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.
The process of smoking brats is so simple and hands-off, and really doesn't take a ton of time!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- It's so easy. You don't need anything besides a smoker and some raw brats.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
Step by Step Instructions
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.
Variations
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.
Recipe 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.
- 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.
Recipe FAQs
Really, any kind of smoker will work. We love our Z Grills Pellet grill, but you could also make these in an electric smoker, too.
It can depend on the size of your brats, however I have found it takes about 60-75 minutes to smoke regular sized brats at 225 degrees. I always use a meat thermometer to ensure my brats are 165 degrees F internally.
No, that is not necessary, as the smoking process will cook the brats.
Yes, once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, they are fully cooked.
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.
Smoked Brats
Ingredients
- 12 raw pork brats
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F.
- Once preheated, add the brats to the smoker. Place a meat thermometer in one of the brats.
- Close the lid and cook for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the brats are 165 degrees F.
- Serve and enjoy!
