How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove

Grilling out is one of my favorite ways to cook Bratwurst. But once the colder weather hits grilling outside is not always an option. That is why I started cooking my favorite meat indoors on the Stove Top.

This simple recipe for cooking Bratwurst on the stovetop is easy to do and you still get the charred texture and juicy on the inside. We love that there is no preparation needed when making bratwurst. Once you heat the skillet, open the package and begin cooking. Other bratwurst recipes you may want to try is Grilled Brats Recipe or Air Fryer Brats.

What is Bratwurst?

Bratwurst is German sausage made of pork, veal or beef but Bratwurst is most commonly made of Pork. Bratwurst is usually served with potato salad or sauerkraut and topped on a white bun.

There are two types of Brats that you can get at your local grocery store. They have brats that are uncooked or precooked brats. The precooked brats are usually located where the hot dogs are.

If you are wanting the raw brats, they are usually located in the meat market counter.

Can you Cook Bratwurst in a Pan?

Cooking bratwurst in a pan is easy to do especially during the cooler weather. We recommend using a cast iron skillet as the texture cooks similar to making the bratwurst on the grill. We like to cook both sides and then cook in broth until fully cooked.

Bratwurst can also be cooked in the oven or in the air fryer. Seasoned with simple salt and pepper but you use any season you prefer.

Ingredients

• Bratwursts – Use any type that you prefer
• Vegetable Oil – You can also use avocado oil or olive oil. You can also cook in butter
• Chicken Broth – If you are out, see Chicken broth substitutes
• Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings needed

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card!

How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove

Step 1 – Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.  Spread the vegetable oil throughout the bottom of the cast iron pan.  

Step 2 – Place the bratwurst sausage in the pan and fry brats on both sides (2-3 minutes per side). 

• Step 3 – Pour the broth into the pan, reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the bratwursts have an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.  Add onion and peppers here if you prefer.
• Step 4 – Season the brats with salt and pepper. 
• Step 5 – Remove, slice and serve immediately and enjoy. 

Why Should I Cook Bratwurst on the Stove?

Cooking brats on the stove is easy to do. When you get a craving during the winter month for a bratwurst, the stovetop is a great option.

• Free’s up your Grill – If you grill is full of hamburgers and hot dogs, toss your brats in a cast iron skillet. They will all get done about the same time.
• Still Gives you the Char texture – Cooking your brats in the stovetop takes less than 20 minutes and still get that char texture that the grill does.
• Plump and Juicy – Putting the brats on the stove top still helps them to get plump and juicy and full of flavor and there is no need to boil them beforehand.
• Skillet Dinner – Cook peppers and onions with the brats in the skillet. Add a side of rice for an amazing dinner idea that taste amazing.
• Quick and Easy – We love that making the bratwurst in the skillet is quick and easy. No need to heat the grill, when everything can be done indoors.

How Long to Cook Bratwurst on the Stove

Cooking Bratwurst on the stove doesn’t take long. We think cooking on the stove in a cast iron skillet allows for the brats to cook evenly and thoroughly.

Cook Brats about 2 minutes on each side and then add in the broth to skillet and cover. Allow the bratwurst to simmer in the broth for about 10 to 15 minutes. This adds flavor and makes the moist cooking in the broth.

Make sure to use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the brats are cooked to a safe internal temperature before eating. Cooking time will vary.

What to Serve with Brats?

• Cook sides with sausage – Add in peppers and sliced onions with the sausage and serve over Instant pot White Rice Recipe. This is an amazing meal and one that have often.
• Potatoes – Make some bake potatoes or mashed potatoes and side of Roasted Zucchini for a complete meal.
• Steamed Vegetables – Roast broccoli, Grean Beans or cauliflower on a sheet pan for an easy side dishes.
• Salad – You can serve a cucumber salad, Fried Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw Recipe a German potato salad or a pasta salad.
• Brats Sandwich – When serving brats, we like to serve them topped with sauerkraut in a hot dog bun or brat buns. We like to toast the bun so it is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Add cheese, yellow mustard and ketchup then your brats for the perfect weeknight meal.