How Long to Grill Brats: Time, Temp & Grilling Tips

How Long to Grill Brats for Juicy, Perfectly Cooked Bratwurst

How long do you grill brats? Fresh, raw bratwurst typically takes 18–22 minutes on a grill set to approximately 350°F. Turn the brats every few minutes and cook until the center reaches 160°F for pork or beef bratwurst. Chicken or turkey bratwurst should reach 165°F. Cooking time varies with sausage thickness, grill temperature, and whether the brats are raw or precooked.

Grilling bratwurst sounds simple, but there is a big difference between a juicy brat with a lightly browned, snappy casing and one that bursts open before the middle finishes cooking. Too much heat can scorch the outside. Too little attention can leave unevenly cooked sausage.

Whether you're cooking brats on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet smoker, this guide covers the best temperatures, approximate cooking times, how to avoid split casings, and practical techniques for getting consistently good results.

Bratwurst Grilling Time and Temperature Chart
What Temperature Should Brats Be Cooked To?
How Long to Grill Brats on a Gas Grill
How Long to Grill Brats on a Charcoal Grill
How Long to Grill Brats on a Pellet Grill
Fresh, Frozen, Boiled, and Precooked Brats
How to Grill Brats Step by Step
Pro Tips for Better Grilled Brats
Should You Boil Brats in Beer Before Grilling?
Common Bratwurst Grilling Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Bratwurst Grilling Shopping List

How Long to Grill Brats: Time and Temperature Chart

The best starting point for grilling brats is moderate heat, generally around 350°F. The chart below provides approximate cooking times, but always use the internal temperature rather than the clock to determine when raw bratwurst is done.

Bratwurst Type	Grill Temperature	Approximate Time	Cooking Notes
Fresh raw pork brats	350°F	18–22 minutes	Cook to 160°F internally
Raw chicken or turkey brats	350°F	18–25 minutes	Cook to 165°F internally
Fully cooked brats	350°F	8–10 minutes	Heat thoroughly according to package instructions
Fully cooked brats after simmering	350°F	5–10 minutes	Grill primarily for browning
Partially cooked brats after simmering	350°F	Varies	Continue cooking until safe internal temperature is reached
Frozen raw brats	300–350°F	25–35+ minutes	Thaw first for more even cooking when possible

Important: These times are estimates, not guarantees. Thick bratwurst, a crowded grill, outdoor temperatures, and hot spots can all affect the cook.

What Temperature Should Brats Be Cooked To?

Getting the internal temperature right matters more than hitting an exact number of minutes. Raw bratwurst is ground meat inside a casing, and the outside can brown long before the center is fully cooked.

Raw pork or beef bratwurst: 160°F internal temperature.
Raw chicken or turkey bratwurst: 165°F internal temperature.
Fully cooked bratwurst: Follow the manufacturer's reheating directions.

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the sausage, ideally from the end so the probe reaches the thickest part. Avoid touching the grill grate with the probe.

For quick temperature checks, the FireBoard Spark Instant-Read Thermometer is a useful tool for bratwurst, burgers, chicken, and other grilled foods.

What Is the Best Grill Temperature for Brats?

For most backyard cooks, 350°F to 375°F is a practical range. It provides enough heat to brown the casing while giving the center time to cook without excessive flare-ups.

When using charcoal, the actual temperature at the grate may be different from the lid thermometer reading. Creating a cooler cooking zone gives you more control.

How Long to Grill Brats on a Gas Grill

Gas grills make it easy to maintain a consistent temperature, which is especially helpful when cooking raw bratwurst.

For fresh pork brats, plan on approximately 18–22 minutes at 350°F. Turn every 3–4 minutes and check the internal temperature toward the end.

Best Method for Gas-Grilled Brats

Preheat the grill to approximately 350°F.
Set up a cooler zone by turning one burner to low or off if your grill has multiple burners.
Place raw brats over moderate or indirect heat.
Close the lid and turn the brats periodically.
Move them briefly over a warmer zone if additional browning is needed.
Check the center with an instant-read thermometer and remove at the appropriate safe temperature.

A pair of Broil King Baron 16-Inch BBQ Tongs makes turning sausages easier without puncturing the casings.

Should You Grill Brats With the Lid Open or Closed?

