Slow Cooker Beer Brats are a super easy and tasty dish! Just toss brats, beer, and a few spices into your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you relax.
You’ll love how perfectly the flavors blend together, making juicy and flavorful brats! Pair them with sauerkraut or on a bun, and you’ll be the king or queen of the cookout! 🌭
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bratwurst Sausages: These are the stars of the dish! You can choose your favorites, but if you’re looking for alternatives, try chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option. I personally love using pork bratwurst for their rich flavor.
Onions: Slicing large onions adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have onions, leeks or shallots can work well too. I’ve found that cooking the onions with the brats makes them super flavorful!
Beer: This is essential for rich flavor. Lager or pilsner is usually best, but feel free to use non-alcoholic beer or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version. Just keep in mind the taste will change slightly.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you prefer milder flavors, yellow mustard is a good substitute. I recommend smooth over grainy mustard for a more cohesive sauce.
Brown Sugar: It balances the tanginess of mustard. If you’re out of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can add sweetness, although they may change the flavor profile a bit.
How Do I Ensure My Brats Are Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking the brats in a slow cooker is a great way to make them tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Layer sliced onions at the bottom to create a flavor base.
- Mix up your beer sauce thoroughly to get all the spices combined nicely.
- Choose low setting for a slower cook, as this helps in developing flavors.
- If you crave a crispy outside, don’t skip the broiling step! Just a few minutes can enhance the texture.
Following these tips will help you serve delicious brats that are bursting with flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beer Brats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beer Brats:
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cups beer (lager or pilsner works best)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- 6 brat buns
- Mustard
- Sauerkraut
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you will need to cook it in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a delicious, easy meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by slicing your onions into rings. Place them evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the bratwursts.
2. Add the Bratwurst:
Next, take your bratwurst sausages and lay them on top of the onions in the slow cooker. You can place them side by side, overlapping slightly if needed.
3. Mix the Beer Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the beer, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
4. Pour and Cook:
Pour the beer mixture over the sausages and onions in the slow cooker, making sure they’re all covered nicely. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook. If you’re on low, let it go for 6-8 hours; if you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours until the bratwursts are fully cooked and tender.
5. Optional Step for Crispy Brats:
If you love a crispy texture, after removing the brats from the slow cooker, place them under the broiler in your oven for 3-4 minutes. This will give them a nice golden-brown finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your brats are done, place them in brat buns and top with the onions from the slow cooker. Add mustard and sauerkraut as desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker beer brats!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute bratwurst with other types of sausages like Italian or chicken sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you choose a lower-fat option, as they may cook faster!
What If I Don’t Have Beer?
No problem! You can replace beer with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. For added flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic the tangy taste of beer.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to store the brats, it’s best to keep them in the broth to retain moisture. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bratwurst and onion mixture the night before. Just keep the mixture in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the slow cooker and let it cook while you’re at work or running errands!
