Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Recipe

Bratwursts: These are flavorful German sausages that are usually made from pork, beef, or veal and have a mild seasoning.

Bacon: Thin slices of cured pork that add a smoky, crispy layer when wrapped around the bratwurst.

Olive oil: A cooking oil used to brush the wrapped bratwursts, helping the bacon crisp up nicely on the grill.

One of the trickiest parts of this Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Recipe is wrapping the bratwursts with the bacon so it stays put while grilling. Here’s a simple way to do it without the bacon slipping off or falling apart:

1. Lay out your bacon slices flat on a clean surface.
2. Take one bratwurst and start wrapping the first slice of bacon around it, making sure to cover it evenly.
3. Wrap the second slice of bacon around the bratwurst in the opposite direction or overlapping the first slice a bit.
4. If the bacon feels loose or wants to unravel, gently push a toothpick through the layers to hold everything together.
5. Don’t wrap too tightly, or the bacon might tear, but make sure it’s snug enough to stay wrapped during grilling.

Doing this step carefully helps the bacon cook evenly and get nice and crispy without falling off. It also keeps the bratwurst juicy inside because the bacon acts like a tasty little jacket that locks in the flavor and moisture.

When I first tried this, I didn’t use toothpicks, and the bacon kept slipping off the bratwurst on the grill. It was a bit frustrating! Now, I always use toothpicks just in case, and it makes grilling way easier. Plus, brushing the wrapped bratwursts with a little olive oil before putting them on the grill helps the bacon crisp up beautifully without sticking to the grill grates.

Wrapping the bratwursts carefully might take a little extra time, but it’s totally worth it for that perfect crispy, juicy bite!

• bratwursts - Substitute with Italian sausages: Italian sausages have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• bratwursts - Substitute with chicken sausages: For a leaner option, chicken sausages provide a similar taste and can be used in place of bratwursts.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a lower-fat alternative that still offers a smoky flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced cured meat that can provide a similar salty and savory taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good substitute.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored oil that works well for cooking and has a high smoke point.

• Allow the bacon-wrapped bratwursts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.

• Wrap each bratwurst individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped bratwursts in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the bratwursts have been stored.

• Store the bratwursts in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw frozen bratwursts in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures they defrost evenly and safely.

• Reheat the bratwursts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat.

• If you notice any off smells or discoloration, it's best to discard the bratwursts to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped bratwursts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the bratwursts with another piece of foil to prevent the bacon from over-crisping.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the top foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the bacon-wrapped bratwursts in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the lid for the last few minutes to allow the bacon to crisp up.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the bacon-wrapped bratwursts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second increments until warm.
  5. Note: The bacon may not be as crispy using this method.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped bratwursts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and heat through.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped bratwursts on the grill.
  3. Cover and heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. Ensure the bacon is crispy and the bratwursts are warmed through.

• Grill: A cooking device that provides the necessary heat to cook the bacon-wrapped bratwursts to perfection.

• Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks used to secure the bacon around the bratwursts, ensuring it stays in place while grilling.

• Basting brush: A tool used to brush olive oil onto the bacon-wrapped bratwursts, helping to achieve a crispy texture.

• Tongs: A utensil used to turn the bratwursts on the grill, allowing for even cooking and preventing burns.

• Meat thermometer: An instrument to check the internal temperature of the bratwursts, ensuring they are cooked through.

• Cutting board: A surface for preparing and wrapping the bratwursts with bacon before grilling.

• Knife: A tool for cutting the bacon slices if needed and for any other preparation tasks.

• Plate: A dish to place the cooked bratwursts on after they are removed from the grill and allowed to rest.

• Aluminum foil: Optional, for covering the bratwursts while they rest to keep them warm.

Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare the bratwursts to save time.

Use toothpicks: Secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place and avoid rewrapping.

Brush with oil: Brush the bacon-wrapped bratwursts with olive oil before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Turn occasionally: Turn the bratwursts occasionally to cook them evenly and prevent burning.

Rest before serving: Let the bratwursts rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.