Keep the lid closed for most of the cooking time. This helps maintain a more consistent temperature and allows heat to circulate around the sausages. Open the lid to turn them, check their temperature, or manage flare-ups.

How Long to Grill Brats on a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal adds a traditional grilled flavor, but the biggest challenge is controlling the heat. Bratwurst contains fat that can drip onto hot coals, causing flare-ups and scorching the casing.

Fresh raw pork brats generally take 18–22 minutes at moderate heat, although charcoal conditions can vary significantly.

Use a Two-Zone Charcoal Fire

Light your charcoal and allow the fire to establish itself.
Arrange most of the coals on one side of the grill.
Place the brats on the cooler side and close the lid.
Turn periodically while the sausages cook through.
Move them over the hotter side briefly for additional color.
Verify the internal temperature before serving.

Using quality fuel from our premium charcoal collection helps you build a dependable cooking fire.

Pro Tip: If a brat starts dripping heavily and flames jump toward the casing, move it immediately to the cooler side. A few extra minutes over indirect heat is better than a burned casing and undercooked center.

How Long to Grill Brats on a Pellet Grill

Pellet grills are a convenient choice for bratwurst because they offer controlled cooking temperatures and the opportunity to add wood-smoke flavor.

At 350°F, fresh raw pork brats usually take approximately 18–22 minutes. Larger sausages may require additional time.

How to Cook Brats on a Pellet Grill

Preheat the pellet grill to 350°F.
Place the bratwurst directly on the main cooking grate.
Close the lid and cook, turning periodically.
Check internal temperature after approximately 15 minutes.
Continue cooking until the center reaches the appropriate safe temperature.
If your pellet grill has a direct-flame feature, use it briefly for additional browning when desired.

Choose smoking pellets appropriate for pork from our premium wood for smoking meat collection.

Can You Smoke Brats at a Lower Temperature?

Yes. A pellet grill set around 225°F can give bratwurst more time to absorb smoke flavor, but the cooking process takes longer. Exact timing varies with sausage thickness, weather, and grill performance. Monitor internal temperature carefully rather than relying on a fixed cooking time.

For cooks comparing equipment, browse our pellet grill collection for more wood-fired cooking options.

Fresh, Frozen, Boiled, and Precooked Brats: What's the Difference?

Fresh Raw Bratwurst

Fresh brats need to cook all the way through. At 350°F, allow approximately 18–22 minutes for typical pork bratwurst. The center must reach 160°F before serving.

Because fresh sausages vary in thickness, some may finish earlier while others need several more minutes.

Fully Cooked Bratwurst

Fully cooked brats are usually quicker to prepare. Around 8–10 minutes at moderate grill heat may be enough to heat them through and brown the outside, but follow the package directions.

Check the label carefully. Not all packaged bratwurst is precooked.

Brats Simmered Before Grilling

Some cooks simmer bratwurst in beer, broth, or water before placing it on the grill. This can reduce the amount of time needed over direct heat and can help control browning.

If the simmering process has already brought the sausage to its safe internal temperature, the grill can be used mainly for browning. If it has only partially cooked the sausage, continue grilling until the center reaches the required temperature.

Do not partially cook raw brats, refrigerate them, and finish them much later. If you start a partial cooking process, continue cooking immediately.

Can You Grill Frozen Brats?

Frozen brats can be cooked on the grill, but thawing them safely in the refrigerator first generally produces more even results.

If cooking directly from frozen, start over moderate or indirect heat, allow extra time, and monitor the center closely. Frozen raw brats may take 25–35 minutes or longer, depending on their size and the grill.

Never assume frozen sausage is done because the casing has browned.

Step-by-Step: How to Grill the Perfect Bratwurst

This straightforward method works with gas grills, charcoal grills, and most pellet grills.

Preheat the grill. Aim for approximately 350°F and establish an indirect cooking area if possible.
Prepare the grates. Start with clean grates. If needed, apply a small amount of high-heat cooking oil to help reduce sticking.
Place the brats on the grill. Leave a little space between sausages so heat can circulate.
Cook over moderate heat. Avoid placing raw brats directly over intense flames for the entire cook.
Turn gently. Rotate every few minutes with tongs. Do not pierce the casing with a fork.
Watch for flare-ups. Move brats to a cooler zone when dripping fat ignites.
Check internal temperature. Use a thermometer to verify doneness in the center of the thickest sausage.
Finish for color. If the brats are fully cooked but need more browning, briefly move them to a hotter part of the grill.
Rest briefly and serve. Allow a couple of minutes before placing them in buns or slicing.

