There’s nothing better than juicy Baked Bratwurst straight out of the oven. Golden brown, sizzling, and so simple, it’s the kind of comfort food that never lets you down.
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook brats in the oven, you’re in the right place. This recipe for baked bratwurst is as easy as it gets, and the result is everything you want in a sausage! Crispy skin, juicy inside, and absolutely packed with flavour. No grill required, no fuss, just perfectly cooked brats in under 30 minutes.
What I love about this method is how effortless it is. You literally just pop the sausages on a sheet pan, bake them, and they come out tasting like you put way more work into dinner than you actually did. It’s the ultimate lazy-day recipe that still feels satisfying. And if you’re into hearty comfort foods, you’ll probably also love my sheet-pan sausages with onions and peppers or even my cabbage and sausage skillet — both of which follow the same no-fuss vibe.
The best part? Baking brats in the oven means you don’t have to stand outside by the grill (great for rainy days!) or deal with messy splatters on the stove. They turn out perfectly every single time. Add some caramelized onions or tuck them into buns with mustard and sauerkraut, and you’ve got a meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a game-day spread.
So if you’ve ever caught yourself asking, “Can I really bake bratwurst in the oven?” the answer is 100% yes. This oven method is foolproof, it saves time, and it’s honestly the easiest way to get a dinner everyone will love on the table without overthinking it.
The Short and Sweet Ingredient List
When it comes to making baked bratwurst, you really don’t need much at all. That’s the beauty of this recipe! It keeps things simple while delivering all the flavour you’d expect from a juicy brat.
- Bratwurst Sausage: Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage made with pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with spices like nutmeg, caraway, or ginger. Use fresh (raw/uncooked) bratwursts for this recipe so they bake up juicy in the oven. Any style works here — classic German brats, beer brats, or even flavoured varieties. You can use pre-cooked or smoked brats too, but they won’t turn out quite as flavourful or crispy. You can usually find bratwurst sausages at the butcher or grocery store.
- Optional (not pictured): Round things out with buns and your favourite toppings like sauerkraut, caramelized onions, bell peppers, or a good mustard for the full bratwurst experience.
How to Bake Bratwurst (Key Tips for Perfect Results)
You can find full instructions for how to make oven baked bratwurst in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use the right temp. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for cooking bratwurst sausage through while still getting that nice browning on the outside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each brat some space on the baking sheet so the heat circulates. If they’re crammed in too tight, they’ll steam instead of roast. EXTRA TIP: For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. It keeps the brats from sticking and makes post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
- Flip halfway. About halfway through cooking, give the brats a quick turn. This helps them brown evenly and keeps one side from getting too dark.
- Check the internal temp: Wondering how long do you cook brats in the oven? It usually takes about 20–25 minutes, but the best way to know is by checking with a meat thermometer. Bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Crisp at the end (optional). If you like a snappier skin, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes at the very end. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overdo it.
Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ways to make your oven baked brats feel a little different every time:
- Classic on a Bun: Toasted buns piled with sauerkraut, mustard, or caramelized onions are always a winner. With a classic German potato salad on the side.
- Beer Brats: Simmer brats in beer for 10 minutes on the stovetop, then finish them in the oven for an extra layer of flavour.
- Keto-Friendly/Low Carb: Skip the bun and serve your bratwurst alongside sauerkraut or roasted low-carb veggies such as cauliflower ‘mac and cheese’ or jicama fries.
- With Roasted Veggies: Toss bell peppers, onions, or even potatoes on the sheet pan with your brats so everything cooks together.
- Cheesy Twist: Like these mozzarella stuffed sausages, add a slice of cheese in the middle of the brats for a gooey finish.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the brats with a little crushed red pepper or brush them with hot sauce before baking for a touch of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilling gives you that smoky, charred flavour, but baking is hands-down easier (and weather-proof). The oven method still gets you juicy brats with nicely browned skins — no grill required.
Yes, you can, but they’ll need extra time. Place the frozen brats on a lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F, adding about 10–15 minutes to the normal bake time. Just be sure they reach an internal temp of 160°F before serving.
Nope! That’s an old myth. Poking holes lets the juices escape, which means dry brats. Keep them whole and let the oven do its thing.
A lined baking sheet works perfectly, but if you want even more airflow (and a little less grease), set a wire rack on top of your pan and place the brats on the rack. Both ways work fine.
400°F is the sweet spot for baking brats. Hot enough to brown the outside while still cooking the inside evenly.
About 20–25 minutes at 400°F will usually do the trick. If your brats are extra thick, give them a couple more minutes until they’re fully cooked through.
Yes, flip them once about halfway through. It helps them brown evenly and keeps one side from getting too dark.
Let the brats cool, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
The oven is your friend here! Warm them at 350°F for about 10 minutes so they stay juicy. You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a skillet for a few minutes if you like the skins extra crisp.
LOVE SAUSAGES? Then you need to try my oven baked Italian sausage recipe next!
PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR OVEN BAKED BRATS
PARMESAN CRUSTED ROASTED POTATOES
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
Baked Bratwurst
Ingredients
- 6 Bratwurst
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- Place bratwursts on the sheet, spacing them apart (don't overcrowd).
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want the skins extra brown. Check for doneness. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Eat as is, or add buns and toppings if you like.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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