Julie Clark
Updated:
How to Cook Brats in the Oven (Crispy Skin, Juicy Center, 20 Min)
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To cook brats in the oven, bake raw bratwurst on a foil-lined rimmed sheet pan at 425ºF for 14 minutes. Flip half way through and broil on high for 3 minutes at the end. This is what gives you that lightly crisp skin and juicy middle, just like on the grill.
The broiler finish is not optional in our recipe. It does the job of the grill grates and browns the skin in just a few minutes.
Brats in the oven are the way to go for a quick dinner.
Grilling season is quickly fading (for us midwesterners at least) but football and tailgating is just at the beginning. Game day food like sausage balls, slow cooker chili, garlic mustard chicken and pulled pork baked potatoes 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 baked bratwurst recipe is what you need.
I’ll teach exactly how to get crispy, yet juicy oven baked brats. It’s an easy dinner idea for any time of year and goes perfectly with our mustard bbq sauce, cheese sauce and buffalo sauce.
So yes, you can and should bake brats in the oven. It’s a great method for beer brats, Italian sausages and even oven baked kielbasa.
Next, try our oven baked chicken legs, grilled pork chops and fried pork chops.
Enjoy! -Julie
How long do you cook brats in the oven?
Bake brats at the high temperature of 425ºF for just 14 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking and broil them for 3 minutes at the end. The internal temperature should read 160ºF.
If you’re oven is already set to a lower temperature for a side dish, use this chart.
| Oven Temp | Raw Brats | Notes |
| 350ºF | 25-30 minutes | Flip halfway. Broil 3 min at the end for color. |
| 375ºF | 20-25 minutes | Flip halfway. Broil 3 min at the end for color. |
| 400ºF | 18-22 minutes | Flip halfway. Broil 3 min at the end for color. |
| 425ºF (my method) | 14 minutes + 3 min broil | Fastest, best browning. |
| Precooked brats, 425ºF | 8-10 minutes | Heat to 165°F. Broil 2 min for color. |
| Frozen raw brats, 425ºF | 25-30 minutes | Flip halfway, then broil. Check for 160°F. |
Why 425°F? Higher heat cooks the brats through faster, so they spend less time in the oven. Thicker brats or a crowded pan may need 2 to 4 extra minutes before broiling. Always test the internal temperature with an internal probe thermometer.
How do you cook bratwurst in the oven
Pick your brats. Johnsonville brats are the most common and very popular type of pork brat here in Ohio. 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.
- Cover a rimmed sheet pan (with at least 1” edges) with aluminum foil (or high temperature parchment paper) for easy clean-up. You can also use a 9×13 casserole dish or even a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a rimmed baking sheet.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to boil brats before baking them?
No. Raw brats cook all the way through in the oven, so boiling first isn’t needed. Simmering in beer adds flavor if you want it, but it isn’t required for doneness.
Should you cover brats with foil in the oven?
No. Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup, but leave the brats uncovered. Covering them traps steam and keeps the skins from browning.
Can you cook frozen brats in the oven?
Yes. Bake frozen raw brats at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil. Check that the center reaches 160°F, since frozen brats cook less evenly.
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
- aluminum foil
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 aluminum foil.
- Place the bratwurst on the prepared pan with at least 1” space between.5 uncooked bratwurst
- Bake for 8 minutes, then flip the brats and bake 6 more minutes. Do not pierce the brats.
- Set the oven to high broil, keeping the pan on the center rack. Broil for 3 minutes, watching closely, until browned. The brats are done at 160ºF internal temperature. Season with salt and pepper if desired.salt, black pepper
- Serve on toasted buns with sauerkraut and your other favorite toppings.
Notes
- Timing: Standard raw brats take 17 minutes total (14 baking + 3 broiling). Thicker brats or a full pan may need 2 to 4 extra minutes before broiling.
- With vegetables: If you add peppers and onions to the pan, plan on 20 to 25 minutes total before broiling.
- Doneness: According to the USDA, raw pork and beef brats are fully cooked at 160ºF. Chicken brats need 165ºF. Insert a thermometer into the center of the thickest brat.
- Precooked brats: Bake at 425ºF for 8 to 10 minutes until heated to 165ºF, then broil 2 minutes for color.
- Storage Instructions: Store any leftover brats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks.
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
What are the best toppings for brats?
Bratwursts are traditionally served on brat buns or hot dog buns. Here are some options for how to top your bratwurst sandwiches that will enhance and complement the flavors of the brats.
- Brown mustard, ketchup or relish.
- Grilled onions & bell peppers
- Chili sauce. This is such an amazing combination.
- Creamy coleslaw. Or even a pineapple coleslaw would be delish.
- Sauerkraut.
What should you serve with brats?
Consider a variety of sides to serve with these brats:
How do you store and reheat leftover brats?
Store cooked brats in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or slice and brown them in a skillet, until they reach 165°F. Leftover sliced brats are great tossed into cheesy potato casserole or cowboy pasta salad.
I followed it to the tea and it was pretty darn good. Next time I think I should use brioche buns though….
this made me learn how to cook it tastes really good to and yummy 5 stars
The recipe was very easy and made the bratwurst browned properly. It also made them very juicy. I will always make the bratwurst like this now.
This is the only way I cook brats now. No more guessing if done or pink insides and burnt outsides. Thanks!!!
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.