My simple, crowd-pleasing bacon-wrapped brats are cooked on a pellet grill and make one of the best bites at a summer barbecue. Use cheddar-style brats for an extra boost of flavor, and finish with your favorite toppings—ketchup and mustard keep things classic, while pickled red onions or sautéed peppers add a gourmet touch.
Traeger Bacon-Wrapped Brats
You don’t always need an all-day smoker to turn out something memorable. One of the great things about backyard grilling is the ability to get excellent results quickly. These bacon-wrapped brats deliver big flavor in a short time—crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around juicy bratwurst that finishes on a pellet grill for consistent heat and a subtle wood-fired note.
If you enjoy slow-smoked showpieces like brisket or pulled pork, those have their place. But for weeknight meals or a summer cookout, these brats are a fast, impressive option. The bacon crisps up and imparts extra savory richness into the brat while helping reduce the chance of the sausage splitting and losing juices.
What’s the best brat to use for this recipe?
I used smoked cheddar brats in the photos because the cheese and smoke add an extra layer of flavor, but you can use any bratwurst you prefer: regular beer brats, plain pork brats, or specialty flavored varieties. The cooking time on the pellet grill is long enough to cook even non-smoked sausages through, so choose the flavor profile you like best.
What kind of bacon works best?
Thin-cut bacon is ideal for wrapping because it crisps quickly and forms snugly around the brat without adding too much extra thickness. Thick-cut bacon can be used if you prefer a meatier bite, but it will take longer to crisp and may stay a bit soft in places. For the best balance of crispness and convenience, choose thin-cut slices.
If you love extra-crispy bacon, remember to rotate the brats regularly while grilling so the bacon renders evenly and browns on all sides.
Tips for perfect bacon-wrapped brats
- Use thin-cut bacon: It crisps faster and wraps neatly around the brat.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed: A few toothpicks help the bacon stay put while the fat renders and the bacon crisps.
- Rotate frequently: Turn the brats every few minutes so the bacon browns evenly on all sides.
- Watch the grill: Bacon can go from perfect to charred quickly—stay nearby during the final minutes of cooking.
What to serve with bacon-wrapped brats
Bacon-wrapped brats are versatile—you can serve them as the star of a casual backyard spread or as part of a more elaborate menu. They pair well with classic picnic sides and bold flavors that stand up to the richness of the meat. Here are a few reliable pairings and ideas to round out your meal:
Main Dishes to Complement
Grilled chicken leg quarters: An economical and flavorful poultry option for variety on the table.
Steak or lobster tails: If you want a surf-and-turf contrast, grilled filet mignon and lobster tails make the gathering feel special.
Baby back ribs or smoked brisket: For a barbecue with multiple slow-smoked items, ribs and brisket pair beautifully alongside smoked brats.
Hot dogs or simple sausages: Keep things kid-friendly or grill extra hot dogs to save space and satisfy picky eaters.
Side Dish Ideas
Some tried-and-true sides to serve with bacon-wrapped brats:
- Creamy pasta or macaroni salad: A cooling, customizable side that travels well for potlucks and picnics.
- Broccoli salad: Adds a crunchy, fresh contrast to the meaty main.
- Brisket baked beans: Hearty, smoky baked beans with bacon or chunks of brisket make a rich accompaniment.
- Grilled vegetables: Peppers, onions, zucchini, or corn provide color and a lighter balance.
For toppings, you can keep it classic with mustard and ketchup, or step it up with caramelized onions, pickled red onions, sauerkraut, or a tangy slaw. Pick the condiments and sides that match the occasion and your guests’ tastes.
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Bacon Wrapped Brats
Delicious bacon-wrapped brats are a perfect, easy main for barbecues. This double-pork combination turns ordinary brats into a memorable bite with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- 6 slices thin-cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 325°F (about 163°C) following the manufacturer’s instructions for your grill model.
- Wrap each brat with a slice of bacon. Overlap the bacon slightly and secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Place the bacon-wrapped brats on the hot grill and cook, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
- Grill until the bacon is crisp and the brats reach a safe internal temperature. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Nutrition Information (estimate per serving)
Calories: 337 • Total Fat: 29g • Saturated Fat: 10g • Cholesterol: 74mg • Sodium: 913mg • Carbohydrates: 3g • Protein: 16g
Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a nutrition professional if you require precise information for medical reasons.