PREP TIME
10
MINS
IDLE TIME
N/A
HOURS
COOK TIME
3
HOURS
PELLETS
Apple
BLEND
SERVES
6-8
PEOPLE
How do you cook bratwurst on a pellet grill?
Bratwurst cook beautifully on a pellet grill because the steady heat keeps them juicy while adding authentic hardwood flavor. For even better results, many pitmasters simmer the brats in beer with onions before finishing them on the grill to create a flavorful, lightly charred exterior. Whether you're serving them at a backyard barbecue, tailgate, or family cookout, pellet-grilled bratwurst deliver the perfect combination of smoky flavor and juicy texture.
INGREDIENTS:
6-8 German brats uncooked
3 tbsp brown sugar
8 oz salted butter (cut into 8 pieces)
1 sweet onion chopped into thick slices
1 bottle amber ale(22oz)(we used Oakshire amber)
Amber Beer Brats
Going smoked is the best way to prepare beer brats! A few ingredients, a few beers, and a few hours will make the best brats you’ve ever tasted. We enjoy our brats with Amber ales best, so we hit up our friends at Oakshire Brewing for their award winning Amber Ale.
Preparation:
-Preheat the grill to 250.
-In a large cast iron pan, add in thick onion slices, brown sugar, butter, and 6-8 German bratwurst sausages evenly spread out.
-Pour a 22oz Amber Ale in the cast iron pan to fill it up around 80% of the way. You want it to cover most of the sausages.
-Place the pan into your smoker at 250 degrees for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
-Once finished, we prefer it on a bun with added sauerkraut, beer battered onions, and bit of spicy mustard on top.
Enjoy!
FAQs
Should you boil bratwurst in beer before grilling?
Simmering bratwurst in beer before grilling is a popular technique that helps infuse the sausages with flavor while keeping them juicy. Finishing them on the pellet grill creates a lightly charred exterior and authentic wood-fired taste.
How long do bratwurst take to cook on a pellet grill?
Most bratwurst cook in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on grill temperature and whether they’ve been simmered beforehand. Always cook until they reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
What wood pellets are best for bratwurst?
Oak, hickory, apple, and maple pellets all pair well with bratwurst. Oak offers a classic barbecue flavor, while apple and maple add a mild sweetness that complements the beer and onions.
What type of beer works best for beer brats?
Amber ales, lagers, Oktoberfest beers, and other malty styles are popular choices because they add rich flavor without overwhelming the bratwurst. Choose a beer you enjoy drinking for the best results.
What should I serve with amber beer brats?
Beer brats pair well with grilled onions, sauerkraut, pretzel buns, German potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, and your favorite mustards for a complete cookout meal.
