Perfect Grilled Bratwurst: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe
Looking for a simple, fast, and flavorful dish for your summer gatherings? This easy recipe for grilled bratwurst sausages is the perfect choice. Enjoy it during the summer months and beyond!
If you’re firing up the grill to feed a crowd, you can’t beat the ease and delicious flavor of grilled bratwurst!
Bratwurst, often simply called “brats,” is a German sausage typically made with a combination of pork and veal. You can also find beef brats or a blend of beef and pork.
These sausages are exceptionally flavorful, thanks to a delightful combination of spices. Common spices include cilantro, nutmeg, marjoram, caraway, and ginger, creating a unique and satisfying taste.
Grilled bratwurst is an easy, quick, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues, camping trips, and even quick weeknight dinners!
Why Bratwurst is the Ultimate Summer Grilling Food
Delicious brats are the perfect choice for summer grilling because they are:
- Easy: They come ready to grill, straight from the package!
- Fast & Fuss-Free: Just 15-20 minutes on the grill, with minimal effort besides flipping, and they’re ready to enjoy.
- Flavorful: Each bratwurst sausage is packed with aromatic herbs and spices, offering a rich and satisfying taste.
Ingredient Notes for Perfect Grilled Bratwurst
This bratwurst recipe uses just a few simple ingredients:
- Bratwurst: Choose your favorite store-bought uncooked brats. Buying in bulk, such as at Costco, often provides great flavor at a lower cost.
- Oil: Use a neutral cooking oil to lightly coat the grill grates, preventing the brats from sticking.
How to Cook Bratwurst on a Gas Grill
Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly grilled bratwurst every time. For more detailed instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
Grilling Brats on a Gas Grill: The Preferred Method
Many home cooks prefer using a gas grill, and we agree that gas grills offer the best cooking method for brats due to consistent heat distribution. We regularly use our Weber propane grill to make brats, and this method consistently delivers excellent results.
Start by lightly brushing your grill grates with oil to prevent sticking, then preheat your gas grill to medium-low heat (300 to 350°F).
- Carefully place the raw brats onto the preheated grill. For visually appealing results, position the brats across the grill grates to create attractive sear marks on each side.
- Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 5 minutes. Then, use a pair of tongs to carefully flip the brats over. Repeat this process at least twice, grilling the brats for a total of about 15-20 minutes.
- Continue flipping the brats regularly until the casings turn a nice charred golden brown color all over and they are fully cooked.
Bratwurst are considered fully cooked when a meat thermometer inserted into the center of a bratwurst registers an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Recipe FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
How do I cook brats on a charcoal grill?
To cook brats on a charcoal grill, create a two-zone grilling setup: one side with the charcoal coals and one side without. Start by placing the brats over indirect heat, the cooler side of the grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally. Then, move them to the hot side of the grill for about 5 minutes, until they get a nice char on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
What’s the difference between bratwurst and hot dogs?
Bratwurst is a German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with spices like nutmeg, ginger, and caraway. Hot dogs are American sausages made from finely ground meat (usually beef or pork) and are more simply seasoned, often with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Want to add even extra flavor to your bratwurst?
Make beer brats! Simmer the bratwursts in a pot with enough beer to cover them, along with sliced onions and a bit of butter, for about 15-20 minutes. Then grill the brats according to the recipe directions.
What’s the best way to store leftover bratwurst?
Allow the meat to cool down, then store in an airtight container or wrap in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How do I keep the bratwurst from bursting on the grill?
Low, even heat is the key to perfect brats! If your grill is too hot, the high heat is usually the cause of bratwurst that bursts or splits during cooking.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Bratwurst
Another great reason to make bratwurst is that they pair perfectly with a wide variety of side dishes!
Try serving them over sautéed peppers and onions for a classic summertime combination.
Or, enjoy brats served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or flavorful garlic rice.
You can also slice up the brats and toss them into butternut squash mac and cheese or combine them with paprika pasta for a satisfying and hearty pasta dish.
For a simple and classic approach, serve them in a hot dog bun with brown mustard and your favorite toppings.
Wine Pairings for Grilled Bratwurst
Grilled bratwurst, with its rich, savory flavors, pairs well with both white and red wines. Here are two excellent recommendations:
- Riesling: An off-dry Riesling’s crisp acidity and slight sweetness can complement the savory, smoky flavors of grilled sausage beautifully. The high acidity helps cut through the richness, and the subtle sweetness balances any spiciness from the bratwurst.
- Beaujolais: A light-bodied Beaujolais-Villages or a Cru Beaujolais offers bright acidity, low tannins, and fresh red fruit flavors that pair deliciously with grilled bratwurst.
Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Grilling Bratwurst
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the key kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:
- Gas grill
- Kitchen tongs
- Meat thermometer
More Grilling Recipes to Try
- Filipino Pork BBQ
- Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Low Country Boil Foil Packets
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Grilled Bratwurst Recipe
The easiest and most delicious way to grill bratwurst perfectly every time!
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 8 Bratwurst sausages
- Oil, for grilling
Instructions:
- Preheat your gas grill to medium-low heat (300-350°F) and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Place the raw bratwurst onto the grill. For best results, position the brats across the grill grates for optimal sear marks.
- Cover the grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes. Use tongs to flip the brats over. Repeat this flipping process several times, grilling for a total of 15-20 minutes.
- Continue flipping the brats regularly until the casings turn a rich, charred golden brown color and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- For the best sear marks, place brats diagonally across the grill grates.
- Keep the heat low to prevent casings from splitting.
Storage: Allow cooked bratwurst to cool completely, then wrap in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 293kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 65mg, Sodium: 744mg, Potassium: 306mg, Vitamin A: 5IU, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and based on available data.