Thuringian Bratwurst – Preparation in the Oven

In Germany, bratwursts are a regular part of the meal plan. They impress with a firm skin and a juicy inside. The widely known original Thuringian Grilled Bratwurst is enjoyed throughout the entire country. As the name suggests, its preparation usually involves grilling over glowing hot coals.

However, it is not always worth firing up the home charcoal grill just for this purpose. During rainy and cold weather, no one wants to stand outside at the grill for long. And when you just want to quickly prepare one or two bratwursts for a quick lunch or dinner, the hassle of the charcoal grill is too much.

That’s why many people opt for preparing bratwursts in the kitchen. But frying them in a pan with butter or oil often causes the fat to splatter everywhere, and it also produces a lot of smoke. Furthermore, the whole kitchen ends up smelling strongly of fried meat. Sometimes this odor even spreads to the rest of the home. A practical alternative is to cook Thuringian bratwurst in the oven.

Preparation of Thuringian Bratwurst in the Oven: The Preparation

Thuringian bratwurst can be cooked just as well in the oven as in a pan. This way, there is no unpleasant odor, and you don't end up with dirty stove tops that require tedious cleaning after frying. If the temperature and timer are set correctly, nothing will burn.

First, line the baking sheet with aluminum foil or baking paper to prevent burning and soiling. Otherwise, the sausages will stick to the sheet and cleaning will be very laborious. If using aluminum foil, press the edges around the sides of the sheet to secure it well.

Once the sheet is fully lined, place it in the oven. This way, it will get very hot during the preheating phase, and the sausages will cook more evenly. Alternatively, you can use a casserole dish or any other oven-safe dish. It should be large enough to fit all the Thuringian bratwursts without touching. Otherwise, they might stick together.

Correct Temperature and Time in the Oven

Preheat the oven along with the lined baking sheet to 200 °C fan setting to ensure sufficient heat inside. Only then will the Thuringian bratwurst become nicely crispy. To prevent them from bursting and becoming unappealing, you can lightly score the sausages with a sharp knife beforehand. Another option is to prick the skin multiple times with a fork. This preserves the original shape of the sausages, making them easy to eat after cooking. If you want to use the bratwursts as part of a recipe, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Once the required temperature is reached, place the bratwursts on the baking sheet or in the casserole dish and cook for 30 to 40 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the sausages. After about 15 to 20 minutes, be sure to turn the Thuringian bratwursts so they brown on both sides.

By the way, while the sausages are cooking in the oven, you can take your time to prepare the side dishes.

Using the Oven's Grill Function

Ideally, your home oven model has a grill function, which allows you to grill the Thuringian bratwurst in the oven. This gives it an especially crispy crust. Turn on the grill a few minutes beforehand and then place the baking sheet with the desired number of sausages in the middle rack of the oven. Once the grill rods glow red, they are hot enough. If the grill function is very strong, it’s better to use the lower rack to prevent burning. After about half an hour, the bratwursts are fully cooked; remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time! Afterwards, let them cook a bit longer at a reduced temperature using the top/bottom heat setting. This will bring out the delicious aroma of the Thuringian bratwursts and ensure a juicy texture.

High-Quality Thuringian Bratwursts

If you prioritize quality in Thuringian bratwursts, the homemade versions from a traditional Thuringian generational business are just right. They are produced in their own sausage factory, based on traditional family recipes. The meat used for the Thuringian bratwursts comes from regional farmers, guaranteeing continuous enjoyment and the best possible freshness. The sausages can be conveniently ordered from the online shop and delivered to your home.

Refining and Serving Thuringian Bratwursts as Desired

Side dishes that go well with Thuringian bratwursts include potato salad, mashed potatoes, or French fries, as well as sauerkraut or tomato and cucumber salad. As a snack, you can enjoy the sausages classically with mustard and a roll.

Looking for culinary specialties? Cut into small pieces, the bratwursts can be used in a casserole with potatoes and root vegetables like carrots. To finish, top with a hearty cheese. You can also braise them in beer with onions and garlic. This way, you get a delicious sauce as an added bonus when preparing the Thuringian bratwurst in the oven.

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