How to Cook Perfect Bacon Cheddar Brats – Tips and Recipe Ideas

Bacon cheddar brats are a delicious twist on classic bratwurst combining smoky bacon flavor with creamy cheddar cheese. When cooked right, these sausage links become irresistibly juicy, packed with savory bacon essence.

Read on for tips on how to cook bacon cheddar brats to perfection so they turn out plump and flavorful every time. We’ll also provide serving ideas and recipe recommendations to make the most of these indulgent sausages.

What are Bacon Cheddar Brats?

Bacon cheddar brats are fresh sausages that contain diced bits of smoky bacon and creamy cheddar cheese blended into a seasoned pork and veal sausage mixture

They provide the signature garlic onion and pork flavors of a traditional bratwurst but with the added oomph of crispy bacon and melted cheese in each juicy bite. The result is an ultra savory and comforting sausage link.

Pre-cooked bacon cheddar bratwursts can be purchased fresh or frozen at many grocery stores and specialty meat shops. You can also find artisanal versions from local sausage makers.

Benefits of Cooking Your Own

While pre-cooked bacon cheddar brats just need quick reheating, taking the time to cook your own from raw provides benefits:

• Lock in moisture by avoiding overcooking with precise timings

• Intensify flavors by searing and caramelizing natural juices

• Control ingredients by selecting preferred bacon, cheese, seasonings

• Customize doneness based on preference for juiciness

• Make fun recipes like loaded brats baked in pastry or cornbread

With the right techniques, you can achieve the ideal texture and taste cooking from scratch.

Tips for Cooking Raw Bacon Cheddar Brats

Here are some tips for cooking homemade or raw store-bought bacon cheddar sausages:

• Preheat properly – use medium-high heat on the grill, skillet, or oven

• Don’t pierce the casings – pricking sausages causes juice loss

• Cook low and slow – longer cook times at lower heat prevents toughness

• Brown the outside evenly – roll links while cooking to evenly crisp and caramelize

• Use a meat thermometer – cook to at least 160°F internally

• Avoid under or overcooking – both make the brats dry instead of juicy

Mastering the basics means your bacon cheddar brats come off the heat perfectly sizzling and plump.

How to Grill Bacon Cheddar Brats

Grilling is a great way to add smoky depth to the bacon and cheddar flavors while cooking the sausages.

Ingredients:

• 6 raw bacon cheddar bratwurst links
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp barbecue seasoning

Instructions:

1. Coat sausages lightly with oil and seasonings.

2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

3. Place brats on grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. Roll and rotate links while grilling to prevent burning.

5. Use meat thermometer to check 160°F internal temperature.

6. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

The hot grill sears the outside and imparts extra smoky essence.

How to Pan Fry Bacon Cheddar Brats

Pan frying allows you to crisp up the outside while locking in juices:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 12 oz bacon cheddar bratwursts
• 2 Tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes.

3. Add sausages and brown on both sides, about 8 minutes total.

4. Add butter to pan and continue frying 5 minutes.

5. Check internal temperature, fry longer if needed.

6. Remove brats to a plate. Add reserved onion and pan drippings as sauce.

The butter bastes the sausages while frying for extra flavor and tenderness.

How to Bake Bacon Cheddar Brats

Baking lets you easily cook a whole pack at once in the oven:

Ingredients:

• 12-16 oz bacon cheddar brats
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil.

2. Rub sausages with oil and place on pan.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Brush baked brats with barbecue sauce and bake 5 minutes more.

5. Check internal temperature and bake longer if needed.

6. Remove from oven and serve hot.

The oven’s ambient heat thoroughly and evenly cooks the sausages.

Cooking Ideas and Recipe Pairings

Bacon cheddar brats work great in these recipes:

• Brats with sauerkraut and spicy mustard
• Brats baked in cornbread muffins
• Mac and cheese stuffed brats wrapped in bacon
• Loaded brats smothered in onions and peppers
• Brats on buns loaded with fixings like chili and slaw
• Game day sheet pan nachos topped with brat crumbles

Take cooked brats up a notch by incorporating them into exciting new recipes.

Storage and Leftovers

Freshly cooked leftover brats keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven without overcooking. Slices of cooked bratwurst work great for pizza, sandwiches, salads, and antipasto boards for up to a week stored properly.

Satisfying Bacon Cheddar Sausages

When cooked with care, bacon cheddar brats become super juicy, smoky and satisfying. Follow these tips for grilling, pan frying, baking and more to get perfect texture and flavor. Then incorporate the cooked brats into your favorite recipes. With a variety of cooking options, you can enjoy these indulgent bacon and cheese stuffed sausages anytime.