Knowing how long to cook and what the ideal internal temperature for bratwurst might be difficult. You want a sausage that is juicy, completely cooked through, and with a skin that is so crisp that it cracks when you bite into it. When it comes to cooking bratwurst, there are a few tried-and-true procedures that ensure the sausage is cooked to perfection every time.
Here are some helpful hints regarding the ideal internal temperature for bratwurst as well as the most effective methods for preparing it to its full potential.
Keep on reading for bratwurst internal temp information.
Table of Contents
What is Bratwurst?

What is brats and bratwurst internal temp?
Keep on reading for the ideal internal temperature for bratwurst.
What is The Ideal Internal Temperature for Bratwurst?
The USDA states that sausages produced with ground pork should have an internal temperature of 160°F. The sausage is safe to consume at this temperature. So this is the recommended bratwurst internal temp for your safety.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer for the best results when determining the internal temperature of bratwurst.

Internal temperature for bratwurst
How to Tell the Bratwurst is Done?
With Thermometer
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for bratwurst. Aim for the center of the sausage by inserting the probe at a 30° angle close to the end of the sausage.
This will provide you with a more accurate reading of the sausages overall temperature. A 160°F internal temperature is ideal.
Without Thermometer
If you dont have any thermometer available to check the internal temperature for bratwurst, use the following methods instead:
- The touch method: Touch the sausage with the tip of your finger. The sausage is probably done if it is firm and springs back. It takes additional time to cook if it jigs when you move it.
- The wiggle method: Pick up the sausage with tongs and wriggle it a little bit up and down. It is done when the sausage is firm and springy.
- Use a cake tester: Angle the tester as you insert it into the sausage, then take it out and rest it against your wrist. The sausage must be cooked if it is hot; nevertheless, if it is warm or cool, the sausage must continue to cook.
Thats how you can skip the brat temperature checking but also know the doneness.
What is The Right Temperature for Cooking Perfect Brats?
For the best results, grill your sausages slowly over medium-low heat (between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit), turning them frequently. The desired internal temperature for bratwurst of 160 degrees Fahrenheit should be reached in about 20 minutes.
This should take approximately 20 minutes, although the exact time may vary depending on how thick the brats are. It is important to remember to turn them frequently so that each side can become caramelized.
In the world of bratwurst, it is considered a cardinal sin to try to speed up the process and reach brat temperature by utilizing high heat. An excessive amount of heat may cause the exterior to burn, and this will also lead the casing to crack open, which will result in the juices leaking out.
What are The Great Methods for Cooking Brats?
Grilling is the most popular method for cooking bratwurst, but it isnt the only one that helps reach the ideal internal temperature for bratwurst and yummy texture.
- Boiling: Boiling or simmering is another great option since it not only produces tender sausages but also allows you to infuse additional flavors into the brats. All you have to do is place them in a large pot of cold water or beer and simmer them for about 20 minutes.
- Pan-frying: Pan-frying is also a great way to cook bratwurst. All you have to do is heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter, then add the sausages and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping them occasionally until theyre nice and browned.
- Oven-baking: If youd rather cook your bratwurst in the oven, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15 minutes. Be sure to flip them over halfway through the cooking time so that each side can cook evenly.
Pro Tips to Have Evenly Grilled Bratwurst

Internal temperature for bratwurst
- Preheat the Grill:Â Ensure that the grill is between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the sausages on it.
- Dont crowd the grill: The sausages must have enough room between them to cook evenly.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check whether the sausages are cooked.
Thats all for the ideal internal temperature for bratwurst, lets wrap it up with a quick FAQs section.
FAQs
Is it OK to eat the bratwurst at under the recommended brat temperature?
No, it is not recommended to you serve undercooked bratwurst. If the thermometer doesnt read at 160-165 F as a warning of USDA, put it back into the oven and cook for a bit longer.
Should I leave the lid on when cooking bratwurst?
Its OK to leave the lid open. Just be sure to flip the sausages every 2 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.
Do I need to boil brats before grilling them?
Partially boiling the brats in advance would add flavor to the sausages and help them cook more evenly. Also, it can prevent the brats from bursting and losing the flavorful juices while on the grill.
What is the best way to cook a bratwurst?
You can grill, poach or boil it. Its up to your
Should I poach the brats?
The bratwurst cooks more evenly inside when it is poached in liquid, which also gives the meat more taste. The sausage can be given flavor by using beer or by adding onion slices.
Conclusion
The information regarding bratwurst cooking with an internal temperature can be found in the following paragraphs. The internal temperature for bratwurst is the single most important factor to consider when grilling bratwurst. If you use our instructions as a reference, you will always be able to prepare brats that are flavorful and juicy.
Dont forget that if youre ever in a bind or looking for some new ideas, the website The Blue Stove is always available to assist you in any way it can. We appreciate your time spent reading this, and we look forward to catching up with you soon.