Bratwurst on the grill are good, but smoked bratwurst are even better! Making your own smoked bratwurst at home is easy with a vertical smoker and infuses amazing wood-fired flavor into your favorite sausages. Cooking the brats low and slow on the smoker allows them to retain moisture, instead of searing them on a hot grill grate and causing them to burst and leak. Serve sliced with caramelized onions or enjoy on a bun with your favorite toppings!
Fire up your pellet smoker or grill and preheat to 225°F. If using gas or charcoal grill, set it to a low, indirect heat. Place metal sausage hooks on the upper rack about 6” apart.
Cut bratwurst links into pairs and string on metal hooks. If you don't have metal hooks, you can place the bratwurst directly on the grill grate, but we recommend brushing the casing lightly in oil to ensure it doesn't stick during smoking.
Smoke the bratwurst for 1 hour, then increase temperature to 300°F. Cook for an additional hour, or until bratwurst skin is golden brown and they've wrinkled slightly. If using a temperature probe, the brats are finished when the internal temp reaches 160°F.
Remove from smoker and serve immediately. We recommend serving with buns and/or caramelized onions and sauerkraut.
