Cody Casey
Cooking bratwurst in a crockpot is a convenient way to prepare a tasty meal with minimal effort. This method of cooking brats is ideal for busy days and can be served as a tasty sandwich or a complete meal. The slow cooker ensures the brats are juicy and tender and can be paired with a variety of sides. The process is simple: after a quick sear, the brats are placed in the crockpot with vegetables and beer, resulting in a flavourful dish that can be served in a variety of ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 5-8 hours |
| Temperature | Low heat or high heat |
| Ingredients | Bratwurst, onions, garlic, oil, beer, mustard, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, butter |
| Sides | Buns, pretzel bites, mustard, beer cheese, napa cabbage slaw, sauerkraut, tortellini pasta salad, baked beans, potato chips, raw veggies and dip, fruit, mac and cheese |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Bratwurst preparation
First, you'll want to sear the bratwurst. Heat a lightly oiled cast iron or large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bratwurst and sear until browned on each side. This will take about 1-2 minutes per side or around 6 minutes in total. You just want them to be charred but not fully cooked—the crockpot will take care of that. Remove the bratwurst from the skillet and set them aside.
Next, you'll add the vegetables to the skillet. Slice and add onions, cooking until translucent and starting to brown. You can also add some smashed or minced garlic, stirring until fragrant. You may also choose to add sliced peppers at this stage.
Now you're ready to assemble your crockpot. Layer half of the onions over the bottom of the slow cooker, then top them with a layer of bratwurst. Cover the bratwurst with the remaining onions, garlic, and any other vegetables. You can also add some butter, salt, and pepper. Finish things off by pouring beer over the sausages—a mild and light beer like a lager is best. You can also add mustard and caraway seeds.
Finally, cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 5-8 hours or on high heat for 2-4 hours. You'll know the brats are done when they're nice and tender. Serve on a bun with mustard, or on a plate with roasted carrots, pureed parsnips, peas, or a side of spaetzle to stay with the German theme.
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Crockpot cooking times
Yes, you can cook brats in a crockpot/slow cooker. This is a convenient way to cook brats without needing to use a grill. It is also a good way to prep your meal in advance.
Cooking times
There are various cooking times suggested for crockpot brats, depending on the recipe and the setting used.
One recipe recommends cooking on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours. Another suggests cooking on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. A third recipe recommends cooking on high for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
If you are using frozen brats, you may need to add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Browning the brats
Many recipes suggest browning the brats in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This is not always necessary, but it is said to improve the flavor and texture of the brats, and prevent them from becoming soggy. To brown the brats, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the brats for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned but not fully cooked.
Other ingredients
Bratwurst is often cooked with beer, which is said to add flavor and moisture to the dish. However, you can substitute the beer with non-alcoholic beer, apple juice, water, chicken broth, or another type of stock or broth.
Other ingredients commonly added to crockpot brats include onions, garlic, mustard, caraway seeds, and butter. The brats can also be served with a variety of sides, such as sauerkraut, potatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, or apples.
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Side dishes
There are several side dishes that go well with crockpot brats. If you're looking for something traditional, you can serve the brats with potatoes and sauerkraut. For a more Midwest take, serve them in buns with mustard and onions.
If you're serving a crowd, it's a good idea to put out a variety of sides and condiments and let everyone build their own brat plates. Here are some side dish ideas to get you started:
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Tortellini pasta salad
- Potato chips
- Pretzel bites
- Raw veggies and dip
- Fruit
If you're serving the brats on a platter for a game day, slice them up and serve with pretzel bites, mustard, and beer cheese.
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Storage
Storing cooked bratwurst is important for maintaining food safety and freshness. Here are some guidelines for storing cooked brats in a crockpot:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store leftover crockpot brats in an airtight container: Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to prevent moisture and maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and keep them for up to 3-4 days.
- Leftover bratwurst: It is recommended to store leftover bratwurst in a container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ready-to-eat foods: When storing raw meats in the refrigerator, arrange them with ready-to-eat foods like dairy, cheese, and yogurt on the top shelves, and raw meat on the bottom shelves.
Freezer Storage:
- Freezing cooked brats: You can freeze cooked brats for longer storage. Wrap each brat individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Freezer storage duration: Frozen cooked brats can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and reheating: When ready to eat, let the frozen brats thaw, and then reheat them in a hot skillet or in the microwave until heated through.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your cooked bratwurst in a crockpot remains safe, fresh, and tasty for future meals.
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Alternative cooking methods
Bratwursts, or brats, are a type of German sausage, commonly made with ground pork, and sometimes veal, beef, or a combination of these meats. They are seasoned with spices such as marjoram, ginger, sage, cumin, nutmeg, coriander, and caraway.
While brats are often grilled, there are several alternative methods for cooking them. Here are some options for cooking brats without a grill:
Stovetop
Bratwursts can be cooked on a stovetop in a cast-iron skillet with a drizzle of canola oil or butter and olive oil. Poke a few holes on each side of the bratwurst to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Place the brats in the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. You can also add onions to the skillet for additional flavor. After browning the brats, carefully add some water to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for about 10 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F / 71° C.
Slow Cooker or Crockpot
Another option for cooking brats without a grill is to use a slow cooker or crockpot. This method allows you to prep your brats and vegetables in advance, and they will be ready by mealtime. To use this method, start by searing the brats in a skillet to get a nice brown color and lock in the juices. In the slow cooker, add ingredients like onions, garlic, beer, mustard, caraway seeds, and sauerkraut. Place the seared brats into the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or 3-4 hours on high.
Baking or Roasting
Brats can also be cooked in the oven by baking or roasting them. Before baking, it is recommended to make shallow cuts along the concave side of the bratwurst to allow for even cooking and increased surface area for better flavor absorption. Bake or roast the brats until they are browned and fully cooked through. You can also finish them off in the oven after browning them in a cast-iron skillet.
Boiling or Simmering
Another alternative method is to boil or simmer brats. This can be done in a pot of water or broth, or even in beer for added flavor. Simmer the brats on low heat for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent the liquid from burning or sticking to the pan. You can also steam brats in beer, but be aware that the smell may linger for a while.
Air Frying
For a modern twist on bratwurst preparation, you can also try air frying them. This method can produce juicy and flavorful results, similar to grilling.
Other Creative Uses
In addition to the above methods, brats can be incorporated into various dishes:
- Soup
- Nachos
- Pizza
- Bloody Marys
- Chili
- Baked stew
- Strudel
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook brats in a crock pot.
Cooking brats in a crock pot can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the heat setting. For best results, cook on low heat for 6 hours.
You will need bratwurst, onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, and beer. You can also add mustard, caraway seeds, and a variety of sides such as potatoes, sauerkraut, or buns.
First, sear the bratwurst in a skillet to get some browning. Then, layer onions, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in the crock pot. Place the seared bratwurst on top and pour beer over everything. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 2 hours.
