Smoked Brats

Take your brats up a level by smoking them! Smoked brats are so simple and all you need is some brats and a smoker, and you'll have the tastiest brats you've ever had.

Brats are one of our go-to summer meals because 1) they're so easy 2) we love them and most importantly 3) our kids love them. While I typically make my Slow Cooker Beer Brats, I have also been loving smoking them. This recipe is just as easy and creates that iconic smoky flavor in the brats. If you love smoked meats, my Smoked Pork Tacos and Smoked Brisket on a Pellet Grill are also favorites of ours.

This smoked brat recipe is perfect when cooking for a crowd because you can smoke the brats ahead of time and then just toss them on a grill to get them charred and warmed up immediately before serving. The process of smoking brats is so simple and hands-off, and really doesn't take a ton of time! This leaves you plenty of time for the sides like Southwestern Pasta Salad, Loaded Baked Potato Salad, and Grilled Parmesan Zucchini.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

1. It's so easy. You don't need anything besides a smoker and some raw brats.
2. These brats are perfect for entertaining. You can smoke them ahead of time and then just throw them on the grill to warm them back up and get some char marks on them. I also love my Blue Cheese Burgers and Southwestern Turkey Burgers for entertaining.
3. They're versatile. These smoked brats can be used as regular brats would, or you can slice them up and put them in pasta, in a vegetable skillet, or on their own!

Key Ingredients

Raw Pork Brats - that's it! Seriously one ingredient in this recipe. I have not tried this recipe with anything besides raw pork brats. I don't think it would work with cooked brats.

How to Make Smoked Brats

Step 1.

Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. We have a Z Grills Pellet Smoker, which is incredibly easy to turn on. Simply plug in and press the power button! Turn the dial to the temperature you want, and wait for it to heat up. Be sure to add smoker wood chips or pellets to the grill for flavor.

Step 2.

Place your uncooked brats on the grill grates of your smoker. I didn't grease the grates and it was not a problem. Close the lid and smoke for 60-75 minutes.

Step 3.

Place a meat thermometer probe in one of the brats to tell internal temperature.

Step 4.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the brats is 165 degrees F.

Remove the brats and serve! These are delicious in brat buns topped with sauerkraut, kimchi, spicy brown mustard, dijon whole grain mustard, grilled onions, and pickled jalapeños.

Substitutions and Variations

Different Smoker Flavors - Switch up the pellets or smoker chips for different hints of natural smoke flavor. I used hickory pellets this time. You could use mesquite for a deep smoky flavor or apple wood for a more mild flavor.

Switch up the Brats - You could use any type of raw pork brats that your butcher has. Smoked cheddar brats sound delicious!

Use whatever smoker you have. A charcoal smoker, electric smoker, or vertical smoker all work.

Expert Tips

• Using quality ingredients is so important in this recipe! I love going to a butcher and buying bratwursts, as opposed to grocery store brats.
• Serving Suggestions - I love serving these with other grilled options like my Grilled BLT Panzanella and Grilled Brussels Sprouts or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
• The low heat of the smoker is important for infusing the brats with smoke flavor. Be sure to make sure the smoker stays at 225 degree and avoid high heat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• These freeze well! Place in an airtight container and freeze for 3-4 months.
• Use a digital thermometer to ensure the brats are cooked completely.

Smoked Brats Recipe FAQs

Other Summer Dinner Recipes to Consider

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.