How to Cook Brats in the Oven

Brats in the Oven: Cooking brats in the oven is so easy and a great option and easy way to get dinner on the table quick! Cooking them in the oven is similar to the way we cook Italian sausages in the oven and hot dogs in the oven, too!

We’ve also cooked bratwursts on the stove with onions, and that’s also a delicious option!

Internal Temperature for Brats

Bratwurst should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the sausage to check for doneness.

Even if the outside looks browned, always confirm with temperature for juicy, fully cooked brats.

Why You’ll Love Baking Bratwursts

We absolutely love having brats for lunch or as a fast dinner idea. They’ve even become a staple in our house when we have guests visiting or staying with us.

They’re just one of those things that require very little thought and usually, everyone loves them, so they’re a “no-brainer” when it comes to feeding a large group.

Now, don’t get me wrong… a brat on the grill is superb. But when it’s raining or there’s 10 ft. of snow on the ground, this gal’s not going outside to use the grill, and I prefer oven baked recipes.

Plus, sometimes I just don’t feel like using the grill and the oven sounds like a better idea. Or sometimes, even cooking brats in the air fryer in only 10 minutes is my favorite!

How to Cook Brats in the Oven

Scroll down to the bottom of this post to see the full printable recipe card with ingredients and instructions!

First, you can cook whatever flavor of brats that you prefer! I usually grab a generic brand but I DO love Johnsonville brats! (I tend to use the regular kind if I’m adding it to something like this easy sausage casserole recipe.)

We also love mixing things up and grabbing new flavors from the butcher shop from time to time.

However, I tend to keep brats in the freezer, like these beer brats, below, from Walmart for those unexpected group dinners or when we need something quick and easy.

Grease a Baking Dish

In a baking dish (or even casserole dish) big enough to fit all of the brats you’re planning to bake, grease with non-stick cooking spray. (You can even line your dish with aluminum foil to help keep the mess down, if you prefer.)

Place the brats in the dish, making sure they’re not on top of one another, or preferably, not even touching. (To allow all sides of the brats to cook.)

How Long to Cook Brats in the Oven

When your oven has preheated, place the baking dish/raw brats in the oven and bake at 400 for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes, turn the brats over and bake for another 6 minutes.

After the 6 minutes, feel free to turn the oven to broil and allow the brats to sit under the hot heat for about another minute to gain that “grill-like” brat.

How Long to Cook Brats in the Oven

Cooking time depends on oven temperature and whether the brats are fresh or pre-cooked.

At 400°F

• Fresh brats: 20-25 minutes
• Pre-cooked brats: 15-20 minutes

At 350°F

• Fresh brats: 30-35 minutes
• Pre-cooked brats: 20-25 minutes

At 425°F

• Fresh brats: 18-22 minutes
• Pre-cooked brats: 12-15 minutes

Always cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Cooking Times Can Vary:

I’ve made these in two different ovens, and I’ve found that the cooking time can vary. In my really old oven, it only took 16 minutes to reach the 160 internal temperature.

In my brand-new oven, it took 20-25 minutes to reach the 160degree internal temperature. So cook times can vary!

Internal Temperature Needs to Reach 160°

When the brats have cooked for 16-17 minutes, check the internal temperature of the brats to make sure they have reached a temperature of 160°.

Should You Flip Brats in the Oven?

You don't have to flip brats, but turning them halfway through cooking can help them brown more evenly on both sides.

If you're cooking at higher heat like 400°F or 425°F, flipping once can improve browning.

Should You Poke Holes in Brats Before Baking?

No. Avoid poking holes in bratwurst before cooking. Piercing the casing allows juices to escape, which can result in dry brats.

Keep the casing intact to lock in flavor and moisture.

How to Serve

Our favorite: Place oven baked brats on hot dog buns or a hoagie roll!

Other Option: You can definitely eat bratwursts without bread, especially if you’re doing a low-carb diet!

Or, you can cut up the bratwursts in to small slices and add in to your favorite pasta recipe or in a cabbage and sausage dish!

Brat Toppings

There are many different types of toppings you can put on bratwursts but I wanted to share some of our favorites!

I’m going to have a hard time passing up plain ole mustard on a brat. (As you can see below.)

BUT… I do love to adventure out at times and try something new. Here are my top favorites and make sure to check out my hot dog topping ideas to get even more ideas for your own brats!

• Saurkraut

• BBQ Sauce

• Relish
• Queso
• Grilled Peppers
• Grilled Onions
• Bell Peppers
• Red Onions
• Sour Cream

TIP: Having a party? Have a “Brat Bar” so everyone can add their own favorite toppings! If needed, you can see our favorite food bar ideas!

How to Store

If you have leftover brats, store in an airtight container once they’ve cooled and enjoy within 3-4 days!

Simply reheat by re-warming in the oven, in a microwave or in an air fryer.

More Easy Oven Protein Recipes

If you love cooking meat in the oven, you might also enjoy:

• How to Cook Pork Chops in the Oven
• Hamburgers in the Oven
• Breakfast Sausage in the Oven
• Steak in the Oven

These simple methods make weeknight dinners easy and reliable.

What to Serve as a Side Dish with Brats

Keeping it simple? Grab some of these easy side dishes:

• potato chips
• German potato salad or Amish potato salad
• pickles
• pasta salad recipes
• side salad
• cornbread salad
• cucumber salad
• baked beans
• seasoned ranch potato wedges
• or any of these side dish recipes

Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!

If you’re looking for another easy oven protein, see our complete guide on how to cook pork chops in the oven.

Recipe