what temp are brats done
Brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork or beef, and 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey brats.
What temp are brats done?
For food safety and juiciness, use these temps:
- Pork or beef brats: 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
- Chicken or turkey brats: 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Always measure at the thickest part of the brat with an instant‑read thermometer, making sure you’re not touching the pan, grill grate, or bone (if any).
Quick signs your brats are done
Temperature is the gold standard, but you’ll usually also notice:
- Evenly browned or nicely grilled exterior, not pale or raw-looking.
- No visible raw or bright pink interior once you cut into one; juices run clear, not bloody.
- Firm, springy texture when you press them gently with tongs, not squishy like raw meat.
That said, visual cues can trick you—brats can look done outside but still be undercooked inside, which is why the thermometer check to 160°F (or 165°F for poultry) matters most.
Little story from the grill
Imagine a backyard cookout: the grill is hot, the brats are sizzling, and they’re already nicely charred on the outside. You pull one off, slice it, and there’s a faint raw-looking pink in the center. Instead of guessing, you poke it with your thermometer—it reads 145°F. Back on the grill it goes for a few more minutes, and when it hits 160°F, the inside is now opaque, juices run clear, and the bite is juicy but fully cooked. That’s exactly the point you’re aiming for every time.
Safety note
Cooking brats to at least 160°F (or 165°F for poultry) kills harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can otherwise cause foodborne illness. Using a simple instant‑read thermometer is the easiest way to keep them both safe and delicious.
TL;DR:
- 160°F (71°C) inside = pork/beef brats done.
- 165°F (74°C) = chicken/turkey brats done.
- Check with a thermometer at the thickest spot for perfect, safe brats.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.