For additional flavor, consider a light dusting of SuckleBusters Hog Waller Pork BBQ Rub or Double Dun Ranch BBQ Pork Rub. Brats are usually seasoned internally already, so start with a small amount.

Pro Tips for Juicy Brats With a Snappy Casing

Once you know how long to grill brats, a few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in the finished sausage.

1. Don't Start With the Hottest Part of the Grill

Raw bratwurst needs time for the center to cook. Starting over moderate or indirect heat helps prevent the casing from burning before the middle is ready.

2. Never Poke Holes in the Casing

Use tongs rather than a fork. Piercing the sausage allows moisture and fat to escape and can leave the finished brat dry.

3. Use a Thermometer Instead of Cutting One Open

Cutting a brat in half to check doneness releases juices and doesn't provide a reliable measurement of the internal temperature. An instant-read thermometer is faster and more dependable.

4. Don't Overcrowd the Cooking Grate

Leave room between brats so you can turn them easily and move them away from flare-ups. When grilling for a crowd, cook in batches if necessary.

5. Add Sweet Sauces Near the End

Sugary sauces can scorch over high heat. Brush on a small amount of Myron Mixon Sweet Heat Mustard Sauce or serve Texas Pepper Jelly Mustard Chipotle alongside the finished brats.

6. Keep a Cooler Zone Available

Even when grilling on gas, a lower-heat area is useful. It gives you somewhere to move sausages if the casings start browning too quickly.

7. Choose the Right Tools

Long tongs, heat-resistant gloves, and an accurate thermometer make cooking easier and safer. Browse our barbecue gloves and grilling accessories when preparing for a larger cookout.

8. Save the Final Browning for Last

If you like a darker casing, cook the brat through gently first, then finish briefly over higher heat. This provides better control than starting over a roaring fire.

Should You Boil Brats in Beer Before Grilling?

Beer brats are a popular variation, particularly when cooking for tailgates, parties, and backyard gatherings.

The idea is simple: gently simmer bratwurst in beer with onions and optional seasonings, then finish it on the grill for color.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this method.

Advantages of Simmering Brats First

Helps cook sausages gently before exposing them to direct grill heat.
Allows onions and seasonings to contribute flavor to the cooking liquid.
Can simplify the final browning stage when cooking several brats.

Why Some Grillers Skip the Beer Bath

Grilling from raw can develop a more pronounced grilled flavor.
Excessive simmering can affect the sausage's texture.
A rolling boil can contribute to split casings.

Our recommendation: If you use a beer bath, keep the liquid at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil. Finish the cooking process promptly and verify the safe internal temperature before serving.

What Is the Best Way to Grill Brats?

For most home cooks, the most dependable method is to cook fresh brats over moderate or indirect heat and finish briefly over direct heat.

That approach works on different types of grills and helps balance three important goals: fully cooked sausage, a juicy interior, and an evenly browned casing.

If you're preparing an entire meal, serve the brats with grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, mustard, or roasted potatoes. A light mustard-based BBQ sauce can also make a good finishing condiment.

For cooks who prefer more smoke flavor, a pellet grill offers another option. For cooks who want stronger charcoal character, a two-zone charcoal fire works especially well.

Troubleshooting Common Bratwurst Grilling Problems

Why Do My Brats Split Open on the Grill?

The grill may be too hot, the casing may be under excessive pressure, or the sausages may have been overcooked. Lower the heat, turn gently, and avoid puncturing the casing.

Why Are My Brats Brown Outside but Raw Inside?

This usually happens when the cooking heat is too intense. Move the brats to indirect heat, close the lid, and allow the center to finish cooking. Verify the internal temperature before serving.

Why Are My Grilled Brats Dry?

Overcooking is a common cause. Use a thermometer, remove the sausages once they reach the appropriate safe temperature, and avoid holding them over high heat after they're done.

Why Are My Brats Sticking to the Grill?

Dirty grates, insufficient preheating, or moving the sausages before they release naturally can cause sticking. Clean the grate, preheat properly, and use a light coating of cooking oil when appropriate.

