This Oven Baked Brats recipe bakes these juicy German sausages to golden-brown and crispy perfection in 30-minutes or less! Turn to this mostly hands-off cooking method when you’re craving juicy sausages for busy weeknight dinners or easy summer entertaining.
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I love a juicy grilled bratwurst but brats in the oven are so much more hands-off and low-maintenance!
The oven’s consistent heat also ensures the brats bake evenly, achieving that perfect golden-brown crust on the outside while preserving the flavor and juiciness within. In 30 minutes or less, these meaty German sausages are ready to be stuffed into buns and layered with all of your favorite toppings.
What is bratwurst?
Bratwurst is a German sausage made from finely minced pork and/or veal and savory herbs and spices. Its name, derived from “brät” (meaning finely chopped meat) and “wurst” (sausage), refers to its finely ground texture. This versatile sausage is excellent grilled, pan-fried, air fried, or baked in the oven.
Ingredients needed
- Brats – That’s it! In addition to traditional German bratwurst, I encourage you to try fun flavors like beer bratwurst, cheddar bratwurst, and jalapeño bratwurst.
How to cook brats in the oven
- Arrange the brats in a single layer on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the sausages are golden-brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
- Take the sausages out of the oven and serve them immediately in buns with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Tips and tricks
- Plan ahead! The brats need to cool to room temperature to help them cook faster and more evenly. Remember to take them out of the fridge and leave them on the kitchen counter for 20 to 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a paring knife to score the bratwurst with a few shallow cuts to prevent them from bursting in the oven.
- For an extra crispy finish, consider finishing the baked brats under the broiler for a few minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Brats are cooked through and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 160ºF.
Bratwurst topping ideas
Grab some sausage buns and choose your favorite toppings to load on top of the brats:
- Sliced, caramelized, or pickled onions
- Classic yellow, spicy Dijon, or whole-grain mustard
- Pickles, pickled cabbage or sweet relish
- Sliced jalapeños or banana peppers
- Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, beer cheese, or pretzel cheese dip
- MORE → 15+ Sauces for Bratwurst
Searching for sides? I’ve got you covered! Head to this round-up of 35+ Side Dishes for Bratwurst.
FAQs
Absolutely! Baking brats in the oven is a convenient, hands-off method that yields delicious results. It’s also the best alternative when you want a low-maintenance meal or when it’s too cold or rainy to grill outside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F for the best results. The brats cook through at this temperature while developing a golden brown crust on the outside.
Baking brats at 400°F typically takes between 20 and 25 minutes. Adjust the time based on the specific type and size of the brats you’re using, and always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Sausages are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Storing
After cooling, place the leftover baked brats in an airtight container or ziplock bag and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
You can also wrap the individual sausages tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Erin’s wine pairings
You can’t go wrong washing down a bratwurst with an ice-cold German lager or pilsner, but if you prefer wine, opt for these pairings:
- For those who prefer reds, a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold and fruity Red Zinfandel, or a Pinot Noir will complement the succulent sausage.
- If you like white wine, choose a slightly sweet Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast.
More easy oven baked meat recipes
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Full Recipe
How to Cook Brats in the Oven
Equipment
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 5 bratwurst (19-ounce package)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, if desired.
- Arrange brats on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Notes
- Plan ahead! The brats need to cool to room temperature to help them cook faster and more evenly. Remember to take them out of the fridge and leave them on the kitchen counter for 20 to 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a paring knife to score the bratwurst with a few shallow cuts to prevent them from bursting in the oven.
- For an extra crispy finish, consider finishing the baked brats under the broiler for a few minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Brats are cooked through and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 160ºF.
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