It's all about grill prep and timing
Before placing your bratwurst on the grill, Prints emphasizes an important preparation step: dividing your grill into a hot zone and a cold zone. For a charcoal grill, this involves piling most of the coals on one side, while for a gas grill, it means using the hottest area, typically right above the flames.
Once that's set up, you can take your bratwurst straight from the refrigerator to the grill—no additional preparation is necessary, despite what some home cooks might think, according to Prints. "A common error many make is boiling their brats beforehand." Start by placing them in the hot zone for a few minutes. The exact timing can vary, but once you see grill marks forming, it's time to move them to the cold zone.
Keep in mind that while it's referred to as the "cold" zone, a grill is generally quite hot, so it’s not as cool as it sounds. "In the cold zone, the brats continue to cook; they receive heat from the side but not directly," Prints explains. A frequent mistake is cooking brats too quickly and at too high a temperature. Using the cold zone allows them to cook "low and slow," which is quite different from the method used for a fancy steak, where a quick, high-temperature sear is desired. Excessive direct heat can cause the brats to burst open. If you're grilling several at once, you can also start some in the cold zone and then transfer them to the hot zone. When they are evenly browned and have grill marks, they are ready to serve.
Don't skip a beer bath
Before you start cooking your bratwurst or while they're grilling, Prints recommends making a beer bath to enhance the flavor. The first step is selecting the right beer. "I personally prefer a pilsner or another lighter German beer," Prints explains. "Avoid darker beers like Guinness; that's not the vibe we're aiming for."
Warm the beer in a pot on the stovetop until it's hot but not boiling, ensuring the pot is wide enough to accommodate a few bratwurst at once. Then, add one or two sliced yellow onions and let them cook for 5 to 10 minutes to infuse their flavor into the beer. Once your bratwurst are cooked, place the beer bath pot on the grill and add the sausages for an additional 5 to 10 minutes (longer cooking time means more flavor infusion).
When it’s time to serve your bratwurst, Prints suggests using hot dog buns — brioche is great, but regular sesame buns work well too. As for toppings, this is where you can get creative. "I love sauerkraut and good mustard, but feel free to choose any toppings you prefer. Raw onions will give you that authentic German touch, and curry sauce can create a delicious currywurst combo... it’s up to you." Once you’ve added your toppings, you’re ready to enjoy your perfect bratwurst.
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