If the weather is miserable and you can’t get outside to use the grill, did you know that you can cook succulent brats inside using your oven?
Cooking brats in your oven means you can have a tasty evening meal, all without having to scrub your grill!
Join us as we look at how to cook the perfect oven-baked brat, as well as a delicious side dish you can enjoy with it.
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What’s The Best Way To Cook Brats In The Oven?
Always preheat the oven before cooking your brats as this will help make sure your brats are cooked thoroughly.
Turn your oven to 350°F (180°C) and let it heat up for ten minutes. Put your sheet pan in to heat up at the same time, as this will give your brats a nice crispy sear.
Always use a sheet pan with a rim. This will ensure your brats don’t roll off and fall to the bottom of the oven.
If you want to minimize the washing up, line your sheet pan with some foil or parchment paper. This will collect the grease, and then you can throw the foil or paper away.
What Temperature Should Brats Cook At In The Oven?
Once your oven has heated to temperature, cook your brats at 350°F (180°C). This will make sure they cook all the way through but still remain nice and tender.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Brats In The Oven?
If your brats are precooked, cook them for about ten minutes, then flip them over and cook them for an extra five to seven minutes. Flipping the brats is crucial so they brown evenly.
If your brats aren’t precooked, cook them for twenty-five minutes, flipping halfway through.
The final cooking time depends on the size of your brats. Bigger, thicker ones will need more time in the oven. Keep an eye on your brats while they cook, especially if you are trying a new brand for the first time.
The internal temperature of a thoroughly cooked brat should be 160°F (70°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the center of one of your brats.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut one of your brats open and take a look. It should be cooked through with no pink bits and be hot to the touch.
When you have finished cooking your brats, let them rest for five minutes before you serve them. This will help keep your brats juicy and moist.
Can You Broil Brats Instead Of Cooking Them?
Yes, you can use the broiler instead of the oven if you prefer.
Turn your broiler to high and broil your brats for about 12 minutes, turning them regularly.
Keep an eye on your brats if you broil them, as they can burn and dry out quickly.
Can You Cook Frozen Brats In The Oven?
Yes, but you need to cook them for a little while longer – about 40 minutes.
Alternatively, you can simmer your frozen brats in boiling water or let them thaw out before you cook them.
If your brats are frozen together, make sure you separate them when they have been in the oven for about ten minutes. This will ensure they cook thoroughly.
What To Serve With Oven-Baked Brats
Cooked brats are an excellent option for dinner, and the great thing is you can serve them with just about anything!
Try your brats with grilled vegetables or potato wedges that you can cook in the oven at the same time. Bell pepper, fennel, cauliflower and onion are great choices.
Bear in mind that if you have other dishes in the oven at the same time as your brats, you’ll need to increase the cooking time for everything in there as your oven will heat up more slowly.
Alternatively, salad or corn on the cob are delicious options, especially in the warmer months.
Check out more ideas for bratwurst side dishes.
Cooking Brats And Sauerkraut In The Oven
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish, popular in Germany. It’s sour, crunchy and the perfect side dish to compliment your brats, especially if you are trying to eat healthily.
Sauerkraut is usually served cold but also tastes great warmed up too. Here’s how to cook your brats and sauerkraut together.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Drain your sauerkraut to remove the excess liquid – this will help it cook quicker.
- Take a baking dish and layer it with sauerkraut. Season with salt and pepper.
- Press your uncooked brats into the sauerkraut and cook for 40 minutes.
This will lead to juicy tender brats, as well as crispy sauerkraut. Serve with potatoes, salad or crispy bread rolls.
What is your favorite side dish to eat with oven-baked brats?
How do you prefer to cook brats – in the oven, in the broiler or on the grill?
