Smoked brats combine the great flavors of bratwurst and rich smoke. Smoked bratwurst makes a great addition to any backyard barbecue! This post will show you exactly how to smoke brats.
What can you do for those days you want to cook outside but don't feel like standing over a hot grill? The answer is smoking brats! There is nothing like enjoying your brats smoked. They're so good and so easy.
It doesn't take long to smoke brats at all. This recipe shows you how long to smoke brats and is a definite keeper. We use this easy recipe to serve a few or a crowd. I can't wait for you to try it.
Smoked Bratwurst
This was inspired by my smoked hot dogs and smoked bologna recipe and pairs well with this creamy smoked potato salad recipe.
Smoked Brats Ingredients
It takes less than a handful of simple ingredients to make these tasty bats!
- Bratwurst
- Brat buns
- Whole grain mustard
- Hickory wood chunks
See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.
How to Smoke Brats
It only takes a few simple steps to make these tasty brats. It takes almost no work at all!
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees and add hickory wood chunks that have been soaked in water for about 30 minutes to the hot coals.
Step 2: How Long to Smoke Brats at 225
Place the brats in the smoker and cook them for about an hour cook time or until reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
Step 3: Serve Brats Smoked
Serve the fully cooked, smoked brats on brat buns with whole grain mustard.
Hint: Always be sure to soak your wood chips. You want them to smoke not burn.
Substitutions
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this smoked bratwurst recipe.
- Your Favorite Brats - Brats come in all kinds of flavors and varieties. Choose your favorite for this recipe.
- Dijon Mustard - If you don't have whole grain mustard, Dijon is a great replacement.
- Hickory Wood - Use apple wood instead.
Variations
Want to personalize this smoked brats recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.
- Caramelized Onions - Serve these brats topped with caramelized onions for more flavor.
- Cheese - Try adding a slice of your favorite cheese to these brats.
- Smoke the Whole Thing - Place the brats in the bun, along with mustard and onions, cheese, or both, if desired, and smoke the entire thing for a couple of minutes to get the buns hot and that smoky flavor even more intense.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our air fryer brats recipe.
What to Serve with Brats
If you're looking for some ideas for what to serve with brats you have some to the right place. We created a list with all of our favorites.
Storage
You can store these brats in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze these for up to 3 months.
Tips
This recipe is incredibly easy, but I do have a couple of tips to help you make the best brats smoked that you possibly can.
- Always soak your wood chips for at least 30 minutes to ensure they smoke instead of just burning up.
- Once your brats are in the smoker, keep the lid closed until it's time to check them. Keep all that smoke where it belongs!
FAQ
Do you have questions about smoked brats? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about smoked bratwurst.
They'll last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Wrap the brats tightly in a double layer of cling wrap. Then place them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Leave them in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
Absolutely. Brats are made with salt, which can make them retain some pink color rather than turning completely gray. As long as the internal temperature is correct, you'll be fine.
Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees and place the brats inside and cook them for about an hour or until reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
More Sausage Recipes
Do you like sausage? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Smoked Brats
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Smoked Brats - How to Smoke Brats
Equipment
- 2-3 hickory wood chunks
- smoker
- platter
Ingredients
- 6 bratwurst links
- 6 brat buns
- whole grain mustard
Topping, if desired
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
- Get out your ingredients.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F and toss a few wood chunks onto hot coals for smoking.
- Place brats in your smoker.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F, about 1 hour.
- Remove brats from smoker and place on platter.
- Serve brats in brat buns with whole grain mustard and caramelized onions. If you're looking for some ideas on what to serve with brats you have come to the right place.
- Enjoy every bite!
Quick Caramelized Onions
- I just sauté onions with butter in a skillet over medium high heat until translucent and starting to brown around edges. We love these onions on these brats with mustard.
Notes
- Always soak your wood chips for at least 30 minutes to ensure they smoke instead of just burning up.
- Once your brats are in the smoker, keep the lid closed until it's time to check them. Keep all that smoke where it belongs!
Nutrition
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