Ah, summertime: the season of sun, fun, and grilling! It’s no wonder that grilling has become the go-to way to cook brats. But what if you don’t have access to a grill? Or perhaps you’re just in the mood for a different way to enjoy your favorite brats? Fear not, brat-lovers! There are plenty of delicious options for cooking brats without grilling.
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Boiling
Boiling is one of the fastest, easiest, and most flavorful ways to cook brats. All you need is a stovetop, some water, and your favorite brats. To get started, you’ll need to bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the brats and let them boil for 10 to 15 minutes. As the brats cook, the water will become infused with all the flavors of the brats.
When the brats are done, remove them from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes. Then serve them with your favorite toppings and condiments. Boiled brats are perfect for pairing with a variety of sides—from mashed potatoes to macaroni and cheese.
Smoking
Smoking is a great way to get that smoky grilled flavor without actually grilling. To get started, you’ll need a smoker and some wood chips. If you don’t have a smoker, you can also use a gas or charcoal grill with a smoker box.
Once you have your smoker set up, add the wood chips and light the fire. Then add the brats and let them smoke for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The smoking process will give the brats that delicious smoky flavor that’s normally associated with grilling.
Baking
Baking is another delicious option for cooking brats without grilling. To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then place the brats on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake the brats for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
When the brats are done baking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Baked brats are perfect for pairing with a variety of sides—from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.
Braising
Braised brats are a delicious way to get that slow-cooked flavor without actually slow-cooking. To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then place the brats in a large roasting pan and add your favorite liquid. This could be anything from beer to chicken broth.
Next, cover the roasting pan with foil and bake the brats for 90 minutes. When the brats are done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Braised brats are perfect for pairing with a variety of sides—from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
Frying
Frying brats is a great way to get that crispy, delicious flavor without grilling. To get started, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add your favorite oil or fat and let it come to temperature. Once the oil is hot, add the brats and let them fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
When the brats are done frying, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Fried brats are perfect for pairing with a variety of sides—from french fries to macaroni and cheese.
Conclusion
Grilling is a great way to cook brats, but it’s not the only way. There are plenty of delicious options for cooking brats without grilling. Whether you’re boiling, smoking, baking, braising, or frying, there’s sure to be a method that fits your taste and lifestyle. So don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen—and enjoy your delicious brats!
So put on your chef’s hat and get cooking! As the late, great Frank Sinatra said, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere!” So get grilling—or not—and enjoy your delicious brats.
