Bratwurst is a spicy sausage that originated in Germany. It's popular at many American gatherings, especially football tailgating parties. The meat is uncured and needs to be cooked thoroughly to prevent food-borne bacteria illness. Smoking bratwurst is one method of cooking it. Smoking adds flavor to the sausage from the type of wood you use.
Step 1
Place wood chips in the bottom of smoker and light the fire. Close the smoker top, allowing the flame to burn down, creating fiery embers. Fill the water pan if your smoker has one.
Step 2
Add wood to the charcoals, allowing the wood to sit over the burning coals.
Step 3
Apply desired seasoning to the bratwurst. You can use Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce or your favorite Cajun seasoning.
Step 4
Place the bratwurst on the grill over the water pan.
Step 5
Allow the bratwurst to smoke for half an hour before turning it over. Turn it every half hour.
Step 6
Cook the bratwurst to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to fully cook the sausage. If the smoker is heated to 165 degrees, this might take three hours. Higher heats reduce the cooking time.
Things You'll Need
- Charcoal
- Match
- Wood chips (hickory, mesquite or apple)
- Desired seasoning
- Meat thermometer
