Nothing says summer like grilling up some flavorful brats with a cold beer in hand! But did you know that before throwing them on the grill, you should actually boil your brats in beer first? Boiling your brats in a quality beer will not only infuse them with flavor and give them an amazing color, but it is also essential for food safety. If you’re wondering how to do this, look no further. We will show you step-by-step how long to boil brats in beer – let’s get started.
Contents
- 1 What Are Brats?
- 2 Can You Boil Brats In Beer?
- 3 Why You Should Boiled Brats In Beer?
- 4 What Kind Of Beer Should I Use To Boil Brats?
- 5 How Long To Boil Brats In Beer?
- 6 Factors affect how long to boil brats in beer
- 7 How to determine how long to boil brats in beer?
- 8 How To Boil Brats In Beer?
- 9 How To Know That Your Boiled Brats Are Done?
- 10 Tips & Tricks for Perfectly Boiling Brats in Beer Every Time
- 11 What to Serve with Boiled Brats in Beer?
- 12 How to Store Boiled Brats in Beer?
- 13 Conclusion: How long to boil brats in beer?
- 14 FAQs: Boil brats in beer
- 14.1 Should you boil brats in beer before grilling?
- 14.2 Is it good to boil brats in beer?
- 14.3 What beer is best for boiling brats?
- 14.4 Does boiling brats in beer add flavor?
- 14.5 Does boiling brats in beer add alcohol?
- 14.6 Does beer make brats taste better?
- 14.7 Can you boil brats in an IPA beer?
- 14.8 Does boiling brats in beer add carbs?
- 14.9 Can I beer boil frozen brats?
- 14.10 Do beer brats taste like beer?
What Are Brats?
Brats, or bratwurst, are sausage links made with beef, pork and/or veal. These sausages originated in Germany but have become popular all over the world. Brats can be grilled or cooked on a stovetop, but boiling them in beer adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

Can You Boil Brats In Beer?
Yes, you can! Boiling brats in beer is a great way to add flavor and ensure food safety. You will want to use a quality beer for your boiling liquid – something like an IPA or lager will typically work best.
Why You Should Boiled Brats In Beer?
Boiling your brats in beer is an essential step for food safety. By heating the brats to a temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be able to kill any harmful bacteria and make sure that they are safe to eat. In addition, boiling the brats in beer helps add flavor and gives them an amazing color.
What Kind Of Beer Should I Use To Boil Brats?
When boiling brats, it is important to use a quality beer. The type of beer you choose will depend on your own preferences. Lagers and pilsners are the most popular beers for boiling brats, but a darker ale or stout would work as well. Avoid using light-colored or overly hoppy beers – these types of beers can add an off-flavor to the brats.
How Long To Boil Brats In Beer?
How long to boil brats in beer? Once you have picked out your favorite beer, it is time to start boiling! You will want to simmer your brats for about 20 minutes in a pot of hot beer. The exact amount of time can vary depending on the thickness and size of the brats, so you may want to check them for doneness after 15 minutes. Once they are cooked through, it is time to finish off your brats on the grill or in a pan.
Factors affect how long to boil brats in beer
There are a few factors that can affect the amount of time you need to boil brats in beer. The size and thickness of your brats will play a role, as will the type of beer you are using. Additionally, the temperature of your cooking liquid can also make a difference – if it is too hot, your brats may overcook before they have a chance to absorb the beer flavor.
How to determine how long to boil brats in beer?
The best way to determine how long to boil brats in beer is by monitoring them closely. Even if you are using the same size and type of brats every time, cooking times can vary depending on the temperature of your cooking liquid. Check your brats after 15 minutes and assess their doneness – when they are cooked through, it is time to take them off the heat.
How To Boil Brats In Beer?
Soak the brats in beer
Prep work takes just 10 minutes! Let them soak for 24 hours if you can, but even 6-12 hours will make a huge difference. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for this delicious twist on a classic recipe.
Boil the brats in beer
Once your brats have had a chance to soak, it’s time to boil them in beer. Fill a large pot with enough quality beer to fully submerge the brats and bring it to a boil. Once the liquid is boiling, add the brats and let them cook for 15 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the brats from the heat
Once your brats have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Once cooled, you can either serve or grill them.

