How To Cook Brats In The Oven?

Brats are one of America’s favorite snacks and there’s no denying that they taste great. But while grilling brats is arguably the most popular way to prepare them, you may find yourself in a situation where your grill isn’t available – That’s when it’s time to explore how to cook brats in the oven in stead of the grill.

In this blog post, we will look at how to cook brats in the oven for those occasions when you don’t have access or simply want a convenient alternative. By following these simple instructions and using regular kitchen appliances, you can enjoy some delicious homemade brats without having to worry about fire restrictions or weather conditions!

So without further ado, let’s get started with our guide for how to cook brats in the oven perfectly every time.

Related:

Why Should I Cook Brats In the Oven?

Cooking brats in the oven is a great alternative to grilling, especially when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activity or if you don’t have access to a grill. It’s also a convenient option if your grill is already being used and you need to cook additional food for a party or gathering.

The oven method usually takes around 20 minutes to cook brats perfectly, and by broiling them for a few minutes in the end you can get the same delicious char lines that you would with a grill.

The added bonus of oven cooking is that you can roast vegetables simultaneously, making it an especially versatile cooking method. With one appliance you can easily prepare a full meal with a range of nutritious ingredients.

How Long to Cook Brats in the Oven?

The recommended time for cooking brats in the oven is around 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After cooking one side of your brats for 10 minutes, you should use tongs to flip them over. The other side should then be cooked for approximately 5-7 minutes.

However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the brats and your oven. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the brats has reached 160°F (71°C) before serving. If you want a crispy outer layer, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the desired level of browning is achieved.

After cooking, allow the brats to rest for approximately 5 minutes to enable the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the sausage. This process will result in delicious and tender brats.

How to Cook Brats in the Oven?

Follow this detailed guide on how to cook brats in the oven to get perfectly cooked brats in your oven:

Ingredients

1 pkg uncooked brats (5 brats)
Optional toppings: onions, red or green bell peppers, sauerkraut, pickles, or stone-ground mustard
Optional Beer

Guide for How to cook brats in the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleaning up easier.
Place your brats on the sheet pan, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking.
If desired, you can also add some sliced onions, peppers, or potatoes to the sheet pan to roast alongside the brats.
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the brats are cooked through.
If you want a crispy outer layer, turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until you achieve the desired level of char.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the brats rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your brats with your favorite sides and toppings, such as mustard, sauerkraut, or cheese.

That’s it! Cooking brats in the oven is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish, and adding vegetables to the sheet pan makes it a complete and nutritious meal.

How to Cook Frozen Brats in The Oven?

When it comes to how to cook frozen brats in the oven, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they come out perfectly. Remember that frozen brats will need an additional 15 to 30 minutes of cooking time.

To start, place the frozen brats directly on a baking sheet without thawing them.

Preheat your oven to the desired temperature and then cook the brats for about 15 minutes before checking on them. If the brats were frozen together, separate them at this point to ensure they cook evenly.

Continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and then they will be ready to enjoy.

How to Make Beer Brats in the Oven?

Marinating brats in beer can add a delicious flavor and extra moisture to the meat. The marinating time can vary from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much time you have. Here’s how to make beer brats with marination:

In a shallow pan, add one can or bottle of beer and your brats, making sure they are fully submerged in the beer.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and let the brats marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Once the brats have finished marinating, simply take them out of the beer pan and place them onto the baking sheet to cook in the oven following the same instructions as given earlier. This process is very simple!

What to Serve with Brats?

If you’re unsure of what to serve alongside your brats, you’ll find there are numerous classic recipes and German-inspired ideas to choose from. While many people prefer to serve brats on a bun, like a gourmet hot dog, it is also commonly served as the main dish without a bun, accompanied by a range of sides. Below are a few suggestions to help get you started!

Sauerkraut: This tangy and slightly sour side dish is a perfect match for the rich, savory flavor of brats.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic side dish that complements the hearty flavor of brats.
Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the brats.
Pretzels: A soft and salty pretzel is a classic German side dish that pairs well with brats.
Mustard: A good quality mustard is a must-have condiment for brats. Try Dijon, whole-grain, or stone-ground mustard for added flavor.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini make for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
German-style Potato Pancakes
Beer: Brats and beer are a classic pairing. Choose a light, refreshing beer like a pilsner or wheat beer to complement the flavors of the sausage.

Tips And Substitutions

If you already know how to cook brats in the oven, there are some additional tips and variations you can try to make your brats even more delicious.

Achieving the perfect brats in the oven requires the use of a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure to arrange the brats on the baking sheet with at least a 0.5-inch gap between them to ensure they cook evenly. To get a crispier exterior, broil the brats for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.

If you don’t have beer readily available, don’t worry – you can always substitute it with apple cider, chicken broth, or even water for a milder flavor.

FAQs

Should You Poke Holes in Brats Before Baking?

No, you should not poke holes in the brats before baking. Doing so will cause the fat and juices to escape and make the brats dry out.

How Long To Cook Brats At 350 in the Oven?

It usually takes about 25 – 30 minutes to cook brats at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Long To Cook Brats At 375 in the Oven?

It usually takes about 22 – 25 minutes to cook brats at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Long To Cook Brats At 400 in the Oven?

It usually takes about 20 minutes to cook brats at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Can You Tell If the Brats are Done?

The best way to tell if the brats are done is to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The brats should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that they are safe to eat.

How Far Should I Space My Brats on the Baking Tray?

To ensure that your brats cook evenly, it is recommended to space them at least 0.5 inches apart on the baking tray. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each brat, ensuring that they cook thoroughly and uniformly. If the brats are too close together, they may not cook properly which could result in uneven cooking and texture.

What is The Difference Between Sausage and Brat?

Brat is a specific type of sausage that originated in Germany.

Sausage, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any type of ground meat that is encased in a casing.

What is The Best Way to Cook Brats?

There are several ways to cook brats, including grilling, boiling, pan-frying, and baking in the oven. However, baking in the oven is a great option if you want to cook them evenly and avoid any flare-ups or burning.

Do You Use Butter or Oil for Brats?

Both butter and oil can be used to cook brats. Butter can add a rich flavor and can help the brats to brown nicely. However, it has a lower smoke point than oil, which can cause it to burn at higher temperatures. Oil has a higher smoke point and can be better for high-heat cooking methods, such as grilling or broiling.

Conclusion

Cooking brats in the oven is a great way to enjoy the flavor of this classic dish without having to fire up the grill. With this simple guide on how to cook brats in the oven and a bit of savviness, anyone can make mouthwatering brats from the comfort of their home. Not only does it provide an added level of convenience and taste, but cooking brats in the oven will also help you save time and effort whenever you’re entertaining guests or trying to whip up a tasty meal for your family.

So if you want to enjoy delicious brats every now and again, you can save some time and energy by cooking brats in the oven instead of on the grill.