Baked bratwurst sausage is quick, easy and filling. Its the perfect meal for a busy night because its mostly hands-off. The sausage is crisp and juicy and pairs perfectly with onions, peppers and kraut. Keep reading to learn how to cook brats in the oven. Follow these simple steps and you wont believe how easy it is!.
I love grilling chicken, burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and of course brats as soon as the weather gets warmer. Even though the weather doesn’t always cooperate, bratwurst in the oven is an easy way to eat on rainy or cold days. It’s even the perfect recipe for winter days when you want to have a picnic or BBQ in your backyard. This oven method is the best way to get delicious juicy sausages.
Baked bratwurst in the oven is the perfect alternative for grilling. In less than 30 minutes, dinner is ready with just a baking sheet or dish. You can easily double or triple the recipe, so its perfect for feeding a family of hungry eaters. Whenever you have to feed a crowd, its good to know how to cook oven baked brats. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage typically made from pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with spices like nutmeg, ginger, coriander, or caraway. It has a distinctive flavor and texture that makes it a staple in German cuisine. Baking bratwurst in the oven is an easy way to cook it thoroughly while keeping the sausages juicy and plump. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality brats right from your own kitchen.
Benefits of Baking vs. Grilling Bratwurst
While grilling is a popular cooking method for brats baking them in the oven has some advantages
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More even cooking: The hot air circulates around the sausages from all sides, preventing burnt or raw spots.
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Better moisture retention: Grilling can cause the casing to split and moisture to be lost. The controlled oven heat helps keep juices locked in.
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Cooks multiple links: You can bake a whole package at once in the oven, unlike grilling where there’s limited space.
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Possible year-round Oven baking works rain or shine, unlike grilling which requires good weather.
Step-By-Step Guide to Oven Baked Bratwurst
Follow these simple steps for irresistibly plump and flavorful oven-baked bratwurst
Ingredients
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Bratwurst links – 1 pound usually contains 4-5 links. Popular varieties like pork, beef, turkey, cheese, or beer brats work great.
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Parchment paper or aluminum foil
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Cooking spray or oil (optional)
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Brat buns and desired toppings like sauerkraut, mustard, etc. (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. This high heat will help the sausages brown and cook through.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. The lining prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
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Arrange the bratwurst links on the baking sheet. Space them apart so they aren’t touching. This allows even browning.
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Lightly coat the links with cooking spray or oil (optional). This enhances browning if the sausages don’t already have much fat.
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Bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the links over.
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Bake 7-10 more minutes until browned and cooked through. Bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
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Remove pan from oven and let sausages rest 5 minutes. The residual heat finishes the cooking.
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Serve the baked brats on buns with desired toppings. Sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and spicy mustard are classic.
Tips
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For extra flavor, bake in beer or apple juice instead of oil.
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Cut slits in the casings before baking for better absorption of browning spices.
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Add sliced onions, peppers, or potatoes to the pan to roast alongside.
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To reuse leftover baked brats, slice and sauté, chop and add to pasta, or dice for bratwurst hash.
Common Questions
How long does it take to bake brats?
Baking time is about 15-20 minutes total, with a flip halfway through. Larger links may take a few minutes longer.
What temperature should I bake brats at?
400°F is ideal, producing browned exterior and fully cooked interior. You can go anywhere from 375-425°F.
Should I boil brats before baking?
Pre-boiling or simmering in beer is optional and adds flavor. But you can absolutely bake brats straight from the package.
What’s the best way to reheat baked brats?
To reheat leftover baked bratwurst, simmer in beer, wine or broth for a few minutes until heated through. You can also wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven.
Enjoy the Simple Pleasure of Baked Bratwurst
With this easy oven-baking method, you can enjoy flavorful bratwurst links anytime. Baking locks in moisture and adds appetizing browning while requiring minimal effort. Experiment with different brat flavors, mustards, and toppings to find new favorite combinations. From a casual dinner to a backyard cookout, baked bratwurst is a hit whenever you serve it.
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How to Cook Brats in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. The oven rack should be in the middle of the oven.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Put the bratwurst sausage in the pan in a single layer and spread it out.
- Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn the sausages over and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the middle is no longer pink, the juices run clear, and the sausages are golden brown. If you use an instant read meat thermometer, the brats should reach 160 degrees on the inside.
- Take the brats out of the oven and, if you want, slice them before serving.
See recipe card for exact amounts and instructions.
How to Make Beer Brats
- Make the brats brown on both sides in a large skillet.
- Put in one bottle of your favorite beer, or enough to cover the sausages, and heat it up to a medium-high level.
- Turn down the heat and let the bratwurst cook in the beer for 10 minutes. Then, move it to a baking sheet.
- Place the brats in an oven that has already been heated. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until a digital meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F.