Best Oven-Baked Cheese Brats: Cooking Time And Tricks

Cooking cheese brats in the oven is a convenient, low-effort method that results in plump, juicy bratwursts every time. Bratwursts are a type of German sausage, typically made from a mixture of pork, beef or veal, and seasoned with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, coriander or caraway.

To cook cheese brats in the oven, first preheat your oven to between 350ºF and 425ºF. Place your bratwursts on a baking tray, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the sausages and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.

Oven temperature and cooking time

The oven temperature and cooking time for cheese brats will depend on the type of oven you have, the size of the brats, and the number of brats being cooked. It's recommended to cook them at a high temperature to get that crispy outer layer. Oven temperatures for cooking cheese brats can range from 350ºF to 425ºF.

When cooking at 400ºF, cook the brats for 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 6 minutes. If you want to give them a more ""grill-like" appearance, you can broil them for about a minute after they're done cooking. The internal temperature of the brats should reach 160ºF.

At 425ºF, the cooking time is slightly shorter. Cook the brats for 8 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Again, you can broil them for 3 minutes at the end for a crispier texture. The internal temperature should be the same as above, 160ºF.

If you're cooking frozen brats, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply add an extra 15-20 minutes to the total cooking time and flip them once or twice for even browning.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the brats with a meat thermometer to ensure they're fully cooked.

Additionally, if you're cooking the brats with other vegetables on the pan, they will need a longer cooking time, around 20 to 25 minutes.

How to know when cheese brats are fully cooked

To know when cheese brats are fully cooked, you should use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the brat has reached 160ºF. This is the temperature at which brats are considered safe to eat.

You can also look out for visual cues, such as the juices running clear, and the brat having a golden-brown colour. However, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure that your cheese brats are fully cooked.

How to store and reheat leftovers

When storing leftover brats, it's important to inhibit bacterial growth. To do this, wrap the brats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place them in an airtight container. Make sure to store them in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

When reheating, always check that the internal temperature of the brats reaches 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Reheating in the Oven

Place the brats on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, making sure they are not overlapping. Brush a small amount of oil onto the brats to prevent them from drying out. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the brats for 10-12 minutes, turning them once halfway through.

Reheating on the Stovetop

Use a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and place the brats in the skillet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.

Reheating in the Microwave

Arrange the brats on a microwave-safe plate, leaving space between each sausage. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Reheating with a Grill

If you want to add a smoky flavour to your brats, you can reheat them on a grill preheated to a medium-low heat of around 300°F. Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking and place the brats on the grill, turning every few minutes for an even char. Grill for about 7-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Tips to Maintain Moisture

The key to preserving the moisture and tenderness of bratwurst is to use low, indirect heat and cover the sausage to retain moisture. When reheating in the oven, wrap the brats in aluminium foil to minimise moisture loss. If using a stovetop, add a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking and dryness.

What to serve with cheese brats

There are many options for what to serve with cheese brats, from toppings to sides.

Toppings

A traditional topping for bratwurst is mustard, especially stone-ground or Düsseldorf-style mustard. Other toppings include sauerkraut, beer cheese sauce, curry ketchup, chilli sauce, and coleslaw.

Sides

Some side dishes that go well with bratwurst include:

• Salads, such as cucumber salad, green bean salad, broccoli salad, tomato cucumber salad, and German-style coleslaw
• Potato dishes, such as German potato salad, potato pancakes, and mashed potato bites
• Baked beans
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Grilled mushroom skewers
• Sweet potato dishes, such as sweet potato salad and sweet potato fries
• Other vegetables, such as roasted artichokes, grilled Brussels sprouts, and sautéed cabbage
• Macaroni and cheese
• Bacon beer cheese brats
• German pasta salad
• Grilled garlic mushroom skewers

Drinks

To drink with bratwurst, beer is a classic choice, especially German lager. White wine, such as Chablis or dry Riesling, is also a good option.

How to make beer brats

Ingredients:

• Bratwurst sausages
• Beer (light lager or pilsner)
• Hot dog buns
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. sauerkraut, sliced pickles, mustard, etc.)
• Vegetables of your choice (optional)

Method:

• Place the sausages in a deep container and pour beer over them. Let them marinate for at least 6 hours in the fridge.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Drain the sausages and discard the beer.
• Place the sausages on the lined sheet, making sure they are not overlapping and have some space between them.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the sausages over and bake for another 6-15 minutes.
• (Optional) Set your oven to a high broil and broil the sausages for 1-3 minutes to get a crispy, grilled look.
• Check that the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Serve the sausages in the hot dog buns with your choice of toppings.

Tips:

• You can add vegetables to the pan, such as onions, peppers, or potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir them when you flip the sausages.
• You can also make beer brats by simmering the sausages in a skillet with beer before transferring them to the oven.
• If you want to cook frozen brats, it is best to thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• To reheat leftover brats, use a non-stick pan over medium heat, an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions