Grilling brats is a beloved summertime tradition that brings friends and family together around the smoky, savory aroma of juicy sausages sizzling on the grill. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook brats on the grill to get that perfect balance of caramelized exterior and juicy interior, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grill brats like a pro, from preparation to serving.
Why Grill Brats?
Bratwurst, or “brats,” are flavorful German-style sausages that shine when grilled. The grill imparts a smoky char while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Grilling also allows you to customize your brats with tasty toppings and sides, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.
What You’ll Need
– Fresh bratwurst sausages (choose quality brats with a good fat-to-lean ratio)
– A grill (gas, charcoal, or electric)
– Tongs for flipping
– Cooking oil or non-stick spray
– Meat thermometer (for checking doneness)
– Optional: beer, onions, buns, and condiments
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Brats on the Grill
1. Prep Your Brats and Grill
Start by taking your brats out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling to let them come to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly without splitting. If you want, you can lightly score the brats with shallow diagonal cuts to prevent bursting during cooking.
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Make sure to clean the grates and brush them with oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray to keep the brats from sticking.
2. Optional: Beer Bath for Extra Flavor
For a classic touch, you can simmer your brats in beer with sliced onions before grilling. Place a pan on the grill, melt some butter, sauté onions until translucent, then add beer and bring to a simmer. Add the brats and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This step infuses the brats with extra flavor and keeps them juicy.
3. Grill the Brats
Place the brats directly on the grill grates with some space between each. Close the lid and let them cook slowly over medium heat. Grill for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 4 to 5 minutes to get an even caramelized crust on all sides.
4. Check for Doneness
The key to perfect brats is cooking them to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the sausage. Once they reach this temperature, they’re safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
5. Toast the Buns (Optional)
While the brats finish cooking, place your buns on the grill for a minute or two to toast lightly. This adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess once you add your toppings.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Brats
– Cook low and slow: Medium heat prevents the casing from bursting and ensures the inside cooks through without drying out.
– Turn often: Frequent flipping helps develop an even, golden-brown crust.
– Don’t pierce the brats: Avoid poking holes before or during grilling to keep juices locked inside.
– Use tongs, not forks: This prevents piercing the sausage and losing moisture.
– Experiment with flavors: Try beer-braising, adding onions, or topping with sauerkraut, mustard, or cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled brats are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with classic sides and toppings:
– Sauerkraut or caramelized onions
– Mustard (spicy or yellow)
– Pickles and relish
– Potato salad or coleslaw
– Grilled peppers and onions
– Soft pretzel buns or classic hot dog buns
Grilling brats is simple, fun, and rewarding. With a little prep and attention to temperature, you’ll enjoy juicy, flavorful sausages with that perfect grilled char every time. So fire up the grill, invite your friends, and savor the taste of summer!
Perfectly grilled brats are just a few steps away – enjoy!