Why Do My Brats Cause Flare-Ups?

Fat dripping onto flames or hot coals can ignite. Create a cooler cooking zone and move the sausages away from direct flames when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Brats

How long do you grill brats at 350°F?

Fresh raw pork brats generally take 18–22 minutes at 350°F. Actual cooking time varies, so check for an internal temperature of 160°F.

How long do you grill brats at 400°F?

At 400°F, brats may cook faster, often in approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness and cooking method. Use indirect heat when possible to prevent scorching and check the center with a thermometer.

Can you grill brats at 450°F?

You can use 450°F briefly for browning, but it is generally too aggressive for cooking raw brats from start to finish. Moderate heat offers better control and reduces the risk of split casings.

How long do you grill brats on a gas grill?

Plan on approximately 18–22 minutes for fresh pork brats at 350°F. Turn every few minutes and verify a 160°F internal temperature.

How long do you grill brats on a charcoal grill?

Raw pork brats commonly take around 18–22 minutes over moderate heat. A two-zone charcoal setup makes it easier to cook them evenly and finish with additional browning.

How long do you cook brats on a pellet grill?

At 350°F, fresh raw pork brats typically take 18–22 minutes. The exact time depends on their size and the pellet grill's cooking performance.

How do you know when brats are done without cutting them open?

Use an instant-read thermometer. Pork and beef bratwurst made from raw ground meat should reach 160°F, while chicken and turkey bratwurst should reach 165°F. See our grilling thermometers for tools that make checking easier.

Should you boil brats before grilling?

Boiling is not necessary. Some cooks prefer gently simmering brats before grilling, while others cook them entirely on the grill for more grilled flavor. Avoid a vigorous boil and always verify the internal temperature.

How long do you grill brats after boiling?

If the brats have already reached a safe internal temperature during simmering, a few minutes on the grill may be enough for browning. If they're only partially cooked, continue grilling until the center reaches the required temperature.

Can you cook frozen brats directly on the grill?

Yes, but thawing safely in the refrigerator first is usually easier. Frozen brats require additional cooking time and careful temperature checks to ensure the middle is fully cooked.

Should you close the grill lid when cooking brats?

Generally, yes. A closed lid helps maintain consistent heat. Open it to turn the sausages, check their temperature, and respond to flare-ups.

Should you poke holes in brats before grilling?

No. Piercing the casing can release juices and fat. Use tongs to turn the sausages instead.

What are the best seasonings and sauces for grilled brats?

Bratwurst is usually already seasoned, but a small amount of pork-friendly BBQ rub can add flavor. Mustard-based sauces and savory condiments also pair well with grilled brats. Explore our steak seasonings for additional savory seasoning options.

Final Thoughts: Great Brats Start With Temperature Control

Learning how long to grill brats is really about understanding the relationship between time, heat, and internal temperature. For most fresh pork bratwurst, approximately 18–22 minutes at 350°F is a dependable starting point, but the thermometer determines when they're finished.

Cook over moderate heat, keep a cooler zone available, turn the sausages gently, and avoid puncturing the casings. Whether you use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet smoker, these habits will help you make bratwurst with a juicy center and a nicely browned exterior.

Once you have the basic method down, experiment with different wood flavors, mustard sauces, grilled onions, and your favorite BBQ seasonings.

Shopping List: Everything You Need to Grill Better Brats

Before your next cookout, make sure you have the essentials for controlling heat, handling sausages, and checking doneness.

Instant-read thermometer: FireBoard Spark for checking the center of your bratwurst.
Grilling tongs: Broil King Baron 16-Inch BBQ Tongs for turning sausages without puncturing them.
Grilling tool set: Dalstrong 4-Piece Premium Grill Kit for general grilling and serving.
Charcoal: Premium Charcoal for Smokers and Grills for live-fire cooking.
Smoking wood: Premium Wood for Smoking Meat for pellet grills and smokers.
BBQ seasoning: SuckleBusters Hog Waller Pork BBQ Rub for an optional savory finish.
Mustard sauce: Myron Mixon Sweet Heat Mustard Sauce for serving or lightly glazing.
Grill gloves: Barbecue Gloves for handling hot grilling equipment.