The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Juicy, flavorful, and smoky grilled brats are perfect for any BBQ party. So fire up the grill and indulge in this mouthwatering classic.
It costs approximately $11.46 to make these Grilled Brats. The recipe makes six servings for about $1.91 per serving.
What You’ll Love About These Grilled Brats
- Versatile: Grilled brats are perfect for any occasion, from BBQs to tailgating to lazy Saturday afternoons.
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
- Customizable: You can enjoy the brat plain on a bun with mustard and ketchup or with grilled veggies.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 6 bratwurst sausages – $7.19
- ½ large yellow onion – $0.39
- ½ large red bell pepper – $0.62
- ½ large green bell pepper – $0.62
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil – $0.22
- 6 large hot dog buns – $2.42
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. Check out Budget Recipes Explained to learn more about how we price our recipes. The pricing for this recipe was updated in May 2023.
How To Grill Brats
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss onion, bell peppers, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the veggies on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred. For easier handling, use a grill basket.
- Remove the cooked vegetables and set them aside. Add the bratwursts to the grill.
- Grill the bratwursts for 10-12 minutes, turning them for even cooking, until they have grill marks on all sides and are cooked through.
- Let the cooked brats rest for a few minutes.
- (Optional) Toast your buns on the grill for a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
- Assemble your brats by placing one in each bun and top with grilled vegetables. Add your favorite condiments or toppings.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Instead of bratwurst, you may substitute with knockwurst.
- Use toppings you like, including mustard, sauerkraut, ketchup, or relish.
- Skip the grilled vegetables if you do not enjoy them.
- Top with a Creamy Homemade Coleslaw for more texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
SERVE: Let the brats rest for a few minutes after grilling, then enjoy! Refrigerate the leftover brats within 1 hour of cooking.
STORE: Leftover brats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag to prevent them from drying out.
REHEAT: To reheat leftover brats, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I cook the brats in beer?
Yes! You can simmer them in a saucepan of beer and then finish them on the grill so they get grill marks and charred flavor.
How do I properly grill brats?
The most important part of grilling is understanding what direct and indirect heat can do. Direct heat, or right over the flame, is where you will get the most char. The indirect heat is where you will want to move the bratwursts after they get their grill marks. This is so they can continue to cook through without burning. Use a thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of your bratwursts should reach 160 degrees F.
Should you boil brats before grilling?
We have tested this recipe for grilling the brats without boiling them first. We found you can grill the brats first without boiling them and still have a texture that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor in every bite.
Get Kids Involved
Ages 2-3: Begin teaching your little ones how to set the table. They can help gather the correct number of utensils, plates, cups, and napkins for everyone and place them around the table.
Ages 4-5: Teach your child about proper food safety and handling. Discuss the importance of washing your hands and food. For example, kids can wash the vegetables used as toppings for the brats.
Ages 6-8: Your child can begin learning the grilling basics. They can help place the brats on the grill or help flip them with tongs.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Budget Tips
- Buy the brats in bulk: Purchasing brats in larger quantities often results in lower unit prices.
- Do not go overboard with toppings: It can be tempting to load up your brats with all sorts of toppings which can quickly add up in cost. Instead, stick with the basics like sauerkraut, mustard, and onions which generally cost less than other toppings.
- Serve with inexpensive sides like grilled veggies.
- Shop for deals: Check your local grocery store’s weekly ad for sales on brats. Sales usually occur throughout the summer, especially around the Fourth of July.
More Grilling Recipes
- Best Grilled Hamburgers
- Foolproof Grilled Ribs
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- The Best Grilled Pork Chops
- Grilled Pork Kabobs On A Gas Grill
- Hotdog Burnt Ends
Grilled Brats
Equipment
- grilling tools
- Grill basket
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- large bowl
Ingredients
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- ½ large yellow onion thinly sliced
- ½ large red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ large green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large hot dog buns
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Relish
- Ketchup
Instructions
PREP GRILL:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
PREP VEGGIES:
- In a large bowl, toss onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
GRILL:
- Grill vegetables until they are softened and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. **see notes
- Remove the veggies from the grill and set aside.
- Grill bratwursts until they are cooked through and have grill marks on all sides, about 10-12 minutes. Turn the bratwursts every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bratwursts are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and rest for a few minutes.
TOAST BUNS:
- Toast the buns on the grill until they are slightly charred and crispy.
TO FINISH:
- To assemble the brats, place a bratwurst in each bun, then top with the grilled vegetables and any other desired toppings.
Amy says
This is dinner today! What a great meal! Love that I can get these ingredients for less too!
Ali says
This is a great barbecue recipe, and so easy to make for a group of guests! Absolutely delicious!
Jacqueline says
I’ve not heard of brats before but I love your choice of toppings
Andrea says
These brats look amazing and I love that you cook the peppers in onions on the grill with them.