How To Know That Your Boiled Brats Are Done?
The best way to know that your boiled brats are done is to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The brats should reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit before being served or grilled. Once they have reached this temperature, remove them from the heat and let cool before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfectly Boiling Brats in Beer Every Time
- Use a quality beer – the type and flavor that you choose will depend on your own preferences.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes – this should give you an idea of when your brats are done cooking, without leaving them in the pot too long and risking overcooking.
- Monitor your brats closely – take them off the heat as soon as they are cooked through.
- Finish off your brats on the grill or in a pan – this will give them an added layer of flavor and crispness.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your brats come out perfectly cooked and full of flavor every time.
What to Serve with Boiled Brats in Beer?
Your boiled brats are now ready to be enjoyed and nothing goes better with them than the classic accompaniments – kraut, potatoes, and your favorite beer! You can also serve them on a bun for an all-in-one meal, and don’t forget about the condiments! Mustard and relish can take your boiled brats to the next level.
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How to Store Boiled Brats in Beer?
Once you’ve boiled your brats in beer, it is important to store them properly. You will want to place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Boiled brats can be stored for up to five days – any longer than that and you should throw them away.

Conclusion: How long to boil brats in beer?
Now you know how long to boil brats in beer. Boiling your brats in beer is a great way to add flavor and ensure that they are cooked through. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your brats come out perfectly cooked every time. So grab your favorite beer and get ready to enjoy a delicious summer meal.
FAQs: Boil brats in beer
Should you boil brats in beer before grilling?
Say goodbye to bland brats. Boiling them in beer or other liquids might seem like the right move, but it actually drains away the mouth-watering flavors you crave. Want to keep your brats juicy and warm? Try steaming them with a simmering blend of beer and onion slices in an aluminum pan. But whatever you do, don’t be tempted to boil them – trust us, it’s a grilling faux pas you’ll regret.
Is it good to boil brats in beer?
Imparting bratwurst with an unbeatable blend of flavor and texture is easily attainable, and according to Chowhound, the key is to parboil the tasty sausages in a hearty brew before grilling. Doing so will ensure your brats are cooked to perfection every time.
What beer is best for boiling brats?
No matter how you decide to cook them, the key to a great bratwurst is choosing the right beer. Aim for something with a malty flavor profile and medium-high carbonation, like a lager or pilsner. Darker beers are also an option – look for something lightly hopped with notes of caramel and chocolate.
Does boiling brats in beer add flavor?
Enhance the taste of your brats with a flavorful twist – boiling them in your preferred beer. Experience the infusion of citrus, hops, malt, and other delicious notes. Explore the enticing combination of different beers with various brat varieties.
Does boiling brats in beer add alcohol?
No, beer brats do not contain any alcohol as it is evaporated during the boiling process. This means that beer brats are non-alcoholic and suitable for all ages.
Does beer make brats taste better?
Can beer enhance the taste of brats? A shorter grilling time prevents the brats from drying out, and some people believe that soaking them in beer adds flavor and juiciness. Additionally, the beer makes the sausage casings more flexible and less prone to splitting.
Can you boil brats in an IPA beer?
Specifically, we’re referring to popular lagers like Miller High Life, PBR, and Bud, which are not typically produced by craft breweries. However, you have the option to use any IPA of your choice, whether it’s a local favorite or a double dry hopped New England IPA.
Does boiling brats in beer add carbs?
While the brats may not absorb all the carbs from the beer (as a significant amount of beer remains in the pot after simmering), the nutritional information for the brats still includes the full amount of carbs from the beer.
Can I beer boil frozen brats?
Discover the secret to perfectly cooked brats by boiling them in beer. Follow this guide to achieve ideal results: simmer your frozen brats in beer for approximately 25-30 minutes, ensuring the temperature remains between 300-325°F.
Do beer brats taste like beer?
Although beer brats may carry some risk, they do not seem to have a noticeable bitter taste. This depends on an individual’s sensitivity to that particular flavor. Both the batter and brats should be made with lagers, which are typically the preferred choice for those who are not avid beer drinkers.

Jeff Herbst is the owner and proprietor of the brewery. The main reason for the brewery is somewhat convoluted and personal. Beer has been an integral part of my family. My grandparents on both sides of my family came from Germany. My mom and dad told me many stories about bathtub home-brews and exploding bottles that occurred frequently throughout their childhood. Of course, I listened to these stories with great interest. So I got interested in home brewing and then came to a conclusion that you need much better control of the process to make a consistently better beer.