meat, and Wurst, sausage, although in modern German it is often associated with the verb braten, to pan fry or roast. (Souce: Wikipedia)
It is coarsely chopped and seasoned with a variety of spices like caraway, ginger, nutmeg, coriander, garlic, marjoram and pepper. Bratwurst is usually served hot off the grill or boiled and then grilled. It is often served with German-style sauerkraut, potatoes, or a variety of other accompaniments. Bratwurst is popular in Germany and throughout Europe, but it has also become quite popular in the United States as well.
In fact, many cities around the globe now have their own regional version of bratwurst, making it an incredibly popular and diverse dish. Bratwurst is a great way to experience the unique flavors of Germany in your own kitchen.
There are a few different methods for cooking bratwurst, but grilling is definitely the most popular way to enjoy these sausages. When done correctly, grilled brats should be slightly charred on the outside with a juicy, flavorful inside.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or something more elaborate for a special occasion, bratwurst can provide you with a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Difference between Brat and Other Sausage
Bratwurst is distinguished from other sausages in that it is typically made with ground pork or a combination of pork and beef, along with spices like nutmeg, caraway, ginger, marjoram, coriander and pepper. In comparison to other sausages, bratwurst tends to be coarser in texture and more heavily spiced.
It is also unique in that it is usually served hot off the grill or after being boiled and then grilled, rather than smoked like other sausages. As such, bratwurst has become a popular favorite among diners around the world.
The flavor of Bratwurst depends largely on the ingredients used and how it is prepared. Generally, it has a savory flavor that is slightly sweet with hints of garlic and herbs. The texture can range from finely ground to coarsely chopped, depending on the type of bratwurst being made.
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The right temperature to grill bratwurst
When it comes to grilling bratwursts, the key is to keep the heat low and slow. You want to cook them slowly over indirect heat so that they don’t burn on the outside before they’ve had a chance to cook through. Cook them until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C) as measured by a food thermometer.
Factors Influencing Brats Grilling Time
The time it takes to grill bratwurst usually depends on the thickness of the brats, the temperature of the grill, equipment and how hot it is.
- Thickness of the brats: The thicker the brats, the longer it will take to cook.
- Temperature of the grill: Grilling at a high temperature can speed up cooking time but also increases the risk of burning.
- Equipment and how hot it is: If you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, the heat can be controlled better to ensure that the brats are cooked through without burning.
How long to cook brats on grill?
Bratwurst can be grilled anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 minutes depending on the size, heat and cooking method used.
Bratwurst can also be boiled or steamed, just like other sausages. Boiling bratwurst takes around 10 minutes and steaming takes around 15 to 20 minutes. No matter which cooking method you choose, it is important to make sure the sausage is cooked through before serving. It should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s considered done.
>> See more: How long to Boil Brats
Brats Grilling Time by Thickness:
- 1/2-inch thick: 10 minutes
- 3/4-inch thick: 12 minutes
- 1 inch thick: 15 minutes
- 1 1/2 inch thick: 20 minutes.
Brats Grilling Brats Time by Temperature:
How long to grill brats at:
- Low heat (250°F): 20 minutes
- Medium-low heat (325°F): 15 minutes
- Medium heat (350°F): 12 minutes
- High heat (400°F): 10 minutes.
Brats Grilling Time by Equipment:
- Gas Grill: 10 minutes
- Charcoal Grill: 15 minutes
- Smoker: 20 minutes
>> See more:
How long does it take to grill frozen brats?
If you’re using frozen brats, it’s best to precook them before grilling. This will help ensure that they cook through without burning on the outside. To boil frozen brats, simply place them in a pot of simmering water and cook for 15 minutes. Remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the grill. Grill for an additional 10-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
How to tell if grilled brats are done?
To make sure your brats are cooked through, use a food thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). If you don’t have a thermometer handy, you can also check for doneness by giving them a gentle squeeze. Cooked brats should be firm to the touch — if they’re too soft, they need to cook for a few more minutes.
Expert tips when grilling brats
- Start by soaking the brats in beer: Before grilling your brats, you should soak them in a mixture of beer and water for about an hour. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the brats.
- Use tongs to turn the brats: To avoid any tearing of the link casing, use tongs to turn the brats instead of a fork.
- Grill over indirect heat: To avoid burning the brats, cook them over low-medium indirect heat and move them around occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until an internal temperature of 160 degrees is reached: Before serving, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the brat to make sure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
- Let the brats rest after grilling: After grilling, let the brats sit for about five minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the links before serving. This will help keep the brats moist and juicy.
- Clean your grill properly: Once you are finished grilling, make sure to clean the grill properly. This will help reduce the chance of rust forming and will ensure your brats are cooked to perfection every time.
- Use a thermometer when grilling: While it is not necessary to use a thermometer when grilling brats, using one can help to ensure you don’t overcook your brats and helps to prevent any food-borne illnesses.
- Don’t forget to have fun: Grilling is meant to be fun, so don’t forget to enjoy it! Take a break from the heat and gather around the grill with friends and family for a delicious meal.
How do you grill brats without boiling them?
If you don’t want to precook your brats in boiling water before grilling, don’t worry — it’s still possible to achieve perfectly cooked brats without boiling. Simply set up a two-zone fire on your grill and place the bratwursts over the indirect heat. Cover with a lid or foil and cook until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Keep in mind that it will take longer to cook brats this way, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
How to store and reheat grilled brats?
