Buying Bratwursts Pre-Cooked Is A Major Flavor Waste

Biting into a hot grilled bratwurst typically means sinking your teeth into a sausage full of juicy flavor. But if you opt for the pre-cooked bratwurst at the grocery store you are robbing your tastebuds. While both uncooked and pre-cooked bratwursts come in a variety of different types, such as cheddar or beer, the pre-cooked variety will often include added flavorings. For example, companies may add smoke flavoring to try and replicate the taste of a freshly grilled brat. 

However, that brat still won't have the same amount of delicious flavor that only a grill can imbue into a sausage. If the reason you are purchasing pre-cooked sausages is to save time cooking the brats on the grill, there is a better option. Simply parboil the sausages on the stove so they are partially cooked and then finish them on the grill for the ultimate taste to savor at mealtime.

While buying uncooked brats is the first step to making sure the cooked sausage is as flavorful as possible, there are other ways that flavor can be lost during the cooking process. To make sure bratwursts maintain all of their flavors from when they are made to when they are done cooking, never poke holes in the casing. Whether on purpose or on accident by using a fork to turn them over on the grill, holes will result in all of the brat's juices dripping out that will leave behind a dried-out sausage. 

Another hazard is cooking the brats at too high of a heat, resulting in them bursting open and losing those precious flavor-packed juices. When using a grill, cooking the brats slowly is critical. That's why many people choose to use a gas grill for greater control over the temperature. Ideally, the grill should be set to medium heat, or in the case of a charcoal grill, the coals should be mature.  Make sure to turn the brats over so that all sides are exposed to the heat and get seared. Then, continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit and they are ready to eat.