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    Home » Main Course » How to Cook Brats in the Oven

    How to Cook Brats in the Oven

    Published: Apr 12, 2021 · Modified: Oct 14, 2022 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    baked brats

    For a quick and easy 30-minute dinner, cooking bratwurst in the oven requires only a few easy steps.  Serve this famous German sausage with sauerkraut and mustard or sauteed bell peppers and onions.  It doesn't get any easier than placing brats on a baking sheet and into the oven!

    Welcome to My Kitchen Serenity! As you probably already know, my website is all about easy recipes, but this recipe may be the EASIEST one yet! Here I will show you how to bake bratwurst in the oven in a matter of minutes. Sounds pretty good, right!

    Sausage is one of those foods that's been around forever.  According to some historians, sausage has been around for over 3,500 years and began with the Babylonians. Bratwurst is believed to have been originated in Germany several hundred years ago; some would argue it's been around for much longer than that! For more Bratwurst facts, visit the Grapes and Grains website.

    Are you a fan of coleslaw? Check out my broccoli coleslaw recipe. It's light and crunchy and goes great with these brats!

    Do you need a good appetizer to serve with these brats? Give my Jalapeno Cheese Ball a try! It's a quick and easy winner!

    What Makes This Recipe Work

    First, no need to open your spice cabinet as these sausages are already fully seasoned! Second, cooking brats in the oven is a great alternative for grilling them. So when it's rainy or cold outside, or you just don't have a grill, roasting brats in the oven is the next best thing. All you need is a rimmed sheet pan! TIP: line the sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up!

    Ingredients Needed

    You guessed it -- brats! Bratwurst usually comes 5 to a pack and is located in the refrigerated section of the grocery store hanging out with the other link sausages and hot dogs. Choose original or venture out and try one of several unique flavors. We usually eat the original brats since they're plenty flavorful.

    Directions for Oven Cooked Brats

    Since brats are raw and not smoked, they need to be cooked to 160F.

    (1) Simply preheat your oven to 400F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a rimmed sheet pan (rimmed to keep any juices from spilling over into your oven.) Place the sausages on top of the parchment paper in a single layer, with the sides not touching. TIP: If you don't have parchment paper, spray the sheet pan with non-stick spray so the sausages won't stick.

    (2) Bake for 15 minutes and then flip the sausage over and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160F on a food thermometer. Turning them over halfway through cooking will ensure even cooking and a nice roasted appearance. Ovens vary so please check on your brats 5 minutes before the timer dings!

    How to Cook Frozen Brats in the Oven

    Cooking frozen brats is easy - no need to thaw!  Add an additional 15-20 cook time to the directions above. Flip an additional once or twice for that nice browned appearance.

    You can view my Google Web Story for this recipe at How to Cook Brats in the Oven.

    Alternative Cooking Methods

    Cooking brats in the oven is probably the easiest method out there. However, for a change of pace, try grilling them or pan-frying them (a cast iron skillet works well).

    What to Serve with Brats

    Traditionally, bratwurst is served with the following (or just serve with what you like; no rules here):

    • sauerkraut
    • german potato salad
    • sliced and sauteed bell pepper and onions
    • buns or rolls
    • stone ground mustard
    • beer (traditionally, German pilsner), ales, and lagers pair really well

    If you're from the south, you'll serve mac cheese with just about anything! While it may not be a traditional Bratwurst side, y'all know we eat what's good, when we want to! Serve my Homemade Macaroni and Cheese recipe with these sausages.  With only 4 simple ingredients, it's the easiest!

    Marinating Brats in Beer

    You can find pre-flavored beer brats in your grocery store, but marinating them yourself provides a much richer beer flavor. After marinating the brats in your choice of beer overnight (or at least 6-12 hours), simply bake as directed.

    Looking for a Keto Bratwurst Recipe?

    Keto brats and peppers are a perfect keto meal. Brats with sauerkraut is another great low carb, keto meal. Skip the bun for an easy and delicious sausage dinner!

    Tips and Substitutions

    • Place the brats at least ½ inch apart on the baking sheet. Basically, you don't want them to touch because they won't cook evenly.
    • Check for doneness by using a digital cooking thermometer. Brats are done when they reach 160F.
    • If you don't have parchment paper to line the sheet pan with, use foil.
    • If you can't find original brats, pick any of the available flavors.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are Bratwursts Made Of?

    German bratwurst is typically made from pork or veal and seasoned with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, coriander, or caraway.

    What are the Best Buns for Brats?

    Brats are best served on a bun that can hold up with the sausage and all the toppings.  Toppings such as sauerkraut are packaged in liquid so they can cause a bun to get soggy.  So a hearty bun, such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Sausage Buns, really fits the bill!

    What's the Best Sauerkraut for Brats?

    Honestly, whatever kind or brand you like is what's best for you.  However, if you're going for true German sauerkraut, give Hengstenberg Bavarian Style Sauerkraut with Wine a try.  Available at most grocery stores.

    Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

    For a fun and delicious change of pace, try my Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe using 1 package of baked and sliced brats as a substitute for the chicken. DEELICIOUS!!

    Freezing Leftovers

    If desired, you can freeze cooked bratwurst. They'll stay fresh for about 3 months when sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.

    Refrigerate Leftovers

    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids. Check out this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids from Bayco, available now on Amazon.

    If you have leftovers, serve them with potatoes. They go great with my easy slice and bake potato recipe!

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    If you tried this recipe, leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out!

    Need more great recipe ideas? Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to get more delicious recipe ideas in your feed.

    If you'd like more simple and easy recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter

    Recipe

    cooked bratwurst sausages in square pan with buns, sauerkraut, and bell pepper onion mixture on the side

    How to Cook Brats in the Oven

    For a quick and easy dinner, cooking bratwurst in the oven requires only a few easy steps.  Serve this famous German sausage with sauerkraut or pepper and onions.  It doesn't get any easier than placing brats on a baking sheet in the oven!
    5 from 34 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 260kcal
    Author: Anne Clark | My Kitchen Serenity

    Equipment

    • Sheet pan - rimmed

    Ingredients

    • 19 ounces uncooked bratwurst sausage (any flavor) 5-link package I used Johnsonville for this recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Since brats are raw and not smoked, they need to be cooked to 160F.  Simply preheat your oven to 400F. 
    • Place a piece of parchment paper on a rimmed sheet pan (rimmed to keep any juices from spilling over into your oven.)  Place the sausages on top of the parchment paper in a single layer, with the sides not touching.  TIP:  If you don't have parchment paper, spray the sheet pan with non-stick spray so the sausages won't stick.
    • Bake for 15 minutes (check on them after 10 minutes to make sure they're not getting burned) and then flip the sausage over and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160F on a food thermometer.  Turning them over halfway through cooking will ensure even cooking and a nice roasted appearance. Note that ovens can vary; some cook hotter than others and some don't get as hot.

    Notes

    Traditionally, bratwurst is served with the following (or just serve with what you like; no rules here):
    • sauerkraut
    • German potato salad
    • buns or rolls
    • stone ground mustard
    • beer (traditionally, German pilsner) ales and lagers pair really well
    Freezing Leftovers
    If desired, you can freeze cooked bratwurst.  They'll stay fresh for about 3 months when sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag.  Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
    Refrigerate Leftovers
    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids.  
    If you have leftovers, serve them with potatoes.  They go great with my easy slice and bake potato recipe!
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sausage | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 680mg | Sugar: 1g

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    Ultimate Guide to the 23 Best Tomato Paste Substitutes »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nicole

      June 02, 2022 at 6:32 pm

      I have used this method a few times to cook brats and they are never up to temperature after the 30-35 minutes. No matter how I cook brats, they usually cook around 45 minutes. Maybe my oven/thermometer is off

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        June 02, 2022 at 8:52 pm

        Hey Nicole. Thanks for commenting. It’s possible your oven cooks slightly lower; it’s not uncommon for this to happen.

        Reply
      • Vanessa

        August 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

        I had the opposite issue. 30 minutes in 400 left me with burnt brats.

        Reply
    2. Lavinia

      August 23, 2022 at 4:52 am

      5 stars
      A thunderstorm prevented grilling last night. I found your recipe and I tell you that the brats cooked perfectly! Just like on the grill, if not better. I used my cast iron skillet in the oven. Thank you for saving the day!

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        August 23, 2022 at 7:05 am

        Hey Lavinia! I’m so happy you liked them, and I love the idea of cooking them in a cast iron skillet. It’s been raining a lot here so we haven’t been able to grill out either. Take care and thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    3. MB

      December 23, 2022 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      It was -12 here last night and it was a real treat to have a "summer" meal on the table. I cooked the recipe exactly as stated and it turned out great. I also roasted a sheet pan of peppers and onions at the same time. It was delicious and a fast and easy meal! This is being added to our family favorites.

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        December 23, 2022 at 6:11 pm

        Thank you so much for letting me know! I love the addition of roasted peppers and onions - they pair so well with brats. Stay warm! I'm hoping summer gets here sooner than later 🙂

        Reply
    4. Maureen

      November 19, 2024 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      Ohhhh how happy this recipe made me so very happy!! I am in an apartment and cannot have a deck grill so thank you, thank you!! They are just as good as grilled and timing for my taste was perfection! I will do this over & over.
      Thrilled in Michigan☺️

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        November 20, 2024 at 11:15 am

        Hey Maureen from Michigan! I love it when people tell me where they live because it's amazing how wide-spread everyone is who visits my blog...even in other countries. I'm so excited you liked this incredibly simple recipe...and you're right...they taste just like they've been grilled. A game changer indeed for those who don't have a grill. So thank you, thank you for leaving me a great comment and 5-star rating!! I hope you have a great week 🙂

        Reply
        • Kevin Delaney

          May 25, 2025 at 9:59 am

          5 stars
          Very easy recipe and they turned out deliciousI’m

          Reply
    5 from 34 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

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