How To Grill Brats

Grilling brats is easy when you know the right time and temperature. This guide shows you how to grill brats the right way on gas or charcoal. You will learn how long to grill brats, when to flip them, and the safe temp to check for doneness. Follow these steps and you will get juicy brats with a crisp outside every time.

Quick Time + Temp Summary

Most brats take 18 to 25 minutes on the grill.

Grill over medium heat using two heat zones.

Brats are done at an internal temp of 160°F.

Gas and charcoal both work great if you use indirect heat first.

How To Grill Brats (Basics)

These steps work for any grill and any brat style.

1. Preheat the grill

Heat your grill to medium heat. This is about 350°F to 400°F.

2. Set up heat zones

Create a hot side and a cooler side. Brats cook best with indirect heat first.

3. Oil the grates

Use a paper towel with oil to stop sticking.

4. Place brats on indirect heat

Lay the brats on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid.

5. Turn often

Turn the brats every 4 to 5 minutes so they cook evenly.

6. Finish over direct heat

Move brats to the hot side for the last few minutes to brown the outside.

How Long To Grill Brats (Cooking Time)

Cooking time depends on brat size and grill type.

Average grilling times

• Thin brats: 15 to 18 minutes

• Standard brats: 18 to 22 minutes

• Thick brats: 22 to 25 minutes

Gas grill vs charcoal

Gas grills cook a bit more evenly.

Charcoal grills may take a few minutes longer.

When to flip brats

Flip every 4 to 5 minutes. Do not leave them on one side too long.

How often to turn

About 4 to 6 total turns is perfect.

What Temp Are Brats Done

Brats are done at 160°F inside.

Internal temp

Use a meat thermometer in the center of the brat.

Carryover cooking

Pull brats at 158°F to 159°F. They will rise to 160°F as they rest.

Avoid split casing

Do not cook over high heat too fast. Slow and steady keeps the casing from bursting.

Gas Grill Method

Gas grills are simple and steady.

Setup

Preheat with one burner on medium and one burner off.

Cooking

Start brats over the unlit side. Lid closed.

Finish over the lit burner for color.

Flare ups

If flames pop up, move brats back to indirect heat.

Charcoal Grill Method

Charcoal gives great flavor but needs control.

Coal setup

Pile coals on one side only. Leave the other side empty.

Vents

Keep vents half open to control heat.

Adding coals

Add a few coals if heat drops. Avoid piling them all at once.

Lid control

Keep the lid on as much as possible to hold steady heat.

Beer Brats On The Grill

This method adds flavor without using the stove.

Beer steam pan method

Place a foil pan with beer and onions on the indirect side.

Put brats in the pan for the last 10 minutes.

Finish on direct heat to brown.

Beer bath finish

Grill brats almost done.

Dip them in warm beer for 2 minutes.

Return to the grill to finish.

Boil Or Parboil Before Grilling

Most of the time, do not boil brats.

When boiling hurts

Boiling removes flavor and can dry them out.

When it helps

If brats are very thick or frozen, a short beer steam on the grill can help. Skip the stovetop.

Safety And Edge Cases

Raw vs. pre-cooked brats

Most fresh brats are raw and must be cooked to 160°F.

Pre-cooked brats just need to be heated and browned.

Frozen brats

Thaw first if possible.

If grilling from frozen, use indirect heat longer and expect extra time.

Recipe Variations And Brands (FAQ)

What are the best brat brands?

Popular options include Johnsonville and local butcher brats.

Can I season brats

Brats are already seasoned, but a light oil and pepper is fine.

What goes well with brats

Grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, and mustard are classic picks. Grilled corn on the cob is also spectacular, but you'll need a little of Dad Spice for perfect corn.

If you want juicy brats with great snap, remember this rule.

Indirect heat first. Slow cooking. Finish hot.

That is how to grill brats the right way.