Emilie Meyer
Bratwurst is a popular choice for a cookout, but it can be time-consuming to grill them. A great alternative is to use a slow cooker, which can produce juicy and tender bratwurst with minimal preparation. This method also has the added benefit of being suitable for frozen brats. But how long do you need to cook them for?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 4-6 hours |
| Cooking temperature | High heat for 2 hours or low heat for 4-6 hours |
| Ingredients | Bratwurst, onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, beer, oil, apple, brown sugar, mustard, caraway seeds, apple juice, dijon mustard, green pepper |
| Preparation | Sear the brats until brown before adding to the crock pot |
| Serving suggestions | Hot dog buns, mustard, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, potato salad, cheese, ketchup, relish, horseradish |
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What You'll Learn
Sear the brats first
Searing your brats before putting them in the crock pot is a great way to lock in the flavour of the sausages and prevent them from drying out during cooking.
To sear your brats, heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the brats in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. You can also add some sliced onions to the skillet and cook until translucent before transferring the contents to the crock pot.
If you're short on time, you can skip the searing step. However, your brats may not be browned when they finish cooking. If you choose to sear your brats, add an extra hour to the total cooking time.
For frozen brats, simply skip the searing step and place the sausages directly into the crock pot. Make sure to push the brats down into the liquid to ensure even cooking. The cooking time for frozen brats will be the same as for fresh brats, but you can cook them for an extra hour if needed.
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Crockpot cooking times
Cooking frozen brats in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking time will depend on the heat setting you choose and whether you sear the brats beforehand.
If you choose to sear the brats first, this will lock in flavour and moisture, and give them a nice brown colour. To do this, heat some butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the brats for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. You can also add sliced onions to the skillet and cook until translucent, then add garlic and stir until fragrant.
Once the brats are seared, you can add them to the crock pot with the rest of the ingredients and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. If you skip the searing step, you can cook the brats on high for 3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of brats you are cooking and the size of your crock pot. It is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the brats are fully cooked. The internal temperature of each brat should reach 160°F, but they can be cooked up to 190°F.
Additionally, you can add a variety of ingredients to the crock pot to infuse flavour into the brats, such as beer, apple juice, chicken broth, garlic, onions, butter, and seasonings. You can also serve the brats with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, potato salad, or mac and cheese.
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What to serve with brats
Frozen brats can be cooked in a crock pot for 4 hours on high heat or 6 hours on low heat. If you're serving brats, there are endless side dish options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Potato Dishes
Potato salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes are all great choices to serve with brats. For a German twist, try making a German potato salad with dill, mayo, and sour cream.
Salads
If you're looking for something lighter, a green bean salad with Middle Eastern flavors like fresh herbs, capers, and lemon dressing pairs well with brats. You can also make a spinach salad with strawberries and pine nuts, or a simple salad with snap peas and radishes.
Vegetables
Charred veggies, especially grilled asparagus, are a tasty side dish. You can also serve corn on the cob, either microwaved or grilled.
Cabbage and Sauerkraut
Red cabbage slaw is a refreshing option, while sauerkraut is a traditional and ubiquitous topping for bratwurst. You can also serve braised cabbage or coleslaw on the side.
Buns and Condiments
Brats can be served in a bun with whole grain mustard, onions, and relish. For a heartier option, add some feta cheese or gouda to the mix.
Drinks
When it comes to drinks, beer is a classic choice to pair with brats. You can also offer white wine, such as Chablis or a dry Riesling.
So, whether you're grilling, slow cooking, or serving brats straight from the crock pot, there are plenty of side dish options to choose from!
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Ingredients to add to the crockpot
Cooking bratwurst in a crockpot is a great way to prepare this dish, especially if you're tired of grilling them. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Here are some ideas for ingredients to add to the crockpot:
Onions
Onions are a popular choice to add to the crockpot when cooking bratwurst. Slice the onions into large pieces and layer them both at the bottom and on top of the brats. Cooking the bratwurst with onions adds a lot of flavor to the dish, making the onions tender and infused with the juices of the sausage.
Garlic
Adding some fresh garlic to the crockpot is a great way to enhance the flavor of your bratwurst. Smash or mince the garlic and add it to the crockpot, layering it on top of the onions and bratwurst.
Butter
For a rich and delicious flavor, dotting the crockpot with butter is a great option. You can add butter to the crockpot before cooking, and also use it to sear the bratwurst before adding them to the pot. This will give your bratwurst a warm, buttery taste.
Beer
Beer is a classic choice to add to the crockpot when cooking bratwurst. It adds a unique flavor and helps to keep the sausages moist. You can use a mild and light beer like a lager, or opt for a non-alcoholic option. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute it with apple juice, chicken broth, or water.
Sauerkraut
For a true German flavor, add some sauerkraut to your crockpot. You can add it directly to the pot with its liquid, and it pairs very well with the bratwurst and beer. If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, you can substitute it with sliced cabbage, bell peppers, potatoes, or apples.
Condiments and Sides
To complete your bratwurst meal, serve them in buns with your favorite condiments. Popular choices include mustard, ketchup, relish, and minced onions. For sides, consider mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, potato salad, or pretzel bites.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and adjust them to your taste preferences. You can also try adding different types of herbs and spices to create your unique bratwurst crockpot meal.
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Storing and reheating brats
Storing brats:
Leftover brats should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, cooked bratwurst can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating brats:
When reheating brats, it's important to ensure they are thoroughly defrosted before cooking. You can defrost frozen brats by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Before reheating, check for any odd smells or discoloration, which could indicate that the bratwurst has spoiled. To ensure even reheating, bring the brats to near room temperature by letting them sit outside the fridge for a few minutes.
There are several ways to reheat brats, including using a skillet on the stovetop, an oven, an air fryer, or a microwave. The key to preserving the moisture and tenderness of the bratwurst is to use low, indirect heat and cover the sausage during the reheating process. Here are some specific instructions for each method:
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent the brats from sticking and drying out. Cook for around 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the brats with a small amount of oil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through, turning once halfway through.
- Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the brats in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Microwave: Place the brats on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium heat for short intervals, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
It is important to ensure that reheated brats reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook frozen brats in a crock pot for 4 hours on a high setting.
It is recommended that you cook frozen brats in a crock pot for 5-6 hours on a low setting.
No, you can skip searing frozen brats before putting them in a crock pot. However, searing them beforehand will give them a nice brown colour.
Crock pot brats go well with hot dog buns, mustard, sauerkraut, cheese, ketchup, relish, onions, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and potato salad.
Beer is the most popular choice of liquid to use when cooking bratwurst in a crock pot. However, you can also use apple juice, water, chicken broth, or non-alcoholic beer.
