Grilled bratwurst is a summer cookout favorite that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Finish off the grilled brats with a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce and you’ve got a perfect summer meal!

Originally posted May 2018, updated July 2026

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Grilled Brats

Whether you’re grilling fresh bratwurst on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet grill, this recipe shows you the best way to make perfectly juicy grilled brats with a beautifully browned exterior every time.

The homemade 7UP BBQ sauce caramelizes as the bratwurst cooks, adding just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavor without overpowering the sausage.

Serve these grilled brats on toasted buns with spicy brown mustard, potato salad, baked beans, or your favorite summer sides for an easy dinner that’s perfect for backyard BBQs, family cookouts, game days, and busy weeknights.

grilled brats on buns on a plate with green beans

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Bratwurst Recipe

Grilled bratwurst is one of the best ways to feed a crowd because it’s affordable, easy to prepare, and always a favorite at backyard cookouts. Cooking brats this way creates crisp, flavorful casings while the homemade BBQ sauce adds a sweet, tangy glaze that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re grilling pre-cooked brats, fresh brats, or uncooked brats from the grocery store, this recipe works beautifully.

The Secret to Perfect Grilled Brats

The secret to perfect brats is cooking over medium heat instead of high heat. A hot grill is great for getting a nice sear, but cooking too quickly can cause the casing to split before the center of the bratwurst reaches a safe internal temperature.

Instead, grill the bratwurst over medium-low heat, turning often with a pair of tongs so they cook evenly on all sides. If flare-ups become a problem, simply move the sausages to the side of the grill using indirect heat until they finish cooking.

Always use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check doneness. For perfect bratwurst, the center should reach 160°F before serving.

Homemade 7UP BBQ Sauce

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the homemade BBQ sauce. It comes together in just a few minutes using simple pantry ingredients, and the 7UP adds just the right amount of sweetness.

7UP
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Onion
Brown sugar
Salt
Black pepper

This sauce isn’t just delicious on grilled bratwurst. It’s also fantastic brushed over hot dogs, chicken, burgers, pork chops, or steaks throughout the summer months.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love using my homemade 7UP BBQ sauce because it’s sweet, tangy, and caramelizes beautifully on the grill, but don’t feel like you have to make it from scratch.

Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce works just as well, so use whatever you already have on hand. Either way, brushing the sauce on during the last few minutes of grilling adds incredible flavor and gives the bratwurst a delicious, sticky glaze.

How to Grill Bratwurst

Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, grill pan, propane grill, or original wood pellet grill with premium wood pellets, this is the best method for cooking juicy brats.

Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil if desired.
Place the bratwurst sausage directly over the heat.
Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes with a pair of tongs.
During the last several minutes of cooking, brush generously with the homemade 7UP BBQ sauce each time you flip the brats.
Continue cooking until the bratwursts are evenly browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

bbq sauce being brushed over brats on a grill

If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the light charcoal to create both direct and indirect heat zones. If the brats begin browning too quickly, simply move them to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.

grilled bratwurst on buns on a plate with green beans

Should You Boil Brats Before Grilling?

Many people wonder whether preboiled sausages make better grilled brats.

The answer is no—you don’t have to boil them first. Fresh bratwurst develops better texture and more delicious juices when grilled from raw. While some people simmer uncooked brats in beer, onions, or an aluminum pan before grilling, it’s completely optional.

Avoid boiling in plain water, since excessive boiling can cause the casing to become tough or split.

Tips for the Best Brats

Don’t pierce the bratwurst before grilling or you’ll lose the delicious juices.
Avoid cooking over high heat for the entire cook time.
Turn frequently for even browning.
Use a meat thermometer instead of guessing.
Brush with BBQ sauce near the end so it caramelizes instead of burning.
Let the bratwurst rest for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Grilled Bratwurst

Serve these delicious brats on toasted crusty buns with spicy brown mustard and your favorite toppings. They pair perfectly with:

Classic Potato salad or Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Baked beans
Coleslaw
Grilled corn or Corn on the Cob
Pasta salad
Fresh fruit
Chips
Green beans

It’s an easy summer BBQ menu that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, and backyard cookouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best internal temperature for bratwurst?

The USDA recommends cooking bratwurst sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F, measured with an instant-read thermometer in the center of the bratwurst.

Can I use pre-cooked bratwursts?

Yes. Pre-cooked bratwursts only need to be heated through, so they’ll cook much faster than fresh bratwurst.

How long do grilled brats take?

Fresh bratwurst usually takes about 15-20 minutes over medium heat, depending on the thickness of the sausage and the grill temperature.

Can I make these on a grill pan?

Absolutely. A grill pan won’t provide quite the same smoky flavor as a charcoal grill or pellet grill, but it’s a great option when grilling outdoors isn’t possible.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of 7UP?

Apple cider vinegar creates a completely different style of BBQ sauce. The 7UP gives this sauce its signature sweetness and citrus flavor, making it unique.

Whether you’re planning summer cookouts, backyard BBQs, or simple weeknight dinners, this grilled bratwurst recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Juicy brats, homemade BBQ sauce, and toasted buns make an unbeatable combination that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Love summer cookouts? You might also love these Grilled Chicken Thighs and Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.