These Slow Cooker Beer Brats are a great way to enjoy tasty sausages with minimal effort. Cooked in a flavorful mix of beer and onions, they are super easy and packed with flavor!
I love throwing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do the work while I relax. Perfect for game days or barbecues—just don’t forget the buns! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bratwurst Sausages: These are the star of the dish. Look for high-quality bratwurst for the best flavor. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausages can work too, but the taste will be slightly different.
Onions: Yellow onions are great for sweetness when cooked. You can substitute with sweet onions if you want a milder flavor or even red onions for a bit more bite.
Beer: Any beer works, but I love using a lager or pale ale for a balanced taste. If you’re avoiding alcohol, non-alcoholic beer or apple cider is a tasty substitute that adds a nice flavor.
Broth: Chicken or beef broth adds depth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth can easily replace it without losing much flavor.
Dijon Mustard: While I prefer Dijon for its zing, yellow mustard is just as good. If you like a kick, try spicy brown mustard!
How Do I Make My Bratwurst Extra Flavorful?
To amp up the flavor of your bratwurst, the right cooking method is essential. Cooking in the slow cooker allows the brats to soak up the rich broth and beer mixture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Layer onions on the bottom first, which helps to prevent sticking.
- Mix the beer and broth with mustard and seasonings in a bowl before pouring over the sausages. This helps the flavors combine well.
- If you opt to grill after slow cooking, make sure to preheat the grill. This gives the bratwurst a nice char that enhances the flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beer Brats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brats:
- 8 bratwurst sausages
- 2 medium onions, sliced
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 bottle (12 oz) of beer (your choice)
- 1 cup chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and cooking takes either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. If you choose to grill the bratwurst for extra flavor, add another 5-6 minutes. Perfect for a laid-back meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the bratwurst to cook on.
2. Add the Bratwurst:
Next, arrange the bratwurst sausages on top of the sliced onions. Make sure they are evenly placed so they cook uniformly.
3. Mix the Cooking Liquid:
In a separate bowl, combine the beer, broth, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it well to mix all the ingredients together. Pour this delicious mixture over the bratwurst and onions in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook the Brats:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. Choose either low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The bratwurst should be fully cooked and tender when done.
5. Optional Grilling:
If you want to enhance the flavor and texture of the bratwurst, you can grill them for a few minutes after they have cooked in the slow cooker. Just preheat your grill and cook the brats for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.
6. Serve the Bratwurst:
Time to eat! Serve the bratwurst in buns and top them with the cooked onions. Drizzle with extra mustard if you like. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch!
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful Slow Cooker Beer Brats and enjoy every bite! It’s a hearty dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While bratwurst is traditional, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, like Italian sausages or turkey sausages. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different sausages may vary in how long they take to cook.
What If I Don’t Have Beer on Hand?
No worries! If you don’t have beer, you can substitute it with additional chicken or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. You can also use apple cider or a non-alcoholic beer for a different flavor profile.
Can I Cook This Recipe on the Stove Instead of a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Just place the onions and bratwurst in a large pot, add the beer and broth mixture, and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, making sure the sausages are fully cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftover Beer Brats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the bratwurst and onions until heated through, or warm them on the stove for a few minutes before serving again!
