Smoked brats are a seriously tasty treat and fast becoming our favorite dish this summer!
This German sausage stays juicy and meaty but you still get a delicious smoky flavor!
Just make sure you have some fresh buns and mustard and you’ll be feasting in no time.
Table of contents
Should You Boil Brats Before Smoking Them?
Pre-boiling brats before smoking is an individual choice.
If you’ve bought them pre-cooked bratwursts, they’ve more than likely already been pre-boiled.
I tend not to boil as the flavorings can leach out, leaving them a little tasteless.
If you’ve bought raw rather than pre-cooked brats, you might prefer to boil them before smoking.
Boil the brats in beer, water, or a similar liquid.
This helps soften the casing so it won’t split during the smoking process.
Of course, you can place a little liquid in a baking dish or aluminum tray on the grill grate.
This will keep the casing moist and stop it from splitting.
You can also coat the skin with cooking oil before placing it on the grill grates.
This will keep it lubricated and prevent splitting. It will also stop it from sticking to the grill grates.
How Can I Season the Bratwurst for the Pellet Grill?
Store-bought brats are already full of savory herbs and spices.
But if you are looking to inject some more flavor, try using a BBQ rub, or even crushed garlic or chili powder.
Oil the skin with a thin coating, and cover with whatever you want to season with.
Do this about half an hour before smoking, so the flavors have time to penetrate the meat.
How Long and at What Temp Should I Smoke Brats on the Pellet Grill?
Smoke at 230°F for around 1 hour Increase the temp to 300° for 60-120 minutes.
The smoking process for brats should be low and slow. Stick to low to medium heat and keep them out of direct heat.
Increase the heat toward the end of the cooking time.
This will give you a nice crunch on the skin without drying out the sausage.
What Internal Temp Should You Cook Bratwurst To?
The ideal internal temperature for brats is 160°F.
Regardless of what temp you smoke the brats, the internal temperature is always the same.
Check the sausages are cooked by probing the center with a meat thermometer or infrared thermometer.
How to Smoke Bratwurst on the Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Smoking brats on the pellet grill couldn’t be easier!
So skip the frying pan and try the pellet grill next time you want to have a brat cook-up.
You can smoke brats using any smoker.
The process is the same whether you have a charcoal grill, electric smoker, or pellet smoker.
The cook time and temps will be similar.
Preheat the smoker to 225°F. The lower the smoking temperature the better for brats.
When you place your brats on the grill, give them plenty of room.
That gives the smoke plenty of space to circulate while smoking.
Smoke them in indirect heat. Direct heat will be too intense and you run the risk of bursting the casing.
Smokers do tend to cook evenly as the smoke circulates, especially with a closed lid.
So it won’t be necessary to flip or roll them during cooking.
Having said that though, I tend to roll them at least once during the cook.
It sets my mind at ease that both sides cook. I also get those great grill marks all over.
You can also cook the brats in a tray of water or beer to add more moisture to the whole process.
The casings won’t burst with the added liquid. But if on the off chance they do, you’ve got them contained!
If a crunchy casing is what you prefer, remove them from the water and place on the grates for 10-15 minutes.
What Should I Serve With Smoked Brats?
What can’t you serve with smoked brats!
You can stick with the German food theme and serve it with some tasty smoked sauerkraut.
Or use them as an alternative to standard hot dogs.
Served on a fresh toasted bun, smothered in mustard or bbq sauce, and smoked onion. Seriously tasty!
Or slice it up for your next snack platter or picnic. It also makes great sandwich meat when sliced thin.
What Wood Chips Should I Use for Smoking Bratwurst?
When it comes to smoking brats, you can use just about any wood chips.
The stronger-tasting wood pellets like mesquite are great for this seasoned sausage.
If you find it a little overpowering though, you can blend it with oak or hickory to tone it down.
Sweeter blends like the fruit and light wood blends likely won’t have much impact on the flavor.
Good to use if you only want a faint hint of smoke, but they will lack the oomph of smoke flavor.
Fruit woods are much more suited to white meats.
For this recipe, we used the Bear Mountain BBQ’s Gourmet Blend.
What You Need for Smoked Bratwurst Hot Dogs
- Bratwurst Sausages
- Olive Oil
- Hot Dog Buns
- Wholegrain Mustard or Dijon Mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Chopped Onion
Steps for Smoking Bratwurst
Below are the 4 easy steps you need to follow to smoke your brats.
Step 1 – Pre-heat the Pellet Grill
Pre-heat the pellet smoker to 230°F and close the lid.
Make sure the wood pellet hopper is filled with enough for about 3 hours of cooking.
Step 2 – Preparing the Brats for Smoking
Lightly coat the outside of the brats with olive oil.
This will prevent the casing on the bratwurst from bursting.
Step 3 – Smoke the Brats
Once the smoker temperature has reached 230°F, place the brats on the grill grates.
Space out so the smoke can circulate.
Keep the cooking temp low, and place them in indirect heat.
Close the lid and leave the brats for about an hour.
Step 4 – Final Stages of Cooking
After an hour, increase the grill temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 60-120 minutes.
Move around on the grates if you want to create the grill marks.
Once the internal temperature registers 160°F, they are ready to eat.
Slice the onion and place it in a tray on the grill to smoke.
Step 5 – Assembling the Brats
Lightly toast the hot dog rolls.
Slit down the middle and place the smoked brat.
Layer with the smoked onion.
Serve with sauerkraut, dijon and wholegrain mustard.
Serve and enjoy!
Sides for Your Smoked Brats
These are some of the sides I like to serve with brats
Smoked Carrots
More Sausage Recipes
Sausages are a classic and I love to cook and eat them! Here are some more of my favorite sausage recipes
Smoked Turkey Sausages
Smoked Bratwurst
Equipment
- Pellet smoker
Ingredients
- Bratwurst Sausages
- Olive Oil
- Hot Dog Buns
- Wholegrain Mustard or Dijon Mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Chopped Onion
Instructions
Step 1 – Pre-heat the Pellet Grill
- Pre-heat the pellet smoker to 230°F and close the lid.
- Make sure the wood pellet hopper is filled with enough for about 3 hours of cooking.
Step 2 – Preparing the Brats for Smoking
- Lightly coat the outside of the brats with olive oil.
- This will prevent the casing on the bratwurst from bursting.
Step 3 – Smoke the Brats
- Once the smoker temperature has reached 230°F, place the brats on the grill grates.
- Space out so the smoke can circulate.
- Keep the cooking temp low, and place them in indirect heat.
- Close the lid and leave the brats for about an hour.
Step 4 – Final Stages of Cooking
- After an hour, increase the grill temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 60-120 minutes.
- Move around on the grates if you want to create the grill marks.
- Once the internal temperature registers 160°F, they are ready to eat.
- Slice the onion and place it in a tray on the grill to smoke.
Step 5 – Assembling the Brats
- Lightly toast the hot dog rolls.
- Slit down the middle and place the smoked brat.
- Layer with the smoked onion.
- Serve with sauerkraut, dijon and wholegrain mustard.
- Serve and enjoy!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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