Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers

Name: Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Soy sauce; 1/4 Cup Bourbon; 1/4 Cup Brown sugar; 1 Tbsp. Stone ground mustard; 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt; 1/2 Tsp. Onion powder; 1/2 Tsp. Granulated Garlic; 1/8 Tsp. Freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 Tsp. Chili flakes; 8 Small mushrooms (or 4 Large cut in half); Red bell pepper (four 1-inch pieces); Orange or yellow bell pepper (four 1-inch piece); 1/2 Small Onion (cut into 4 wedges); 4 Smoked bratwurst links (each cut into 1-inch chunks)

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What Are Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers?

Glazed smoked bourbon bratwurst skewers are German-style sausages cut into chunks and threaded onto skewers with vegetables, then grilled and basted with a sweet bourbon glaze that caramelizes during cooking. This recipe combines authentic German bratwurst with a flavorful marinade that creates a beautiful, caramelized coating while infusing the vegetables with rich, smoky flavors.

When fall is in the air and Oktoberfest is calling my name, out come some of my favorite German foods and bratwurst has to make the list. These glazed smoked bourbon bratwurst skewers are on the menu this year and with good reason. They are fabulous! Easy to make, really tasty and a crowd favorite that you can throw on an outside grill or make on a grill pan in the house. Be sure to check out my full Oktoberfest Menu.

As someone who loves authentic German bratwurst and cooks them often, including my popular Knockwurst and Sauerkraut recipe, I’m always looking for new ways to showcase these delicious sausages. After cooking German sausages for Oktoberfest every year and testing dozens of bratwurst recipes, I can confidently say this recipe brings together the smoky flavors of perfectly cooked bratwurst with a sweet and savory bourbon glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest party or simply want to bring some German-inspired flavors to your dinner table, these skewers deliver both impressive presentation and incredible taste.

How Long to Cook Bratwurst Skewers?

Cook bratwurst skewers for 20 minutes on medium-high heat, turning every 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F for raw bratwurst. Pre-cooked bratwurst just needs heating through and developing grill marks, which takes about 15-20 minutes. The key is frequent turning to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors:

For the Bourbon Glaze:

Soy sauce – Provides umami depth and saltiness that enhances the meat’s natural flavors
Bourbon – Adds warmth and complexity while helping to caramelize the glaze. If you like Bourbon, try some of my favorite Bourbon recipes like salmon with bourbon and peaches, bourbon, maple & pumpkin coffee and my healthy bourbon chicken. NOTE: Jim Beam is my go-to Bourbon when cooking.
Brown sugar – Creates sweetness and helps form the beautiful caramelized coating
Stone ground mustard – Brings tangy sharpness that complements the bratwurst perfectly
Kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade
Onion powder – Adds savory depth without overpowering fresh ingredients
Granulated garlic – Provides aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with bourbon
Freshly ground black pepper – Adds gentle heat and aromatic spice
Chili flakes – Contributes a subtle kick that balances the sweetness

For the Skewers:

Small mushrooms – Absorb the marinade beautifully and provide earthy flavor
Red bell pepper – Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color
Orange or yellow bell pepper – Contributes additional sweetness and visual appeal
Small onion – Becomes sweet and tender when grilled, adding depth
Smoked bratwurst links – The star of the dish, providing authentic German flavors

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible and accommodates various substitutions:

Bratwurst alternatives: Knockwurst works excellently and provides a similar authentic German flavor. Italian sausage, Polish kielbasa, or any high-quality smoked sausage can be substituted
Bourbon substitute: Dark rum, whiskey, or even apple juice for non-alcoholic version
Brown sugar alternatives: Maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar work well
Bell pepper options: Any color bell peppers, or try poblano peppers for mild heat
Mushroom varieties: Button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms all work perfectly
Mustard types: Dijon, whole grain, or German mustard can replace stone ground

How to Make Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. This is a crucial step that many people skip, but it prevents the wood from charring and potentially breaking during the grilling process.

Step 2: Create the Bourbon Glaze In a measuring cup or medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, stone ground mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, granulated garlic, and chili flakes. Stir until the brown sugar completely dissolves and all ingredients are well combined. This marinade serves double duty as both a flavor enhancer and a beautiful glaze.

Step 3: Marinate the Vegetables Add the cut mushrooms, bell pepper pieces, and onion wedges to the bourbon mixture and stir everything to coat thoroughly. Alternatively, place the vegetables and marinade in a large resealable plastic bag, seal tightly, and turn several times to ensure even coating. This method works particularly well for thorough coverage and easy cleanup.

