Learn how to cook brats in the oven. Baking is a simple German-style method that keeps your kitchen clean and your sausages juicy, especially when the grill isn't an option. With just a few ingredients, you'll have crispy, flavorful bratwurst ready in 30 minutes - a straightforward home-cooked meal.
No grill? No problem. Baking brats in the oven is an easy German-style method that keeps your kitchen clean and your sausages juicy. The bratwurst turns out crispy, perfect with onions, peppers, or sauerkraut.
For other options, try Brats on the Stove with beer or Brats in the Air Fryer.
Ingredients: 1 + oil | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 5 | Difficulty: Super easy
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Recipe ingredients
What kind of sausages do you need?
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made with a natural casing. It's typically made from pork, veal, or beef and is seasoned with various herbs and spices. Johnsonville Brats is a well-known brand.
- I usually cook the classic pork bratwurst, but the oven method works for any brat variety - pork, beef, chicken, turkey, Italian, spicy, sweet, or your favorite brand.
- Just consider the size, especially the thickness, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable oil: Just a little bit to brush onto the bratwurst sausages.
Cook more with bratwurst: Try our hearty and delicious Bratwurst Soup or make Brats with Sauerkraut and serve them in buns.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to cook brats in the oven?
Step #1: Place the raw bratwurst on a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Spray, brush, or rub them with oil.
Step #2: Bake them in the preheated oven (400ยฐF/ 200ยฐC) for 35 minutes.
Step #4: Turn them using tongs.
Step #5: Continue baking for another 15 minutes until golden brown.ย Check the internal temperature; if they are not done, check again after 5 minutes.
How long does it take to bake brats?
- It depends on their size. Thicker, larger ones will need longer, while thinner ones will need a shorter baking time.
- A typical bratwurst weighs more or less 3.5 oz/ 100 g, depending on where you buy it. The cooking time for this size is between 35 and 40 minutes. I check after 30-35 minutes and give them 5 extra minutes if needed.
- The safest way of checking if the brats are cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab).
- The inner temperature for pork bratwurst should be 150ยฐF/ 65ยฐC, and for poultry sausages should be 160ยฐF/ 70ยฐC.
Expert Tips
Other sausages: Italian sausages can be cooked the same way. Raw kielbasa is another great option. Always check the internal temperature, especially if the products differ in size.
Baking dish: If you only cook a few, you can use a smaller casserole dish or another baking dish as well. Just ensure the tray/dish has a rim so the sausages can't roll off it.
Portion guide: 2-3 brats per adult, depending on appetite
Big batch: If cooking for a large group, use a second tray. When baking brats with two trays, it's recommended to use a fan oven (375ยฐF/ 180ยฐC).
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but they will need about 15 extra minutes. Check How to Cook Frozen Sausages for more details.
No, they will lose juiciness and flavor. I've cooked countless brats this way without any issues. Keep an eye on the heat to ensure they stay intact and perfectly cooked.
How to store and reheat?
Refrigerateย the cooled leftovers in an airtight container for about 3 days.ย
Reheatย in the oven or microwave.
Freezeย the leftovers in freezer containers for up to 3 months.ย Defrost in the fridge or reheat from frozen. Make sure that they are heated through before serving.
What to do with leftover cooked bratwurst?
Chop the baked brats and add them to soups and pasta salads, make pasta dishes with tomato sauce and sausage pieces, add to rice dishes, make a pizza topping, and so on.
How to Cook Brats in the Oven
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Foil or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 10 bratwurst Note 1
- 1-2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF/ 200ยฐC. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper (Notes 2, 3).
- Rub: Place the sausages on the tray. Brush, spray, or rub the brats with oil. 10 bratwurst + 1-2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- Bake brats: Bake for about 15 minutes. Turn with tongs. Bake for another 15 minutes.
- Check if they are done by cutting one in the middle; it should not be pink anymore. Alternatively, check with a meat thermometer. The inner temperature for pork sausages should be 150ยฐF/ 65ยฐC and for poultry sausages should be 160ยฐF/ 70ยฐC.
- If they are not done yet, give them 5 more minutes and check again. The baking time greatly depends on the size of the sausages; smaller sausages might be done after 15 - 20 minutes already (Note 4).
- Serve immediately as suggested above.
Notes
- Type of sausage: Brats, Italian sausages, beef, chicken, or turkey sausages; the recipe works for any kind of sausage. One regular bratwurst weighs between 3-3.5 oz/ 80-100 g.
- Bake a big batch: If cooking for a large group, use a second tray. When baking brats with two trays, it's recommended to use a fan oven (375ยฐF/ 180ยฐC).
- Baking dish:ย If you only cook a few sausages, you can use a smaller casserole dish or another baking dish as well. Just ensure the tray/dish has a rim so the sausages can't roll off them.
- The cooking time depends on the size of the sausages, especially their thickness.
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