A Comprehensive Guide: How Long to Cook Brats on a Blackstone Grill

As a seasoned grilling enthusiast, I’ve experimented with various cooking times and techniques to achieve the perfect bratwurst on my Blackstone grill. In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true method for cooking brats to perfection, ensuring that they are juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to cook brats on your Blackstone grill like a true master.

Cooking brats on a Blackstone grill is a delicate balance between achieving a crispy, golden exterior and ensuring that the inside is fully cooked. In this article, I’ll reveal the optimal cooking time for brats on a Blackstone grill, so you can enjoy these delicious sausages with confidence. By following my expert advice, you’ll be able to savor brats that are evenly cooked, bursting with flavor, and have that irresistible snap when you take a bite.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to cook brats on a Blackstone grill, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll provide you with the precise cooking time and temperature needed to achieve perfectly cooked brats every time. Whether you prefer your brats slightly charred or perfectly browned, my tried-and-tested method will ensure that you get the desired results. Get ready to impress your friends and family with mouthwatering brats cooked to perfection on your Blackstone grill.

Preparing the Blackstone Griddle

Before diving into cooking the brats on your Blackstone grill, it’s important to properly prepare the griddle. This will ensure that your brats cook evenly and have a delicious sear on the outside.

1. Clean the Griddle: Start by cleaning the griddle thoroughly. Use a spatula or scraper to remove any leftover food or debris. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining residue.
2. Preheat the Griddle: Preheating the griddle is essential to achieving the perfect cook on your brats. Turn on the Blackstone grill and set the heat to medium-high. Give it a few minutes to heat up, ensuring that the surface is evenly hot before placing the brats on.
3. Oil the Griddle: To prevent the brats from sticking to the griddle, it’s important to lightly oil the surface. Use a high smoke point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, and pour a small amount onto the griddle. Spread the oil evenly using a folded paper towel or a brush.
4. Adjust the Burners: Depending on the size and thickness of your brats, you may need to adjust the burners on your Blackstone grill. For thicker brats, it’s a good idea to lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning the exterior.

Remember, a well-prepared griddle is the foundation for a successful brat cookout on your Blackstone grill. Taking the time to clean, preheat, oil, and adjust the burners will ensure that your brats turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Continue reading to learn about the optimal cooking time and technique for achieving the best results with your brats.

Setting the Temperature

When it comes to cooking brats on a Blackstone grill, setting the temperature correctly is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy, fully cooked interior. Here’s how I go about setting the temperature on my Blackstone grill:

1. Preheat the Grill: Before I even think about setting the temperature, I make sure to preheat my Blackstone grill. This allows the griddle surface to reach the desired temperature evenly. I usually preheat the grill for about 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot.
2. Adjust the Burners: Next, I adjust the burners on the Blackstone grill. By adjusting the burners, I can control the heat distribution across the griddle surface. For cooking brats, I typically set the burners to medium-high heat. This provides enough heat to crisp up the exterior while thoroughly cooking the brats on the inside.
3. Monitor the Temperature: Throughout the cooking process, I keep a close eye on the temperature of the Blackstone grill. This helps me ensure that the heat is consistent and that the brats are cooking at the optimal temperature. For brats, I aim for a griddle temperature of around 375-400°F (190-204°C).

By following these steps, you can effectively set the temperature on your Blackstone grill for cooking brats. Remember, achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and juicy interior is all about finding the right temperature and heat distribution. So don’t be afraid to experiment with the heat settings on your grill to find what works best for you.

Preparing the Brats

Before throwing the brats on the Blackstone grill, it’s important to prep them properly to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness. Here’s how I prepare my brats for the grill:

1. Thaw the brats: If you have frozen brats, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by transferring them from the freezer to the refrigerator and letting them sit overnight. Thawing ensures that the brats cook evenly and reduces the risk of undercooking.
2. Marinate or season: While brats are delicious on their own, marinating or seasoning them can take them to the next level. You can use your favorite marinade or simply season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Let the brats sit in the marinade or seasoning for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Preheat the grill: Before placing the brats on the Blackstone grill, make sure to preheat it properly. I usually set the burner to medium-high heat and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. This ensures that the grill surface is hot and ready to sear the brats, creating a crispy exterior.
4. Oil the grill surface: To prevent the brats from sticking to the grill, I like to lightly oil the surface. You can use a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grill grates. This not only prevents sticking but also helps in achieving those beautiful grill marks on the brats.
5. Adjust the burner: Once the grill is preheated and the brats are marinated or seasoned, it’s time to adjust the burner. I usually lower the heat to medium or medium-low before placing the brats on the grill. This allows for a slower and more even cooking process, ensuring that the brats cook through without burning.

