Grilling bratwurst is a favorite summer pastime for many, but knowing exactly how long to bbq brats can be tricky. With the right techniques and timing, you can make perfect grilled brats at home. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master grilling bratwurst, from prep to cook time.
An Introduction to Bratwurst
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal and seasoned aggressively with spices like nutmeg, ginger, and coriander. The word “brat” comes from the German word “braten,” meaning “to roast or grill.”
There are many varieties of bratwurst, but the most common in the United States are:
- Pork: The most popular and widely available brat in the US. Generally made from ground pork and seasoned simply.
- Veal: More delicate than pork brats with a subtle veal flavor.
- Beef: Robustly flavored from the beef and bold spice blends.
- Turkey or chicken: Lower fat options, though the flavor isn’t as rich.
Brats are fully cooked sausages but taste best when grilled, fried, or roasted over high heat. The char and caramelization adds great depth of flavor. Pre-cooking also allows them to be heated through on the grill quickly.
Benefits of Grilling Brats
There are a few reasons why grilling is one of the best ways to cook bratwurst:
- Flavor: The char and smoke from grilling adds delicious flavor you just can’t replicate otherwise.
- Browning: Grilling lets you brown and caramelize the outside for texture and taste.
- Cooks quickly: Since brats are fully cooked, they just need to be heated through on the grill.
- Fun: Grilling brats is a quintessential summer activity perfect for gatherings.
- Minimal cleanup: Grilling contains the mess, with easy cleanup of the grill grates after.
Overall, the high dry heat of grilling is ideal for creating delicious char-grilled brats bursting with flavor.
How Long to Grill Bratwurst
So how long should you actually grill bratwurst to ensure it’s cooked through without drying out? There are a few factors to consider:
Grill Temperature
- High heat (450-550°F): 4-8 minutes, turning occasionally
- Medium heat (350-450°F): 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally
- Low heat (250-350°F): 12-18 minutes, turning occasionally
The hotter the grill, the less time needed. High heat is best for getting browning and char while cooking through quickly.
Brats Thickness
- Thin brats (1-2 inches diameter): Grill for 4-12 minutes
- Thick brats (3+ inches diameter): Grill for 12-18 minutes
Thinner brats will cook faster than thick links. Make sure to adjust time accordingly.
Raw or Pre-Cooked
- Raw brats: 12-18 minutes grilling time
- Fully cooked brats: Just 4-8 minutes to heat through
Look for pre-cooked brats to save time on the grill. Raw sausages require more time to fully cook.
Grill Marks
For pretty grill marks, sear the brats over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side initially. Then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through.
Serving Size
Cook times are for fresh brats under a pound. For multiple pounds or pre-cooked reheating, extend time slightly.
Follow these guidelines based on your specific conditions to perfectly grill bratwurst every time.
How to Tell When Brats Are Done Grilling
The best ways to test if your brats are cooked:
- Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Firmness: Fully cooked brats will plump up and feel firm.
- Color: Look for browned exterior and slight red/pink interior.
- Cut into one: Check there is no pink meat left and juices run clear.
Err on the side of slightly underdone rather than overcooked. You can always put a brat back on the grill for a minute or two if needed.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Bratwurst
Follow these handy tips for grilling bratwurst like a pro:
1. Get the Right Gear
Having the proper grill tools makes cooking brats much easier:
- Tongs: Essential for turning sausages without piercing.
- Spatula: Helps keep brats contained when flipping.
- Instant-read thermometer: Checks for doneness.
- Aluminum foil: Creates foil packets or shields flare-ups.
- Grill basket: Allows flipping multiple brats at once.
2. Parboil Before Grilling
Some people prefer parboiling brats for 5-10 minutes before grilling. This cooks them partially, speeds grilling, and helps render fat.
But it’s not required. You can grill raw brats from fully frozen too.
3. Avoid Flare-Ups
If your grill is flaring up from fat drippings, move brats to the upper rack temporarily. You can also tent them with foil.
4. Grill Evenly
Make sure to arrange brats evenly across the grill grates. Rotate as needed for even exposure to heat.
5. Sear, Then Finish Indirect
Get gorgeous grill marks over direct heat, then move brats to indirect heat on the grill to finish cooking through.
6. Let Rest Before Serving
As with any grilled meat, let brats rest 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to reabsorb for maximum juiciness.
Common Grilling Mistakes
It’s easy to go wrong grilling bratwurst. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Grilling over too high heat that chars outside before inside cooks
- Undercooking and serving raw or cold center brats
- Puncturing sausages that allows juices to escape
- Overcrowding grill so brats steam rather than brown
- Letting flare-ups char brats into hockey pucks
- Cooking too long until brats are dried out
With the right techniques, timing, and temperature, you can avoid these issues.
What to Serve with Grilled Brats
Bratwurst taste great on a bun with favorite condiments and toppings. Some classic accompaniments include:
- Buns or rolls – bratwurst, hoagie, kaiser, potato
- Mustard – yellow, spicy brown, or Dijon
- Sauerkraut – provides tangy contrast
- Onions – grilled or raw
- Pickles – dill or bread and butter
- Pepper – fresh sliced jalapeños or bell peppers
- Cheese – cheddar, Swiss, provolone
- Chili – for a messier brat experience
- Coleslaw – crunchy topping
- Fried onion strings – for crunch
- Bacon – added smokiness and texture
Get creative mixing and matching toppings to complement the savory brats. Add sauerkraut and mustard for tradition or pile on the peppers, bacon and chili.
How Long Do Grilled Brats Last?
Like any perishable cooked meat, grilled brats are best eaten immediately but will keep for:
- At room temperature: 2 hours
- In the refrigerator: 3-4 days
- In the freezer: 2-3 months for best quality
Reheat leftover grilled bratwurst in the oven, skillet, or on the grill. Slice and add to eggs, nachos, pizza and more.
Proper storage will extend the shelf life but the texture will suffer over time. For maximum freshness and flavor, cook brats shortly before serving.
Grilled Brat Recipes to Try
Looking for inspiration? Here are some tasty brat recipes perfect for the grill:
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Brats
- Wrap cooked bratwurst in bacon and grill until bacon is crisp.
- Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during last few minutes.
Beer Boiled Brats
- Boil brats in beer, onions, garlic, and spices for flavor.
- Throw on grill briefly to char exterior.
Hawaiian Brats
- Top cooked brats with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce.
- Sprinkle with green onions.
Sautéed Onion and Mushroom Brats
- Sauté onions and mushrooms with butter and herbs.
- Keep warm and serve mixture on grilled brats.
Cream Cheese Jalapeño Brats
- Slit cooked brats lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff with spicy cream cheese spread.
Get creative with unique brat recipes to elevate your cookouts.
Grilling Bratwurst FAQs
Still have some questions? Here are answers to the most common grilling brat queries:
How do you keep brats from bursting on the grill?
- Use a lower direct heat rather than high heat.
- Vent brats by poking with a skewer or fork before grilling.
- Simmer in beer or broth before grilling.
Can you grill brats from frozen?
Yes, you can grill frozen brats without thawing first. Just increase grilling time and turn frequently. Monitor temperature.
What’s the best way to reheat grilled brats?
Slice and reheat in a skillet with a bit of water or broth. Or wrap in foil and reheat on grill on low, or in 300°F oven for 15 minutes.
Is it safe to eat the bratwurst casing?
Yes, the natural casings are edible. Many people prefer to peel them off before eating but it’s not hazardous if consumed.
How do you keep brats moist on the grill?
- Avoid overcooking.
- Baste with oil, butter, or broth during grilling.
- Finish over indirect heat instead of direct.
- Tent with foil to steam and retain moisture.
Should you boil brats before grilling?
You don’t have to parboil brats, but it helps render fat, partly cook, and infuse flavor from the boiling liquid.
Get Grilling Juicy Bratwurst!
Grilling flavorful bratwurst is easy and fun once you know how long to bbq brats based on temperature, thickness, pre-cooked or raw, and other factors. Avoid common mistakes like under or overcooking. Use flavorful recipes and toppings to take your grilled brats to the next level.
With this complete guide, you have all the tips and techniques for grilling bratwurst like a true pro. Get outside and start grilling up delicious char-grilled brats this summer! What’s your favorite way to enjoy grilled bratwurst?