Bratwurst, or simply brats, are a staple in many households, especially during summertime. Grilling brats is one of the most popular ways of cooking them, and Traeger grills have become a preferred choice for many. However, cooking brats on a Traeger grill can be tricky, and getting the timing right is crucial. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how long to cook brats on traeger, from preparing the brats to serving and enjoying them.

1. Preparing Brats for Cooking

Before cooking brats on a Traeger grill, it’s essential to prepare them adequately to ensure they cook evenly and taste great. Here are some steps to follow:

Choose the Right Type of Brats

There are various types of brats available, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. Brats come in different flavors, including beer brats, cheddar brats, and jalapeno brats, among others. It’s essential to select the flavor that suits your taste buds.

Prepare the Brats

There are several ways to prepare brats, depending on whether they are fresh or frozen. If you’re using frozen brats, it’s essential to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing the brats ensures they cook evenly and retain their juiciness.

Once the brats are thawed, you can season them with your desired spices. Some popular spices for brats include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the spices all over the brats, making sure they are coated evenly.

2. Setting up the Traeger Grill

Traeger grills are known for their versatility, allowing you to cook different types of foods, including brats. However, before cooking brats on a Traeger grill, you need to set it up correctly. Here are some steps to follow:

Preheat the Grill

Preheating the grill is essential to ensure the brats cook evenly. Preheat the Traeger grill to 225-250°F for about 15 minutes. Preheating the grill will also help to eliminate any residual odors or flavors from previous cookouts.

Choose the Right Temperature for Cooking Brats

The ideal temperature for cooking brats on a Traeger grill is between 300-350°F. This temperature range allows the brats to cook through without burning on the outside.

Set up the Grill for Indirect Heat

Setting up the grill for indirect heat is essential when cooking brats on a Traeger grill. This means that the heat source should be on one side of the grill, while the brats should be on the other side. This setup ensures the brats cook evenly and don’t burn.

3. Cooking Brats on a Traeger Grill

Once you have prepared the brats and set up the Traeger grill, it’s time to cook them. Here are some steps to follow:

Placing the Brats on the Grill

Place the brats on the grill, making sure they are not touching. Space them out evenly to ensure they cook evenly. If you have a large batch of brats, you can cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill.

Monitoring the Temperature and Adjusting as Needed

It’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature of the grill while cooking the brats. If the temperature is too high, the brats can burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the brats will take longer to cook.

Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of the brats. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the brat, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The brats are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Flipping the Brats Halfway Through Cooking

Flip the brats halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Use a pair of tongs to flip the brats gently, making sure they don’t break. Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the brats. Generally, brats take about 20-30 minutes to cook on a Traeger grill.

4. Checking for Doneness

Knowing when the brats are fully cooked is essential to avoid undercooking or overcooking them. Here are some ways to check for doneness:

How to Tell When Brats are Fully Cooked

Brats are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the brats. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the brat. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be no longer pink.

Checking the Internal Temperature with a Meat Thermometer

Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brat, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The thermometer should read 160°F when the brats are fully cooked. If the temperature is lower than 160°F, continue cooking the brats until the desired temperature is reached. If the temperature is higher than 160°F, the brats are overcooked and may be dry.

By following these steps, you can cook perfectly cooked brats on a Traeger grill. Once the brats are fully cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy them with your favorite toppings and sides.

5. Checking for Doneness

One of the most important steps in cooking brats on a Traeger grill is making sure they are fully cooked. Undercooked brats can be dangerous to consume, while overcooked brats can be dry and tough. Here are some ways to check for doneness:

How to Tell When Brats are Fully Cooked

Fully cooked brats should have an internal temperature of 160°F. You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer by inserting it into the center of the brat. Another way to tell if brats are fully cooked is by cutting them open. The brats should be brown all the way through, with no pink in the center.

Checking the Internal Temperature with a Meat Thermometer

To check the internal temperature of brats, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the brat. Make sure the thermometer is not touching the bone or the grill grates, as this can give you a false reading. Once the thermometer reads 160°F, the brats are fully cooked.

6. Serving and Enjoying Brats

Now that you’ve cooked the perfect brats on your Traeger grill, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are some tips for serving and enjoying perfectly cooked brats:

Tips for Serving and Enjoying Perfectly Cooked Brats

• Serve the brats on a warm bun: Warm the buns on the grill or in the oven before serving. This will give the brats a nice, warm bed to rest on.
• Use your favorite toppings: Whether it’s sauerkraut, onions, or mustard, use your favorite toppings to add flavor and texture to your brats.
• Pair with a cold beer: Brats and beer are a match made in heaven. Pair your brats with a cold beer for the ultimate summer meal.

Suggestions for Toppings and Sides to Serve with Brats

• Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a classic topping for brats. It adds a tangy flavor and a crunch to your brats.
• Onions: Grilled or caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor to your brats.
• Mustard: Mustard is a classic condiment for brats. Use your favorite type of mustard to add some extra flavor.
• Potato salad: Potato salad is a classic side dish for brats. It’s creamy, savory, and pairs well with the smoky flavor of the brats.
• Coleslaw: Coleslaw is another classic side dish for brats. Its tangy flavor and crunchy texture complement the brats perfectly.

In conclusion, cooking brats on a Traeger grill is a great way to enjoy this summertime staple. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can cook perfectly juicy and flavorful brats every time. Remember to check the internal temperature of the brats and serve them with your favorite toppings and sides. Happy grilling!