Brats, the popular German sausage, is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be cooked in several delicious ways. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook Brats in 4 different ways.

1. How To Cook Brats on the Stove

Ingredients

  • 6 brats sausages
  • 1 cup (12 oz) beer (lager or pale ale work well)
  • 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet or braising pan, arrange the bratwurst sausages in a single layer. Pour the beer around the sausages, making sure they are mostly submerged.

Bring the beer to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the brats cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.

Remove the brats from the pan and set aside. Add the sliced onions to the beer broth in the pan. Increase the heat to medium and cook the onions for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and starting to caramelize.

Add the butter to the pan with the onions. Stir until the butter is melted and coats the onions.

Return the par-cooked brats to the pan, nestling them into the onions. Sprinkle the caraway seeds over the top, if using.

Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, turning the brats occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and the onions are very soft and caramelized.

Season the brats and onions with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the stovetop brats with beer-braised onions immediately, either on buns or on their own. The brats can also be sliced and added to dishes like sautéed cabbage or potato salad.

2. How To Cook Brats on the Grill

Ingredients

  • 6 fresh brats sausages
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the grill for direct, medium-high heat cooking, about 375-400°F. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn until they are lightly covered with ash.

Pat the brats sausages dry with paper towels. Brush or rub the olive oil all over the outside of the sausages.

Place the seasoned brats directly on the grill grates. Cover the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the sausages are lightly charred on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Use tongs to transfer the grilled brats to a clean plate or cutting board. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Serve the grilled brats on toasted buns with your favorite condiments, like mustard, sauerkraut, caramelized onions, etc. They also pair well with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

3. How To Cook Brats in the Oven

Ingredients

  • 6 brats sausages
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Place the brats sausages on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the sausages and use your hands to evenly coat them.

Bake the brats in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.

Remove the baked brats from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve the oven-baked brats on buns with your desired toppings, such as sauerkraut, onions, mustard, or relish. You can also slice the cooked brats and add them to dishes like sautéed cabbage, potato salad, or pasta.

4. How To Cook Brats in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 5 uncooked brats sausages
  • 5 bratwurst-style buns

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced red and green bell peppers and the onion rings. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.

Transfer the seasoned pepper and onion mixture to the air fryer basket, arranging in a single layer. Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Push the vegetables to the sides of the basket to create space in the center. Add the uncooked bratwurst sausages to the center of the basket.

Air fry the brats and vegetables together for an additional 12-15 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through, until the bratwurst are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Remove the air fried brats and vegetables from the basket. Serve the brats on the buns, topped with the air fried peppers and onions.

Enjoy your juicy air fryer brats with the flavorful, tender peppers and onions! This easy one-pan meal comes together quickly for a delicious and simple brats dinner.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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