How to Perfectly Grill Brats

Juicy grilled brats are a summertime favorite and are perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts. In this post, I’m sharing two easy ways to grill bratwurst so they cook evenly, stay juicy, and get that perfectly browned exterior every time.

Two Easy Ways to Grill Brats

After years of grilling for family dinners, camping trips, and backyard cookouts, I can tell you that brats are one of the easiest and most reliable things to throw on the grill. They cook quickly, feed a crowd with minimal effort, and always disappear quickly.

There are two simple ways I like to cook bratwurst on the grill. The first is grilling them directly over medium heat until the outside is browned and the inside is fully cooked. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for busy summer evenings.

The second method is making beer brats. The sausages are simmered in beer before finishing on the grill. This adds extra flavor and helps keep the brats juicy while giving them that grilled finish everyone loves. It’s also a great option when cooking for a group because the brats can stay warm in the beer mixture until you’re ready to grill and serve them.

Beer brats are also a great make-ahead option for camping trips or feeding a crowd. I often simmer the brats in beer and onions ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them until we’re ready to grill. Once at camp or at the cookout, all that’s left is heating them on the grill until they’re hot and nicely browned.

Ingredients Needed for Grilled Brats

• Brats - use fresh brats, not pre-cooked brats
• Beer - for making beer brats. Use a light-flavored beer, like a pilsner. You can also use whatever you have on hand. The heartier the beer flavor, the more prominent it will be in your brats.
• Buns - use a hoagie roll, a crusty sandwich roll, or make homemade hot dog buns.
• Condiments - pick your favorites - ketchup, mustard, onions, grilled peppers, sauerkraut

Grilling brats

Direct-Grilled Brats

• Preheat the grill on high for about 10 minutes
• Brush grates to remove any residue
• Place brats on the grill, leaving 1-2 inches between each brat
• Turn the heat down to medium or medium-high
• Cook for 3-5 minutes until the brat is beginning to brown, and then turn the brat
• Continue cooking, rotating brats every 3-5 minutes until brats are nicely browned and internal temperature is 160°F

Beer Brats on the Grill

• Begin cooking brats inside on the stovetop before finishing on the grill
• Pour a beer into a large saute pan
• Add brats and cook over medium heat until the internal temperature is 160°F
• Be certain to flip the brats so all sides are cooked
• Remove from the beer and place on a preheated grill
• Cook over medium to medium-high heat, rotating brats every 3-4 minutes until a nice brown color develops on the outside of the brats

Grilling tips

• Do preheat your grill so the grates are nice and hot
• Scrape down your grates before grilling. If needed, rub an oil-soaked paper towel over the grates to help season the grill before cooking.
• You can leave the lid open or close it during cooking. Closing the lid will provide more heat and the brats will cook a bit quicker. However, you do need to keep a closer eye on the brats so they don't burn.
• Brats will begin to spew a bit of their juices from time to time and this may cause a flare-up on your grill. Just move the brats to another area of the grill until the flare-up is under control.
• Don't prick or flatten brats. You want all that juiciness to stay inside as much as possible.
• It's okay to rotate or flip the brats multiple times.
• Outside temperature and wind may affect the amount of time needed to cook the brats
• Use an instant digital thermometer to make certain brats are cooked through

Serving suggestions

Serve brats hot with your favorite bun and toppings.

• Ketchup and regular mustard
• Coarse stone-ground mustard
• Chopped onions
• Pickle relish
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Sauerkraut

Delicious sides to serve with brats

• Barbecue Beans
• Orzo Pasta Salad
• Deviled Eggs
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Cucumber Salad
• Classic Macaroni Salad

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be sure to check out all my delicious grilling recipes.