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A plate of bratwursts with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
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How to Cook Bratwurst (+ Baked Bratwurst and Onions Recipe)

Check out this list of ways on how to cook bratwurst, the popular German sausage. Take your pick and start serving properly cooked, flavorful and delicious bratwurst --- even without a grill outside!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Servings: 3
Calories: 448kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

Ingredients

For cooking bratwurst on the stove:

  • water
  • 1 to 2 tbsp oil, for frying

For baked bratwurst in the oven:

  • 10 small bratwurst (or 5 to 6 big ones)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika powder (sweet paprika powder is even better)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

How to cook bratwurst on the stove:

  • Place the bratwurst in a pan or skillet.
  • Pour water on it, just enough to cover them.
  • Cover the pan with a lid, then place it on the stove.
  • Set heat to medium and bring to a slow boil.
  • Once it's boiling, adjust the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and take the bratwurst out to proceed to either frying or grilling on the stove.
  • If frying on a skillet, pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil (as little oil as possible; just enough to coat the pan) into the pan.
  • Once the oil is ready, add and start frying the bratwurst, turning them over, so all sides turn brown.
  • If using a grilling pan, place it on the stovetop and set the heat to medium-high.
  • Once the pan is ready, start grilling the simmered bratwurst, turning them over on all sides.
  • Serve right away, as a bratwurst sandwich or with some sauerkraut.

How to cook bratwurst in the oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (375°F).
  • Add thinly sliced onions in an oven-proof pan (or baking dish).
  • Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika powder.
  • Mix and try to coat the onion with both the oil and spices evenly.
  • Add the bratwurst and mix it with the onions to get some of the spices in there.
  • Cover with a lid (or with an aluminum foil).
  • Place in the oven for about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the cover, adjust the temperature to 220°C to 230°C (400°F to 420°F) and switch to grill, if you have that option.
  • Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the bratwurst turned golden, without burning the onions.
  • Remove from the oven and transfer to plates.
  • Serve baked bratwurst and onions with some mashed potatoes --- garnish with spring onions, if desired.

Notes

  • Cook's Tip #1:  You can also use beer, broth, or stock instead of water to simmer the fresh bratwurst.
  • Cook's Tip #2:  When cooking smaller brats, like the ones from Nuremberg that I used in this recipe, adjust the cooking time by about five to ten minutes --- this applies to simmering and cooking them in the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1322mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg