How to Cook Brats: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Flavorful Bratwurst Every Time
Whether you’re preparing a summer cookout feast, cozy fall dinner, or a weeknight comfort meal, bratwurst brings a satisfying, savory punch to your plate. This recipe for cooking brats is approachable, versatile, and yields mouthwatering results no matter your cooking method—stovetop, air fryer, or oven-baked.
Brats are a staple in German cuisine, but they’ve found a permanent place in American kitchens and backyards—especially when simmered in beer, onions, and butter. This guide will walk you through three tried-and-true methods to cook bratwurst to perfection, along with handy tips, variations, equipment needs, and even drink pairings to level up your brat experience.
Who This Recipe is For
This bratwurst recipe is for:
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Home cooks looking for simple, reliable methods
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Fans of juicy, beer-simmered sausage
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Busy individuals who love air fryer shortcuts
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Meal preppers or party hosts wanting a crowd-pleaser
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Anyone craving that iconic combination of bratwurst, beer, and caramelized onions
Whether you’re new to cooking sausage or you’re a backyard BBQ pro, you’ll find a method here that suits your style and timeline.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious brats, you only need a few key ingredients:
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1 lb bratwurst (typically 4–5 sausages per pack)
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2 bottles of beer (any lager or pilsner works beautifully)
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¼ cup butter (½ stick)
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1 large onion, sliced
Kitchen Equipment Required
Here’s what you’ll need depending on your chosen cooking method:
For Stovetop Brats
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Deep skillet or Dutch oven
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Tongs
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups
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Slotted spoon
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Frying pan (optional for final browning)
For Air Fryer Brats
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Air fryer
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Tongs
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Knife (if adding vegetables)
For Baked Brats
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Baking sheet or cast iron skillet
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Oven
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Tongs or spatula
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Aluminum foil (optional for easier cleanup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
🍺 Stovetop Beer Brats (Most Flavorful)
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Add Ingredients to Pot: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, add the bratwurst, sliced onion, 2 bottles of beer, and butter cut into cubes. Ensure the beer just covers the sausages.
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Simmer: Bring the pot to a low boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Remove and Brown: Take the brats out of the liquid and reserve the onions. Clean the pan, then pan-fry the brats in a little oil for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Check Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Serve: Plate the brats with the beer-simmered onions for an extra burst of flavor.
🌬️ Air Fryer Brats (Quick & Crispy)
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Preheat: Set your air fryer to 360°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
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Cook: Place brats in the basket with space between each one. Cook for 11–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Check Doneness: The brats are ready when browned and the internal temp is at least 160°F.
🔥 Oven-Baked Brats (Effortless & Hands-Off)
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Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F.
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Arrange Brats: Place sausages on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Leave room between each brat.
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Bake: Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Optional Broil: For extra color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
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Check Temperature: Again, 160°F is the magic number for doneness.
Flavor Variations & Swaps
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Beer Alternatives: Apple cider, chicken broth, or even cola can be used for simmering brats if you don’t want to use beer.
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Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of traditional bratwurst.
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Sweet Onions: Swap yellow onions for sweet Vidalia or red onions for a deeper caramel flavor.
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Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers or hot peppers to the onion mix.
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Cheese-Stuffed Brats: These cook well using any of the three methods, especially in the air fryer.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Brats
Storage Tips:
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Refrigerate cooked brats in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze in a zip-top bag or vacuum-sealed pouch for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
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Microwave: Heat on high for 1–2 minutes with a damp paper towel.
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Stovetop: Reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
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Air Fryer: 5 minutes at 350°F for a crispy reheat.
Perfect Pairings for Your Brats
Sides
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German potato salad
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Sauerkraut
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Grilled corn on the cob
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Soft pretzels
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Mac and cheese
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Coleslaw
Drink Pairings
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Beer: A crisp German lager, pilsner, or wheat beer
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Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or root beer
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Cocktails: Try a cold shandy or bourbon lemonade
Common Questions (FAQ)
What kind of beer is best for cooking brats?
A mild lager, pilsner, or wheat beer works best. Avoid overly hoppy or dark beers which can turn bitter when cooked.
Can I use frozen brats?
Yes, but they should be fully thawed before using any method to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when brats are fully cooked?
Always use a meat thermometer. Brats are safe to eat at 160°F. The juices should run clear, not pink.
Do I have to boil brats before frying or baking?
Not necessarily. Boiling in beer adds flavor and moisture but isn’t mandatory. Air fryer and oven methods cook them fully without boiling.
Can I cook brats on a grill?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning often, until nicely browned and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Cooking brats at home doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you prefer the classic stovetop beer method or want to speed things up with an air fryer, this guide offers something for everyone. Juicy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, bratwurst is the kind of dish that never goes out of style.
Make it your own with the right toppings, a cold drink, and maybe even a pretzel bun for the ultimate meal.
