How Long To Cook Brats On Grill

ByLily

Knowing your grill’s hot spots helps you position brats so they cook evenly from end to end. Most people ask how long to cook brats on grill, and the honest answer is 20 to 25 minutes over medium heat. That said, a few variables change the timing, and we’ll cover all of them below.

This guide gives you exact times, temperatures, and a simple method that works on gas, charcoal, or pellet grills.

How Long To Cook Brats On Grill

At a steady medium heat of 350°F to 400°F, raw brats need about 20 to 25 minutes total. You will flip them every 5 to 7 minutes so each side gets equal time over the fire.

If you parboil the brats first, the grill time drops to 10 to 12 minutes. That’s a common shortcut for parties when you have a big batch to cook.

Precooked or smoked brats from the store are faster still. Those only need 8 to 10 minutes on the grill, just long enough to heat through and get some char.

Grill Times At A Glance

  • Raw brats, medium heat: 20 to 25 minutes
  • Parboiled brats: 10 to 12 minutes
  • Fully cooked brats: 8 to 10 minutes
  • Target internal temp: 160°F

What Determines The Cooking Time

No two grills behave the same, so use these factors to adjust as you go.

Grill Temperature

Medium heat is the sweet spot. If your grill runs hotter than 400°F, the casings will split before the inside cooks. If it runs cooler than 325°F, the brats will dry out before they brown.

Brat Thickness

Standard brats are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Fat, jumbo brats can take 5 extra minutes. Thin breakfast-style sausages cook in half the time.

Direct Vs Indirect Heat

Start brats over direct heat to get color, then move them to indirect heat to finish. This two-zone setup prevents flare-ups and keeps the meat juicy.

Lid Position

Keep the lid closed as much as possible. An open lid lets heat escape, which adds several minutes to the cook and dries out the meat.

Step-By-Step: Grilling Brats Perfectly

  1. Preheat your grill to medium, about 350°F to 400°F. Clean and oil the grates.
  2. Pat the brats dry with paper towels. Dry casings brown better.
  3. Place brats over direct heat, leaving space between each one.
  4. Flip every 5 to 7 minutes using tongs. Never pierce the casing with a fork.
  5. After 15 minutes, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
  6. Move brats to indirect heat once they hit 150°F to finish gently.
  7. Pull them off at 160°F. Rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

The whole cook takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes for raw brats. Set a timer for the first flip so you don’t lose track.

How To Tell When Brats Are Done

Color alone won’t tell you. A brat can look browned on the outside and still be pink in the middle.

Use A Meat Thermometer

Insert the probe into the thickest part of the brat, avoiding the casing. The USDA recommends 160°F for ground pork and beef sausages. This is the only reliable way to know they’re safe to eat.

Visual And Touch Cues

  • The casing turns deep brown with light char marks
  • The brat feels firm but still springs back slightly
  • Juices run clear when you press the top gently

Common Mistakes That Ruin Brats

Piercing The Casing

Poking holes lets fat and juice escape. The brat ends up dry and greasy at the same time. Use tongs, not a fork.

Cooking On High Heat

High heat chars the outside in 5 minutes while the inside stays raw. Medium heat is slower but far better.

Constant Flipping

Flipping every 30 seconds stops the casing from browning. Stick to one flip every 5 to 7 minutes.

Skipping The Rest

Resting lets the juices redistribute. Cut into a brat straight off the grill and the juice ends up on the plate instead of in the meat.

Tips For Better Grilled Brats

  • Soak brats in beer for 30 minutes before grilling for extra flavor
  • Simmer them in beer and onions first, then finish on the grill for 10 minutes
  • Oil the grates right before placing the brats to stop sticking
  • Keep a spray bottle handy for flare-ups from dripping fat
  • Toast the buns on the grill for the last 2 minutes

Gas, Charcoal, And Pellet Grill Differences

Gas Grill

Set burners to medium and preheat for 10 minutes. Gas gives you the most consistent heat, so 20 to 25 minutes is a reliable window.

Charcoal Grill

Build a two-zone fire with coals on one side. Charcoal runs hotter in spots, so watch for flare-ups and rotate the brats more often.

Pellet Grill

Set the temp to 375°F. Pellet grills add smoke flavor, but they need a few extra minutes to recover heat each time you open the lid.

Final Thoughts

For raw brats, plan on 20 to 25 minutes at medium heat, flipping every 5 to 7 minutes. Parboiled brats take 10 to 12 minutes, and precooked ones finish in 8 to 10. Always cook to 160°F internal temperature, and let them rest before serving. Follow those numbers and your brats will come off the grill juicy every time.

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