Remember, properly preparing the brats before cooking is just as important as the actual grilling process. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to perfectly cooked brats on your Blackstone grill.

Cooking the Brats

Now that we’ve properly prepared the Blackstone grill and prepped the brats, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these steps to ensure your brats turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful:

1. Preheat the grill: It’s essential to preheat the grill before placing the brats on it. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents sticking. I recommend preheating the grill to medium heat, around 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the brats on the grill: Once the grill is preheated, carefully place the brats on the griddle. It’s crucial to arrange them in a single layer with enough space between each brat to promote even cooking.

3. Cook for about 15-20 minutes: Cook the brats for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on the grill temperature and make adjustments as needed to maintain a consistent heat.

4. Check for doneness: To determine if the brats are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of a brat. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (about 71°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Another way to check is by cutting into one brat and ensuring that the juices run clear.

5. Remove from the grill: Once the brats reach the desired internal temperature and are cooked through, carefully remove them from the grill. Use grilling tongs or a spatula to prevent any punctures or leaks, which can result in dry brats.

Remember, cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the brats and the specific grill model you’re using. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature and visually inspect for doneness before removing them from the grill.

Checking for Doneness

When cooking brats on a Blackstone grill, it’s crucial to check for doneness before removing them from the heat. You want to ensure that your brats are cooked all the way through, with a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. Here are a few ways to check if your brats are cooked to perfection:

1. Internal Temperature: One of the most accurate ways to determine if your brats are done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the bratwurst, making sure not to touch the bone or the grill surface. The brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
2. Visual Inspection: Another way to check for doneness is by visually inspecting the brats. A cooked brat will appear plump and evenly browned, with no signs of pink or raw meat. If you notice any areas that still look undercooked, it’s best to continue cooking them for a few more minutes.
3. Bounce Test: For a quick and easy check, you can also perform a bounce test. Using a pair of tongs, gently bounce the brats on the grill surface. If they feel firm and bounce back, they are likely cooked through. However, if they feel soft or squishy, they may need more time on the heat.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your brats, as well as the temperature of your grill. It’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer for a foolproof way to ensure that your brats are fully cooked.

Once you’ve determined that your brats are done, you can remove them from the heat and serve them immediately. Whether you prefer to serve them on a bun with all your favorite toppings or alongside some sauerkraut and mustard, your perfectly cooked brats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Serving and Enjoying

After carefully cooking your brats on the Blackstone grill, it’s time to savor the delicious outcome. Here are a few tips for serving and enjoying your perfectly cooked brats:

1. Rest and Serve: Allow the brats to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and ensures that the juices distribute throughout the meat. Simply remove the brats from the grill and let them sit on a plate or cutting board for about 5 minutes.

2. Toppings and Condiments: Enhance the flavors of your brats with an array of toppings and condiments. Classic choices include mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, and relish. For those who want to experiment with flavors, try caramelized onions, pickles, or spicy jalapenos. Remember, the possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

3. Side Dishes: Accompany your brats with delicious side dishes that complement the flavors. Popular choices are grilled vegetables, coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. These side dishes provide a balanced and satisfying meal.

4. Buns and Rolls: Choose the perfect buns or rolls to create the ultimate bratwurst experience. Look for high-quality buns that are soft, yet sturdy enough to hold the brat and any toppings you desire. You can lightly toast the buns on the griddle for an extra level of flavor.

5. Beverage Pairings: Complete your bratwurst feast with a refreshing beverage. Traditional choices include beer, whether that’s a light lager or a flavorful craft brew. If beer isn’t your preference, other suitable options include lemonade, iced tea, or even a crisp sparkling water.

Remember, the best part about enjoying brats hot off the Blackstone grill is sharing the experience with family and friends. So, invite them over, set up a condiment bar, lay out the sides, and let everyone create their own personalized bratwurst masterpiece.

Now that you’ve learned how to cook brats on a Blackstone grill and serve them up to perfection, it’s time to get grilling and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of juicy, flavorful brats.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Cooking brats on a Blackstone grill can be a delicious and satisfying experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your brats are cooked to perfection every time. From properly cleaning and preheating the grill to adjusting the burners and monitoring the temperature, each step is crucial in achieving the best results.

Preparing the brats before cooking and using the right cooking techniques are also essential factors in creating mouthwatering brats. Whether you prefer to simmer them in beer or cook them directly on the grill, there are various methods to choose from.

Once your brats are cooked to perfection, it’s time to get creative with toppings and condiments. From classic favorites like sauerkraut and mustard to unique combinations like caramelized onions and spicy mayo, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to pair your brats with delicious side dishes and refreshing beverages to complete the meal.

Whether you’re a novice griller or an experienced one, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to cook brats on a Blackstone grill. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering bratwurst feast. Happy grilling!