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Learn How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove for a fool-proof way to cook your favorite Brats. One pan, no grill and the perfect sear everytime!

Seared Bratwurst placed on a platter topped with fresh herbs
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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

Ingredients needed - bratwurst, vegetable oil, chicken broth, salt and pepper
  • 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

Cooking bratwurst in a cast iron skillet

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

Cooking brats in a cast iron skillet

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.

Close up image of Bratwurst

What to Serve with Brats?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cook Brats in Beer?

Cooking brats in beer is a great way to add flavor. In fact, we have an easy Beer Brats Recipe that is easy to make with simple ingredients.
This is a great way to jazz up your bratwurst but adding flavor of the beer. Broth, apple juice, and other liquids makes a great way to cook the brats in but beer flavor brats adds in more flavor.
Use what you prefer or what you have on hand. You can even cook the brats in a cup of water.

Can I Use Frozen Brats?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the brats before cooking on the stovetop in the fridge.

How to Store Leftover Bratwurst

Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Close up image of Bratwurst

More Easy Sausage Recipes

No Grill, No Problem! Learn the simple steps on How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove for the best sear and flavor. Leave us a comment and let us know how they turn out!

How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove

5 from 29 votes
Simple process of How to Cook Bratwurst on a Stove. Learn the best way to cook Bratwurst with simple seasoning for a hearty dinner idea.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 5
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 239

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  Spread the vegetable oil throughout the bottom of the cast iron pan.
  • Place the bratwurst in the pan and brown both sides (2-3 minutes per side).
  • 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 for 160 degrees F.
  • Season the brats with salt and pepper.
  • Remove, serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
We used an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the brats are cooked to a safe internal temperature before eating. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 239kcal, Carbohydrates 2g, Protein 9g, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 10g, Trans Fat 0.01g, Cholesterol 50mg, Sodium 849mg, Potassium 239mg, Fiber 0.03g, Sugar 0.2g, Vitamin A 5IU, Calcium 21mg, Iron 0.4mg

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About the Author

Hi, Iโ€™m Carrie Barnard โ€” a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families โ€” without the stress.

5 from 29 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Alisha says:

    What do you do with leftover broth?

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      You can discard it or save it for another recipe. I think that the leftover broth would be delicious in a soup recipe!

  2. DCG says:

    5 stars
    I made these, and we really liked them! Iโ€™m making them again!

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      So glad!

  3. Randall says:

    5 stars
    Chicken broth made the world of difference, plump,juicy and full of flavor.
    I added some Cajun seasoning and garlic, wonderful!