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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Grilling & BBQ

    Updated: Apr 9, 2024 · Published: May 4, 2022 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Grill Bratwurst

    Jump to Recipe

    These instructions for how to grill bratwurst will have you hitting the grill in no time! Grilled bratwurst sausage is a delicious and simple way to feed a crowd quickly and easily. This recipe only takes about 8 minutes of cooking time.

    Grilled bratwurst on serving board with mustard and waffle chips.

    Bratwurst is definitely an upgrade from your basic wiener or hot dog but it also tastes great in a bun or on its own with some condiments. I also have a recipe for pan frying bratwurst sausage in an electric skillet that you might like. Both ways are delicious!

    Jump to:
    • What is Bratwurst?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving Options
    • Grilled Bratwurst FAQs
    • More Tasty Sausage Recipes
    • 📋Recipe

    What is Bratwurst?

    Bratwurst is an ancient German sausage, with some recipes dating as far back as the 1300s out of Nuremberg, Germany. The name itself means finely chopped sausage meat.

    These tasty links were originally used as a way to prevent food waste and were a means of survival, as leftover scraps of meat could be ground and stuffed into casings.

    Today, they are a widespread and beloved icon of German-speaking cultures, and as many as 40 different varieties of the sausage can be found throughout Germany. In addition to mainstream pork bratwurst, beef and veal varieties can also be found in some areas.

    Ingredients

    Uncooked bratwurst sausages with German mustard in the background.
    • bratwurst sausages - Many local butchers and delis offer quality artisanal bratwurst, and just like the different regions of Germany, each seller has its unique recipe and flavor. A quick online search may help you to find an excellent local source of delicious bratwurst. Sausage links purchased at your local grocery store will also work wonderfully.
    • hot dog buns - Buns are optional but it's one of the most popular ways to serve bratwurst.

    Optional Toppings:

    • sauerkraut - I love using German sauerkraut that uses only cabbage and salt.
    • grilled onions - I have an easy tutorial for how to grill onions. You can throw them on with the brats.
    • German mustard or Dijon - German mustard typically uses whole mustard seeds. It's a bit sweeter and milder than Dijon.

    Instructions

    Raw Bratwurst sausages on the grill.

    Step 1: Heat grill. Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. Place the bratwurst sausages on the grill and keep the lid open.

    Bratwurst sausages on the grill with rosemary.

    Step 2. Grill the bratwurst. Grill the sausages, turning frequently, until the skin is crispy with grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This should take about 8-10 minutes total.

    Cooked Bratwurst sausages on the grill getting removed.

    Step 3. Rest. Remove the brats from the grill, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

    Grilled bratwurst sausage on charcoal cutting board.

    Step 4. Serve. Serve in hot dog buns with your favorite toppings or on their own.

    Serving Options

    • The options for serving your cooked bratwurst are endless. They are usually served on buns with German mustard, sauerkraut, and grilled onions but you can serve them on their own.
    • You could also opt for melted cheese for a truly delectable meal.
    • In German pubs, bratwurst is popularly served along with or in a fresh white roll, but sometimes with rye bread or a soft pretzel instead.
    • A kimchi potato salad also makes an excellent side for your grilled sausages.
    • Of course, they also pair well with a tall glass of German beer. No matter how you choose to serve your grilled bratwurst, they are sure to be a hit!
    • And if you have any leftovers, try making this pickled sausage in a jar.

    Grilled Bratwurst FAQs

    What is the difference between bratwurst and sausage?

    Sausage is a more broad term, whereas bratwurst is a specific type of German link sausage.

    How long does it take to grill bratwurst sausages?

    It takes about 8 to 10 minutes total over medium heat.

    How many calories in 1 bratwurst sausage?

    1 cooked bratwurst sausage made with pork has approximately 283 calories.

    How do you store leftover bratwurst?

    Cooked bratwurst can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days, covered, in the fridge.

    Grilled bratwurst on charcoal cutting board. Rosemary, chips and condiments in the background.

    More Tasty Sausage Recipes

    • Electric skillet breakfast sausage and egg hash on plate.
      Electric Skillet Breakfast Hash
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      Tasty Italian Sausage Sandwich
    • Sausage rolls in puff pastry with sesame seeds.
      How to Make Sausage Rolls
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      Mexican Chorizo and Eggs

    If you tried this recipe tutorial for How to Grill Bratwurst or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Bratwurst sausages on the grill.

    How to Grill Bratwurst

    Joss Dyckson
    These instructions for how to grill bratwurst sausage will have you hitting the grill in no time! It's a delicious and simple way to feed a crowd quickly and easily.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Resting Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine German
    Servings 4
    Calories 338 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 bratwurst sausages - uncooked
    • 4 hot dog buns

    Toppings (optional):

    • sauerkraut
    • grilled onions
    • German mustard

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. Place the bratwurst sausages on the grill and keep the lid open.
      Bratwurst sausages on the grill.
    • Grill the sausages, turning frequently, until the skin is crispy with grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This should take about 8-10 minutes total.
      Bratwurst sausages on the grill.
    • Remove the brats from the grill, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
      Grilled bratwurst sausage on charcoal cutting board.
    • Serve in hot dog buns with toppings or on their own.
      Grilled bratwurst on charcoal cutting board. Rosemary, chips and condiments on the side.

    Equipment

    • Outdoor grill

    Notes

    • Note on nutrition - Nutrition information does not include the toppings.
    • Buying bratwurst - Many local butchers and delis offer quality artisanal bratwurst, and just like the different regions of Germany, each seller has its unique recipe and flavor. A quick online search may help you to find an excellent local source of delicious bratwurst. Sausage links purchased at your local grocery store will also work wonderfully.
    • Storage - Cooked bratwurst can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days, covered, in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 13gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 768mgPotassium: 282mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

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