How To Cook Brats In The Oven?
Brats, also known as bratwurst, are one of America’s favorite grilled snacks in the summer. But what do you do when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor cooking or you don’t have access to a grill? Don’t worry, you can easily cook brats in your oven and achieve delicious results!
Cooking brats in the oven provides a convenient alternative method when you can’t grill outdoors. You can cook up brats any time without being limited by weather conditions. Baking them in the oven also allows you to prepare additional sides like vegetables at the same time for parties or large gatherings. With the high heat of the broiler, you can even get nice char lines similar to grilling.
Why Should I Cook Brats In the Oven?
Here are some of the top reasons for cooking brats in your oven:
Convenience and Availability
Outdoor grilling requires decent weather and access to a barbecue grill, which isn’t always possible. Cooking brats in your oven provides convenience when:
- Inclement weather prevents outdoor cooking.
- You lack a backyard grill or are traveling.
Having the ability to bake brats in the oven means you can enjoy them anytime.
Cooking Additional Food
When hosting parties or large gatherings, oven-baking brats allows you to cook up sides at the same time. The oven provides additional space to roast vegetables or cook other items simultaneously.
Achieving Char Lines
With the high dry heat from oven broilers, you can replicate grill char lines on your brats. After baking, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get crispy exterior edges.
Versatility
The oven gives you control over timing and temperatures. You can roast vegetables alongside your brats and experiment with different seasonings and ingredients.
How Long to Cook Brats in the Oven?
Proper cooking times and temperatures are key for baked brats with a juicy interior:
Recommended Time and Temperature
Cook fresh brats at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. This allows the interior to reach safe temperatures without overcooking.
Flipping the Brats
For even baking, flip the brats halfway during cooking. Bake for 10 minutes on one side, then 5-7 minutes on the second side.
Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.
Broiling
For added texture, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking. This crisps and browns the exterior casing.
Resting
Allow brats to rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
How to Cook Brats in the Oven?
Follow these simple steps for oven-baked brats:
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 package of uncooked brats (4-6 brats)
- Optional toppings like onions, peppers, sauerkraut
- Beer for marinating (optional)
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Arranging the Baking Sheet
Add brats to sheet pan, leaving space between each one. Add sliced onions, peppers, or potatoes if desired.
Baking Process
Place baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. For char lines, broil 2-3 minutes afterward.
Resting and Serving
Allow brats to rest 5 minutes before serving with desired toppings.
How to Cook Frozen Brats in the Oven?
Cooking frozen brats in the oven is easy too. Just follow these guidelines:
Additional Cook Time
Frozen brats take 15-30 minutes longer to cook thoroughly than fresh.
No Thawing
You can place frozen brats directly on a baking sheet without thawing first.
Oven Temp and Cook Time
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Separating Brats
Be sure to leave space between frozen brats for even cooking.
Check Internal Temp
Use a meat thermometer to check for a minimum 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
How to Make Beer Brats in the Oven?
Soaking brats in beer before baking infuses them with extra flavor and moisture. Here’s how:
Marinating Time
Marinate brats in beer for at least 2-4 hours, or up to overnight.
Transfer to Baking Sheet
Remove brats from beer and arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet before cooking.
Bake as Usual
Follow standard oven instructions, baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until 160°F internal temperature.
What to Serve with Brats?
Pair your oven-baked brats with classic accompaniments like:
Classic Sides
- Sauerkraut
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Pretzels
- Mustard
- Grilled veggies
- German potato pancakes
- Beer
Complementary Flavors
The savory, salty taste of brats goes well with tangy sauerkraut, crisp pretzels, and bold mustard. Roasted vegetables add fresh flavor.
Tips and Substitutions
Keep these tips in mind for perfect oven-baked brats:
Use a Meat Thermometer
This ensures brats are cooked through without overdoing it.
Proper Arrangement
Leave space between brats for even cooking. Stagger or flip them halfway.
Get Crispy Exteriors
Turn the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Substitute Marinades
Swap beer for chicken broth, apple cider, or soda for flavorful marinades.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking brats in the oven:
Should you poke holes in brats before baking?
Yes, use a fork to poke holes to prevent them from bursting open while cooking.
Cooking times at different oven temps?
Lower oven temps like 325°F will take 25-35 minutes. Higher temps around 425°F will be 15-20 minutes.
How to tell when brats are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F internal temp. Visible juices and lightly browned exterior are also signs they’re cooked through.
What’s the best way to arrange brats on a baking sheet?
Leave at least 1 inch between brats for even cooking. Flip or stagger them halfway through baking.
What’s the difference between sausage and brat?
Brats are a type of German sausage made with pork and spices like nutmeg. They have a coarser grind than other sausages.
What’s the best way to cook brats?
Grilling and baking are the top cooking methods for brats. Deep frying can also yield delicious results.
Should you use butter/oil when cooking brats in the oven?
You don’t need to grease the pan since brats have enough fat content already.
Conclusion
Cooking brats in the oven provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy their signature taste anytime. With the right temperature and cook times, you can achieve juicy, flavorful results in your own kitchen. Experiment with different spices, marinades, and toppings to customize your oven-baked brats. Enjoy this easy cooking method as an alternative to firing up the backyard grill!
