It is recommended that you cook brats in some way before you smoke them. Usually, this is through boiling them. That being said, you could also enlist another method for an even more authentic taste - barbecuing them!
First and foremost, let’s look at how you should boil them. For the best results, you should simmer your brats in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Do not be tempted to prick them first or they will take on too much water.
If you prefer to barbecue them for a more authentic taste you should do it on a hot barbecue, ensuring to wrap them in foil beforehand. Do this for 15 minutes, and again, do not prick the brats. If you prick them they will lose their smoky flavor.