For the best way to cook brats in the oven, try this easy recipe. They will be hot, crispy, & juicy, - no grill or beer needed. One bite of these oven-cooked sausages and you will be hooked.
Why this Bratwurst in the Oven Recipe is the BEST: This method is so simple you will wonder why you haven't been making all sausages this way!
Whether you are celebrating Octoberfest, football game day, or a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe is for you. Just grab some great German beer, mustard, and kraut - enjoy!
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Ingredients
This recipe only calls for one item, the main ingredient, bratwurst. The most popular store-bought brands are Johnsonville, Niman Ranch, Silva, and Boar's Head.
Some may be fulled cooked, like I am using. Or they may be raw, note which kind you have so you can cook it per the instructions below.
I am using Niman Ranch which is nitrate/nitrite-free, gluten-free, nightshade-free, low-carb, and all-natural. The brats have 2 carbs and 240 calories per link.
Instructions for Cooking Brats in the Oven
Simply remove the sausages from the packaging. Please make a note if you have fully cooked or raw sausages. This will alter the cooking time a bit.
Temperature Information
Preheat the oven to 400°. Spray a baking sheet or dish with cooking spray. Place the bratwurst in a single layer on the sheet pan or dish.
You can cook any number of sausages at once all at the same time & temperature. Whether you need just 2 or 20 for a crowd - you got this.
Hint: DO NOT POKE the sausages. Doing so only quickens the juices from leaving the sausage casings. You will end up with juicier sausages this way.
They will cook slowly and should not split open or burst. If they do, that is ok. They all taste the same and either way the juices will run a bit out.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish of bratwurst in the oven. You will begin baking the brats in the oven.
Turn them halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on both sides. For cooking times, see below based on which type of sausages you have.
How Long To Bake Bratwurst
For brats that are not already precooked, you will want to make sure you cook them a bit longer. This will not only make them hot & juicy but ensure they are prepared to the right temperature.
- Fully Cooked Brats - cook at 400° for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Raw or Uncooked Brats- cook at 400° for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through
Bratwurst Internal Temperature
- 160°F - pork, beef, & veal brats
- 165°F - chicken bratwurst
- 170°F - for extra crispy skin & a bit of char - how we like them!
I have a quick-read thermometer, which I highly recommend. This makes it foolproof to know when the sausages are baking in the oven.
What to Serve with Bratwurst
All of these sides go well with sausage. If you want potatoes, salads, and more, check out a best of list for WHAT TO SERVE WITH BRATS.
Or try one of these my Favorite Easy Sides:
Bratwurst Toppings & Condiments
Here are some dipping sauces and condiments that go well with bratwurst or sausage sandwiches. Here are some other great ideas to enjoy.
- Chopped Raw or Caramelized Onions
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles & Pickled Vegetables
- Spicy & Regular Mustards
- Ketchup
- Homemade Ranch without Mayo
- Coleslaw
- Swiss Cheese
- Thousand Island Dressing
FAQ
This recipe is for cooking at 400°, see the recipe card below. However, if you want to cook it at 425°, that works too. I find the skin will come out crispier but be careful to not overcook it or it will dry out.
For cooking brats at 425°, bake for 15 minutes if they are precooked bratwurst and if they are uncooked/raw cook them for 20-25 minutes.
Bratwurst is a German link sausage primarily made from pork. Some varieties may also include beef or veal.
How to Cook Brats in the Oven
Ingredients
- 1 package bratwurst sausage links
** take note if you have fully cooked or uncooked/raw sausages
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°.
- Spray a baking sheet or dish with cooking spray. Place the bratwurst in a single layer on the sheet pan or dish. For 4-6 brats, they will fit into a baking dish. For more than that, a sheet pan is best.
- DO NOT POKE THEM! Doing so only quickens the juices from leaving the sausage casings. You will end up with juicier sausages this way
- Once preheated, place the sausages in the oven to roast. Turn them halfway through cooking to brown on both sides.
- Depending on which kind you have purchased - fully cooked already or those raw and uncooked, adjust the cooking time as follows. Fully Cooked Brats - cook at 400° for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Raw or Uncooked Brats- cook at 400° for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Test for doneness to be sure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature. See info in notes below.
- OPTIONAL If you like a crispy well-done brat, placing them under the broiler for a minute is the best. Once done cooking on bake, I just switch to Broil-High and pop them under for a minute.
- Remove them carefully from the oven and enjoy them immediately. For a sandwich, topping, and dinner ideas, see above. Enjoy.
Notes
- For pork, beef, & veal bratwurst, it is done at 160°.
- For chicken sausages, they need to cook to 165° internal temperature.
- Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
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Niko says
Made 2 dozen of these for Oktoberfest and all the guests enjoyed them.