If you have leftover grilled brats, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or on the grill over low heat until they’re warmed through.
When it comes to grilling bratwursts, the key is to keep the heat low and slow. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have perfectly cooked brats every time. Enjoy them on a bun with your favorite toppings or straight off the grill!
What do you serve with grilled brats?
Brats are traditionally served on buns with sauerkraut and your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise.
In addition, Grilled brats pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as hot German potato salad, roasted vegetables, or crunchy coleslaw. For a complete meal, serve them up with some crusty bread and butter and your favorite accompaniments.
Common mistakes when smoking brats to avoid
When smoking brats, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes:
- Make sure that your smoker is preheated to the correct temperature and avoid over-smoking the brat as this can make it dry.
- Be sure not to stack too many wood chips at once as this can lead to an unpleasant smoky flavor.
- Be sure not to let the internal temperature of the brat exceed 165F (74C). Following these simple tips will help you achieve a perfectly smoked and juicy brat every time.
Best Grilled Brats Recipes
1. Beer-Basted Grilled Brats: Start with high-quality bratwurst and simmer them in a mixture of beer, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic and brown sugar. Then finish off the brats on the grill until they are lightly charred and juicy. Serve them with your favorite condiments for a perfect summertime meal.
2. Grilled Apple Brats: Start by simmering bratwurst in apple cider and onions until they’re almost cooked through. Then, finish them off on the grill with a combination of brown sugar, honey and apple butter to create a sweet glaze that caramelizes on the brats. Serve with your favorite accompaniments for a tasty meal that’s perfect for fall!
3. Spicy Grilled Brats: Simmer bratwurst in beer and spicy mustard until almost cooked through, then finish them off on the grill. For an extra kick, sprinkle cayenne pepper, paprika or chili powder on the brats as they cook. Serve with your favorite condiments for a quick and easy meal that packs a punch!
4. Grilled Cheddar Brats: For cheesy- goodness, simmer bratwurst in beer and Worcestershire sauce until almost cooked through. Then finish them off on the grill and top with sliced cheddar cheese. Serve with your favorite condiments for a delicious meal that is sure to be a hit!
5. Grilled Hawaiian Brats: Start by simmering bratwurst in teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice until they’re almost cooked through. Then, finish them off on the grill and top with grilled pineapple slices. Serve with your favorite accompaniments for a sweet and tangy meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs How long to grill brats
How long should you let brats rest after grilling?
Once you have cooked your brats to an internal temperature of 165F (74C), it is important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will give the juices time to redistribute and ensure they are juicy and flavorful when served.
How long to grill brats at 350F (177C)?
At a temperature of 350F (177C), brats should be grilled for 15 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 10-15 minutes until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Use a food thermometer to check the doneness.
How long to grill brats at 400F (204C)?
It is recommended to grill brats at a lower temperature, between 350 and 375F (177-190C). Grill them for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C) as measured by a food thermometer.
How long to cook brats on grill at 450?
It is not recommended to grill brats at a temperature of 450F (232C) as this can cause them to burn on the outside before they are cooked through. Keep the heat lower and slower, between 350-375F (177-190C). Grill for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
How long to grill Johnsonville brats?
Johnsonville brats should be grilled for 10 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 10-15 minutes until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). As with all meat, use a food thermometer to check the doneness.
How do you cook brats on a gas grill?
When grilling brats on a gas grill, it’s important to keep the heat low and slow. You’ll want to cook them over indirect heat and cover them with a lid. This will give you perfectly cooked brats without burning the outside before they’ve had a chance to cook through.
Be sure to preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before adding the brats. This will ensure that the grates are hot enough to give you those perfect grill marks. Finally, don’t forget to use a food thermometer and cook the brats until they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
How long do you grill brats on a charcoal grill?
The cooking time for brats on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the heat of the coals. Generally, it’s best to cook them over low heat and keep the lid closed while grilling. Grill them for 10 minutes, then flip and cook until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Do you grill brats with the lid open or closed?
When grilling brats on a gas or charcoal grill, it’s best to keep the lid closed. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don’t burn before they have had a chance to cook through. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness and be sure not to overcook them.
Do you flip brats on the grill?
Yes, it is important to flip brats on the grill. Grill them for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Use a food thermometer to check for doneness before serving.
Should you poke holes in brats before grilling?
No, it is not necessary to poke holes in brats before grilling. Just be sure to cook them over low heat so they don’t burn and keep the lid closed while grilling.
Is it okay if brats are a little pink?
Raw or undercooked brats can carry bacteria that can make you sick, so it is important to ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165F (74C). If your brats are still a little pink in the middle after grilling, be sure to cook them for longer and check with a food thermometer.
If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can also check the brats by cutting into one and making sure there is no pink in the center.
Do you soak brats before grilling?
Soaking brats in beer, wine or other liquid prior to grilling is not necessary. Simply season them as desired and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, then flip and cook until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Conclusion
Grilling brats is a great way to enjoy summer flavors all year long. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll know exactly how long to cook brats on grill so they come out perfectly cooked every time. Whether you prefer them on a bun or straight off the grill, you can’t go wrong with a plate full of grilled brats and your favorite sides! Enjoy!
Leslie Fowler is the founder of Rhythm Cafe, a barbecue restaurant with over 15 years of experience. Leslie is an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert, specializing in smoking briskets and pork shoulders on charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers. Leslie has also tried out almost every model of kitchen appliance available on the market, making her an authority on grills and smokers.