Emilie Meyer
Bratwurst is a type of sausage that can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker. It is a versatile dish that can be served on a hot dog bun or plated as a meal with sides such as mac and cheese. The cooking time for bratwurst in a crock pot varies depending on the heat setting and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours. In this article, we will explore different methods and recipes for cooking bratwurst in a crock pot, including the ingredients and cooking times required. We will also discuss the benefits of slow cooking bratwurst and provide tips for preparing this dish ahead of time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bratwurst, onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, beer, oil, apple, brown sugar, mustard, caraway seeds, sauerkraut |
| Preparation | Sear the brats in a pan for 3-6 minutes until brown. |
| Add oil, onions, and garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant. | |
| Put the sauerkraut, onions, garlic, apple, brown sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds in the crock pot. | |
| Place the browned brats on top and dot with butter. | |
| Press the brats down so they are nestled in the crock pot but not fully submerged. | |
| Crock Pot Settings | High heat for 2-4 hours or until the internal temperature is at least 160°F. |
| Low heat for 6 hours. | |
| Notes | Frozen brats may take an extra hour. |
| Searing the brats is optional but helps lock in flavor and moisture. | |
| Beer can be substituted with non-alcoholic beer, apple juice, chicken broth, water, or soda. |
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What You'll Learn
Bratwurst prep and searing
To prep your bratwurst for the crock pot, you can parboil them on the stove or in a cast-iron skillet on the grill. This will help to cook the inside of the bratwurst and ensure that they don't burst open on the grill, releasing their juices. Place the bratwurst in a skillet and add cold liquid—water, broth, or beer—to cover them about three-quarters of the way. Slowly simmer the bratwurst until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into them reads an internal temperature of 150°F.
Now, onto searing. Searing your bratwurst locks in their juices so they don't dry out during slow cooking. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bratwurst and sear on both sides for about 3 minutes on each side, or until browned. You can also melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in the skillet instead of using oil.
If you're short on time, you can skip the searing step, but your bratwurst won't have that nice, dark brown color when they're done cooking.
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Crock pot setup
To cook bratwurst in a crock pot, you'll first want to sear the sausages in a pan to lock in flavour and ensure they don't dry out during cooking. Heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the bratwurst for about 3 minutes on each side, until browned. You can also add some sliced onions to the pan and cook until they are translucent and starting to brown, then add some garlic and stir until fragrant.
Next, prepare the crock pot. Add the sauerkraut (with or without liquid, depending on your preference) to the pot, along with the onions and garlic from the pan. You can also add sliced apples, beer or another liquid, and seasonings such as salt and pepper, brown sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds. Place the bratwurst on top and dot with butter. Press the sausages down so they are nestled in the other ingredients but not fully submerged.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for 2-4 hours or on low heat for 6 hours. The bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
You can prepare the crock pot in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight, then place it in the slow cooker in the morning.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for brats in a crock pot varies depending on the heat setting. On low heat, brats should cook for around 6 hours. On high heat, this time is reduced to 2-4 hours.
Before placing the brats in the crock pot, some recipes recommend searing them in a pan or skillet first. This adds colour and locks in flavour and moisture. To do this, heat some butter or oil in a pan on medium heat and sear the brats for around 3 minutes on each side until browned. This step can be skipped if you are in a hurry, but the brats will not be browned when they finish cooking.
Once the brats are seared, place them in the crock pot with the other ingredients and cover with the lid. Set the crock pot to low or high heat and leave to cook for the recommended time.
It is important not to remove the lid during the cooking time, as this will affect the temperature and cooking process. To ensure the brats are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of each brat has reached at least 160°F. Brats can be cooked to a maximum of 190°F.
If you are using frozen brats, add 1 hour to the cooking time. You can also double the recipe and cook for an extra hour to freeze some for later.
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Beer and non-alcoholic substitutes
While bratwurst and beer are a classic combination, not everyone wants to slow cook their brats in alcohol. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, there are several options to choose from.
One popular option is to use a non-alcoholic beer, which will give a similar flavor to traditional beer without the alcohol content. You can also try apple juice or chicken broth for a unique twist on the classic recipe. If you're looking for a simpler option, water can also be used as a substitute for beer. To make it more flavorful, you can add onions, herbs, and a bit of vinegar for acidity. You can also try ginger ale, chicken stock, or even just salted water.
For those who are feeling more adventurous with their crock-pot brats, some less conventional alternatives to beer include sarsaparilla, root beer, ginger beer, and Dr Pepper. These options might be worth trying if you're looking for a sweeter flavor profile.
No matter which liquid you choose, the key is to ensure that the bratwursts are fully submerged so that they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the liquid. So feel free to experiment with different liquids and find the combination that suits your taste preferences!
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover crockpot brats is easy. Simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your brats again, there are a few ways to reheat them. You can use a skillet, the microwave, or the grill. If you're using a skillet or the grill, make sure it's hot before adding the brats. If you're using the microwave, just heat them until they're heated through.
If you're freezing your brats, it's important to let them thaw before reheating. You can do this by transferring them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to reheat them. This will ensure they thaw slowly and safely.
Reheating brats is a great way to enjoy a quick and tasty meal. Whether you're reheating them in a skillet, the microwave, or on the grill, you can enjoy that delicious brat taste all over again.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking brats in a crock pot on high heat should take around 2 to 4 hours.
Cooking brats in a crock pot on low heat should take around 6 hours.
The internal temperature of brats cooked in a crock pot should reach 160°F. Some sources say that brats do well up to 190°F.
While it is not necessary, searing brats before placing them in a crock pot can lock in flavour and moisture.
Beer is a popular choice for cooking brats in a crock pot, but alternatives include non-alcoholic beer, apple juice, chicken broth, water, or soda.
