These Slow Cooker Beer Brats are bursting with flavor! Picture juicy sausages simmered in a tasty mix of beer, onions, and spices. It’s a hearty dish perfect for gatherings!
Making these brats is super simple—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work! They’re great served in buns or on their own, and they always get devoured quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bratwurst Sausages: Fresh bratwurst is essential for that authentic flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bratwurst works great too. For a vegetarian take, try meatless sausages or grilled portobello mushrooms.
Onions: Yellow or sweet onions enhance the overall sweetness when caramelized. If you prefer less sweetness, you can use red onions. They also add a beautiful color to the dish.
Beer: A lager or pilsner is perfect, but any light beer will do. If you want to avoid alcohol, use a non-alcoholic beer or even chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
Mustard: I like using brown mustard for a bit more depth, but yellow mustard will work just fine. You could also experiment with spicy mustard if you enjoy a kick!
How Do I Ensure the Sausages Are Flavored Perfectly?
To get the most flavor into the sausages, it’s all about the layering and the cooking process. Here are some key steps to perfect your brats:
- Start by placing the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker; this helps infuse their flavor into the sausages.
- Pour the beer and seasoning mixture over the sausages to ensure they’re well-coated.
- If you want some browning, remove the lid in the last half hour. It helps develop a nice crust on the bratwurst!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beer Brats?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beer Brats:
- 6 fresh bratwurst sausages (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 large onions, sliced (yellow or sweet onions work well)
- 3 cups beer (preferably a lager or pilsner)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or brown)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 brat buns (for serving)
- Optional: sliced pickled jalapeños or sauerkraut for toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in the slow cooker: about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for throwing together during the day and coming back to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by slicing the onions. They will add great flavor to the brats as they cook. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a nice bed for the sausages.
2. Add the Bratwursts:
Next, take your fresh bratwurst sausages and lay them on top of the sliced onions. These will soak up all the delicious flavors while cooking.
3. Make the Beer Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the beer, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended.
4. Combine and Cook:
Pour this beery mixture over the sausages and onions in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid, then set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer you cook, the more flavorful your brats will be!
5. Optional Browning Step:
If you’d like your sausages to brown a bit, you can remove the lid of the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This gives them a nice, crispy finish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bratwursts are cooked through, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Serve the brats in the buns with the cooked onions on top. Feel free to add some sliced pickled jalapeños or sauerkraut for an extra kick. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While bratwurst is traditional, you can substitute with other types of sausage like Italian or even chicken sausage for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using thinner sausages.
What Beer Should I Use for This Recipe?
A lager or pilsner is ideal as they provide a light flavor that complements the bratwurst. However, you can experiment with different beers like amber ales or wheat beers based on your taste preference. Just avoid overly bitter or dark beers, as they may change the flavor profile significantly.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Brats?
Leftover brats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Alcohol?
Yes! You can substitute the beer with non-alcoholic beer or even a combination of broth (chicken or vegetable) with a splash of apple cider vinegar for some tang. This will help mimic the flavors without using alcohol.
