Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts

How These Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts Became a Tailgating Favorite

Last fall we hosted a tailgating party for the Utah vs. BYU game. Josh took over the grill and made these bacon wrapped bratwursts. He wrapped each brat with a slice of bacon, secured it with toothpicks, and slid a soaked skewer through the center to keep them from curling. He grilled them over medium-high heat until the bacon was crispy and the brats were cooked through. We served them on buns with sautéed onions and peppers, with a side of Bush’s Maple Cured Baked Beans. The Utes won big that day, and these brats were a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts Recipe

• The bacon gets crispy on the grill while the brat stays juicy inside.
• It’s an easy recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for game day or any backyard cookout.

Key Ingredients for the Best Bacon Wrapped Brats

• Bratwursts: Look for fresh bratwursts from a butcher or quality brand. They should be plump and uncooked. Avoid pre-cooked brats as they won’t absorb the smoky flavor from the grill.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best because it holds up to the grill and gets crispy without burning. Regular bacon can work but may need shorter cooking time.
• Buns: Soft bratwurst buns are ideal. Toasting them lightly on the grill adds a nice crunch.

Kitchen Tools for Grilling Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts

• Grill (gas or charcoal) for even heat
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
• Toothpicks to secure bacon
• Medium skillet for sautéing onions and peppers
• Tongs for flipping brats

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts

Soaking the skewers is key. Dry skewers can catch fire on the grill, and you don’t want that. Also, don’t skip the skewer step, it keeps the brat from curling into a crescent shape, so it fits neatly in the bun. Rotate the brats a couple of times during grilling to ensure even cooking. If the bacon starts to burn before the brat is done, move the brats to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat slightly. The total time is about 7-10 minutes, but check that the internal temperature of the brat reaches 160°F.

Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts Variations to Try

Switch up the sausage: Italian sausages or spicy chorizo work just as well with the bacon wrap. For a milder version, use chicken or turkey brats. You can also tuck a slice of cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack) under the bacon before grilling, it melts into the brat. If you don’t have a grill, cook the bacon-wrapped brats in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, turning frequently, or bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. For extra heat, brush the brats with hot sauce before wrapping.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts

These brats are great on their own, but the classic pairing is sautéed onions and green peppers, the recipe already includes them. For a full tailgating spread, add a side of baked beans, like the Bush’s Maple Cured variety Josh served. Coleslaw or potato salad also work well, balancing the smoky, savory brats with something cool and tangy. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out extra toppings like mustard, ketchup, and pickled jalapeños.

How to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts

Let any leftover brats cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess.

Can You Freeze Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts?

Yes, you can freeze cooked bacon wrapped brats. Wrap each brat tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Best Ways to Reheat Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts

To bring back the crispy bacon, reheat the brats in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally. Avoid the microwave, it will make the bacon soggy. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes in the oven.

Bacon Wrapped Bratwursts FAQs