Are Johnsonville Brats Precooked? (Finally Answered!)

Do you know if Johnsonville Brats are precooked? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

Looking for pre-cooked, ready-to-eat Bratwurst, or for a tasty sausage you can grill to your taste? When it comes to Bratwurst, Johnsonville Brats are some of the most popular, which leaves many people wondering if these delicious links are precooked, or in need of some grill time before you consume them.

Yes, Johnsonville brats are precooked. Johnsonville Brats come in a wide selection of flavors and can be found in both precooked and uncooked form, depending on the variety you select.

This article looks at which Johnsonville Brats come precooked, which don’t, and how you can tell the difference.

Table of Contents

Are Johnsonville Brats Precooked?

Johnsonville offers several varieties of bratwurst. While many of these come precooked and ready for eating, there are several flavors that are also sold uncooked and may need to be grilled or otherwise cooked before eating.

If you’re purchasing Johnsonville Brats at the store, you’ll need to double-check to be sure which kind you’re buying.

How Are Precooked Johnsonville Brats Prepared?

Precooked Brats are generally prepared in one of two ways, according to Johnsonville.

Smoked: This is mostly used for conventional sausage rather than Bratwurst, but there are some varieties that come this way.

Steam-Cooked: Most Precooked Bratwurst offered by Johnsonville is steam cooked, rather than smoked or grilled.

Grilled: A few precooked Bratwurst offered by Johnsonville are grilled, for that special flavor.

How Do I Know if My Johnsonville Brats Are Precooked?

Precooked bratwurst is generally pale in color and feels firm or stiff. The meat is a light color without any pink.

Raw bratwurst, on the other hand, is a light pink color and much less firm.

Sometimes, the seasonings or the method of cooking may change the color slightly.

Smoked bratwurst, for example, is a darker brown color when cooked, due to the effects of the smoking process on the meat.

Which Types of Johnsonville Brats Come Precooked?

According to Johnsonville staff, there are three types of brats that are sold precooked.

Stadium Brats
Ultimate Brats
Beer Brats.
Smoked Brats

Each one of these comes with some variation in terms of size. Many of them come with a cheese version, such as the ‘Beddar With Cheddar’ brats or the ‘Ultimate Beer and Cheddar Brat’.

What Other Types of Brats Are There?

There are several other different types of brats, and these are not precooked. You can find many of the varieties in local stores, including;

Johnsonville Original Brats
Hatch Green Chili Brats
Firecracker Brats
Queso With Pepper Jack Cheese Brats
Blackened Cajun Style and Cheddar Brats
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Brats
Beer ‘n Brats (not to be confused with Beer Brats)
Cheddar Brats
Tailgate Cheddar and Beer Brats (Not to be confused with Ultimate Beer and Cheddar)
Jalapeno and Cheddar Brat
Irish O’Garlic Brats
Hot and Spicy Brats
Chorizo Brats
Cheddar and Bacon Brats

In addition, there are stores that sell party packs of Johnsonville Brats, both precooked and Ready-To-Cook, for those who are planning a party.

How Should I Prepare Precooked Brats?

There are several ways you can prepare precooked brats, including taking no preparations at all.

Precooked brats don’t need to be frozen, so they can be stored in a cooler and eaten straight out of the package if you like.

The easiest method of preparation – at least if you want to eat them quickly – is to place them on a plate, cover them with a paper towel, and microwave for about 30-35 seconds.

If you’re looking for a more festive way to prepare them, you can try grilling them. You won’t need to grill them long, just long enough for them to be browned on either side or striped with the grill grating.

You can also heat them up using an air fryer, set at 350 Fahrenheit. This process takes about 5 minutes.

How Does Preparing Uncooked Brats Differ?

Uncooked brats will most likely need to be frozen until you’re ready to prepare them, so they’ll also need to be thawed out.

To cook them on a grill, you’ll want to use low heat and frequently spritz them with water or other liquid to prevent charring. When they look done, set them aside on a covered plate for a few minutes.

Another recommended method of cooking is to place them in hot, but not boiling, water for 5-10 minutes, then brown the outside in a pan or on a grill.

How Long Can I Keep Precooked Brats in my Fridge or Freezer?

Johnsonville Brats generally come with a ‘Use By’ date on the packaging, and it’s best to eat them before that date to get the best possible flavor, whether they’re precooked or not.

Once opened, they should be eaten within seven days if stored in the refrigerator. If stored in the freezer, they can last as long as thirty days before losing their freshness.

How Long Can I Keep Uncooked Brats in my Fridge?

Uncooked brats should be eaten within one or two days of opening, at least if you’re storing them in the fridge.

If you’re storing them in the freezer, they can last about two weeks, more if properly packaged and sealed.

Why Are Some Johnsonville Brats Precooked, But Others Are Not?

Most likely, it has to do with appealing to the personal preferences of a wider audience. Many people appreciate the convenience of precooked food, especially something as versatile as brats.

Others prefer to put their own methodology and twist on food preparation and prefer uncooked brats because it gives them a greater range of preparation options.

References

https://www.johnsonville.com/events-and-promos/Cues-to-Consider-When-Buying-Using-Fully-Cooked-Sausage.html