Step 4: Refrigeration Refrigerate the marinating vegetables for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. The longer marination time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the vegetables. If leaving in the bowl, toss the vegetables a couple of times during the marinating process to ensure even flavor distribution.

Step 5: Assemble the Skewers On four metal skewers or wooden skewers, alternately thread the marinated vegetables and bratwurst chunks, creating an attractive pattern. Leave small spaces between pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the assembled skewers on a plate and reserve the remaining marinade for basting during cooking.

Step 6: Pre-Cooking Preparation Spoon some of the reserved marinade over the bratwurst pieces on the plate, ensuring they’re well-coated before cooking begins.

Cooking Instructions:

Outdoor Grilling Method: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook covered for approximately 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. This is the best way to cook bratwurst for maximum flavor development and attractive grill marks.

Important Note on Bratwurst Types: Many bratwurst varieties available today, such as the Charcutnuvo brand found at Whole Foods, come fully cooked. If using pre-cooked bratwurst, you’re primarily cooking the vegetables and heating the sausage while creating those desirable grill marks on both components.

Final Glazing: During the last 5-8 minutes of cooking, baste the skewers frequently with the reserved marinade. This creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze on the meat and concentrates the flavors in the vegetables. The sugars in the marinade will caramelize, creating an irresistible coating.

Serve immediately on a platter while hot for the best flavor and presentation.

Best Way to Cook Bratwurst Indoors

The best way to cook a bratwurst indoors is using a grill pan over medium-high heat, which allows you to achieve those coveted grill marks and smoky flavor without an outdoor grill. Heat the grill pan until hot, add the bratwurst, and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-5 minutes. This method works exceptionally well for bratwurst bites and ensures even cooking throughout.

For baking bratwurst, the oven method is equally effective and perfect for meal prep or cooking for a crowd.

How to Cook Bratwurst in Oven

Baking bratwurst in oven is simple and produces excellent results:

Preheat oven to 425°F
Arrange bratwurst links and marinated vegetables on a large baking sheet in a single layer
Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning bratwurst halfway through cooking
Check that internal temperature reaches 160°F for raw bratwurst
Vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized
Baste with reserved marinade during the last 10 minutes for glazing

This baked bratwurst recipe is ideal when you want hands-off preparation and easy cleanup.

Bratwurst Cooking Temperature and Time

Temperature Guidelines:

Raw bratwurst: Cook to internal temperature of 160°F
Pre-cooked bratwurst: Heat through to 140°F
Grill temperature: Medium-high (375-400°F)
Oven temperature: 425°F

Time Guidelines:

Grilling: 20 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes
Indoor grill pan: 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-5 minutes
Oven baking: 25-30 minutes, turn once halfway through
Boiling: 10-15 minutes for pre-cooked, 15-20 minutes for raw

Cooking Method Comparison

Method	Time	Temperature	Best for	Pros	Cons
Outdoor Grill	20 minutes	Medium-high	Best flavor	Authentic grill marks, smoky taste	Weather dependent
Indoor Grill Pan	15–20 minutes	Medium-high	Year-round cooking	Grill marks, good control	Smaller batches
Oven Baked	25–30 minutes	425°F	Large batches	Easy cleanup, hands-off	No grill marks
Boiling	10–20 minutes	Boiling water	Traditional method	Gentle cooking	No caramelization

Alternative Cooking Methods

Boiled Bratwurst with Roasted Vegetables

For a more traditional approach, you can boil the bratwurst separately and serve with prepared vegetables. This is how many German families prepare their bratwurst. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the bratwurst, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through (if using pre-cooked) or until no longer pink inside (if using raw). Meanwhile, toss the marinated vegetables with a little oil and either roast in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, grill them directly on the barbecue, or sauté in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender and slightly caramelized.

Baked Bratwurst and Vegetables

This oven-baked method is perfect for easy preparation and cleanup. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the bratwurst links and marinated vegetables on a large baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer for even cooking. This baked bratwurst recipe is ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the bratwurst halfway through cooking. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized, while the sausages develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This is truly the best way to cook a bratwurst indoors when you want hands-off preparation.

Popular Variations

Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños to the skewers and increase chili flakes to 1/4 teaspoon for those who love heat.

