Julie Clark
Updated:
How to Cook Bratwurst in the Oven
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Everything you need to know about how to cook bratwurst in the oven. It’s every bit as good as grilling and is ready in under 20 minutes.
Grilling season is quickly fading (for us midwesterners at least) but football and tailgating is just at the beginning. Game day food is my favorite part of football parties and fall picnics.
What happens when the weather is poor or you don’t have access to a grill? What is the best way to cook brats indoors? This is the guide you need. We’ll teach exactly how to get crispy, yet juicy brats, right in your oven. It’s an easy dinner idea for any type of year.
Why this recipe works:
Grilled brats are amazing because they get a crispy char on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Our method for brats in the oven works because we cook them at a high temperature and then broil them at the end. This gives them that charred look you know and love in a bratwurst.
Can I cook a bratwurst in the oven?
Yes, you can and should bake bratwurst in the oven. It’s a great method for beer brats, Italian sausages and even kielbasa.
What temp should brats be baked at?
You’ll find varying articles about what temperature brats should be cooked at, ranging from 350ºF up to 425ºF.
I like roasting foods in the oven at high temperatures so that they cook quickly and get a little crispy on the outsides. I do this with oven roasted red potatoes. If you haven’t tried them, you’re missing out on a delicious side dish recipe.
For that reason, I choose 425ºF as the optimal temperature for baking brats.
How to Cook Bratwurst in the Oven
Johnsonville brats are the most common and very popular type of pork brat in the US. There are other brats that contain not only pork, but also beef and veal. Choose any flavor of those or whatever your favorite brand is. Many times we pick up the store brand and they are every bit as good.
- Preheat oven to 425º Fahrenheit.
- Cover a rimmed sheet pan (with at least 1” edges) with parchment paper. You can also use a 9×13 casserole dish or even a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a rimmed baking sheet. The parchment paper (or aluminum foil) allows for easy clean-up.
- Place the bratwurst on the prepared pan with at least 1” space between.
- Bake brats for 8 minutes, then flip the brats and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Cooking time can vary based on the size of the brats, ovens and types of baking pans, so always check the internal temperature of the brats (details below).
- Set the oven to high broil (the pan should be on the center oven rack, not too close to the top). Broil on high for 3 minutes.
How do you know when brats are fully cooked?
According to the USDA, brats are fully cooked when the internal temperature has reached 160ºF. You can test the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the brat.
my favorite meat thermometer
We LOVE our Thermoworks ThermaPen to quickly test meat temperatures. This probe thermometer is AMAZING. Get it here.
What to Serve with Bratwurst
Bratwursts are traditionally served on brat buns or hot dog buns. Many times they are loaded with onions, mustard or sauerkraut. Here are some options for how to top your bratwurst sandwiches and sides to serve with bratwurst that will enhance and compliment the flavors of the brats.
Condiments
- Mustard. You can use any type of mustard, but a hearty stone ground brown mustard is my favorite.
- Ketchup
- Relish
- Grilled onions
- Chili sauce. This is such an amazing combination.
- Cheese sauce.
- Creamy coleslaw. Or even a pineapple coleslaw would be delish.
- Sauerkraut.
Sides
Consider these side dishes to serve with bratwurst:
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover brats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Next, learn how to cook kielbasa!
How to Cook Bratwurst in the Oven
Everything you need to know about how to cook bratwurst in the oven. It's every bit as good as grilling and is ready in under 20 minutes.
Servings 5
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 uncooked bratwurst
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425º Fahrenheit.
- Cover a rimmed baking sheet (with at least 1” edges) with parchment paper.
- Place the bratwurst on the prepared pan with at least 1” space between.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then flip the brats and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
- Set the oven to high broil (the pan should be on the center rack of the oven, not too close to the top). Broil on high for 3 minutes.
- The brats should have an internal temperature of 160ºF.
- Serve on toasted buns with sauerkraut and over favorite toppings.
Notes
If you’re cooking the brats with other veggies in the pan, they’ll need 20 to 25 minutes. When cooked by themselves, the bratwurst cook in just 15 minutes.
Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks.
The calories shown are based on the recipe making 5 bratwurst, with 1 serving being 1 brat. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 558mg | Potassium: 230mg | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use this method with Italian sausage links?
Yes! This works well with Italian sausage, too.
Delicious. This is a great quick way to get dinner on the table. I will make this recipe again.
We had the bratwurst. the best way to cook. For years I cooked on top of stove. Never again the oven is the way to go.