Sweet Version: Add fresh pineapple chunks to the skewers and increase brown sugar to 1/3 cup for a tropical twist.

Beer Bratwurst: Replace bourbon with German beer (like Oktoberfest or wheat beer) for a more traditional flavor profile.

Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free brown sugar substitute or reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add extra mustard for tangy flavor.

Bavarian Style: Add sliced apples and use German mustard instead of stone ground mustard for authentic bavarian bratwurst flavors.

How to Serve

These glazed bourbon bratwurst skewers make an excellent main dish for Oktoberfest celebrations or any casual gathering. Serve them family-style on a large platter, allowing guests to grab their own skewer. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors pairs wonderfully with traditional German sides.

What Goes Well with Bratwurst Skewers:

My German Potato Salad recipe provides the perfect creamy, tangy complement
Sauerkraut adds traditional flavor and helps cut through the richness
Warm soft pretzels with mustard for dipping
German-style coleslaw for freshness
Roasted root vegetables for additional heartiness
A cold German beer or apple cider to round out the meal

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover bratwurst skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the microwave for quick warming, but for best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or on a grill pan over medium heat until warmed through. The flavors actually develop and intensify after a day in the refrigerator, making leftovers particularly delicious.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Common Problems and Solutions

Skewers burning: Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, use metal skewers for repeated use.

Vegetables cooking too fast: Cut vegetables into larger, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate as the bratwurst.

Glaze not sticking: Reduce heat to medium and baste more frequently during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Bratwurst splitting: Avoid piercing the casing and cook on lower heat if using raw bratwurst. Pre-cooked varieties are less likely to split.

Uneven cooking: Leave space between pieces on skewers and turn every few minutes for even heat exposure.

Marinade burning: If grilling outdoors, create heat zones and move skewers to cooler areas if glaze starts to burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bratwurst skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The longer marination actually improves the flavor. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

What's the best way to cook bratwurst indoors?

For indoor cooking, a grill pan gives you the best results with attractive grill marks and good heat control. You can also bake them in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, which is perfect for meal prep or cooking for a crowd.

Can I use raw bratwurst instead of pre-cooked?

Absolutely! If using raw bratwurst, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This may require an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time depending on thickness.

How do you know when bratwurst is done?

Raw bratwurst is done when it reaches 160°F internal temperature and shows no pink in the center when cut. Pre-cooked bratwurst just needs to be heated through (140°F) and develop grill marks.

Why do you soak wooden skewers?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning and charring during cooking, which can cause them to break and create an unpleasant burnt taste.

Can you cook bratwurst from frozen?

Yes, but thaw first for best results. If cooking from frozen, add 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F throughout.

What temperature should bratwurst be cooked to?

Raw bratwurst should reach 160°F internal temperature, while pre-cooked bratwurst only needs to reach 140°F to be safely heated through.

How do you prevent bratwurst from bursting?

Don’t pierce the casing, cook over medium rather than high heat, and turn gently. Using pre-cooked bratwurst also reduces the risk of bursting.

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes! Substitute the bourbon with apple juice, beef broth, or additional soy sauce. The glaze will still caramelize beautifully and provide excellent flavor.

What type of bratwurst works best for this recipe?

Any authentic German bratwurst works well. Smoked varieties add extra flavor, and pre-cooked options make preparation easier. Knockwurst is an excellent alternative that provides similar traditional German flavors.

Can you make bratwurst skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and marinate the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

How do I know when the bratwurst is fully cooked?

Pre-cooked bratwurst just needs to be heated through and develop grill marks. Raw bratwurst should reach 160°F internal temperature and show no pink in the center when cut.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

The bourbon glaze marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld and develop even better.

Reviews and Recipe Recommendations

I’d love to hear how these Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers turned out for you! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Did you make any substitutions? How did your family and friends react? What cooking method worked best for you? Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for you.

If you’re planning a full Oktoberfest menu or just love German-inspired cuisine, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes that pair perfectly with these bratwurst skewers:

These recipes together create an authentic German feast that’s perfect for celebrating fall flavors and Oktoberfest traditions. Each recipe brings its own special touch to the table, creating a memorable dining experience that your guests will be talking about long after the last bite.

Don’t forget to take photos of your creations and share them on social media – I love seeing how your dishes turn out!

Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers

What Are Glazed Smoked Bourbon Bratwurst Skewers?

How Long to Cook Bratwurst Skewers?

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions