Cody Casey
Johnsonville Brats are a type of bratwurst sausage made with premium cuts of pork and seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices. They are typically grilled, but can also be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker. This method is ideal for producing tender and tasty bratwurst without the need for a grill. The bratwurst is browned in a skillet and then slow-cooked with vegetables, spices, and beer or stock, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bratwurst, onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, beer, mustard, caraway seeds, bay leaves, potatoes, oil |
| Crockpot Temperature | Low |
| Cooking Time | 6-8 hours |
| Bratwurst Temperature | Internal temperature of 160°F |
| Storage | Store leftover bratwurst in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days |
| Freezer Storage | Freeze cooked bratwurst in an airtight freezer container for 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Sear brats first for better texture and flavour
If you want to cook Johnsonville brats in a crockpot, searing them first is an excellent idea. Searing the brats will give them a nice browning and enhance their texture and flavour. It only takes a quick sear in a skillet over medium heat to lock in the juices and ensure the brats are tender and flavourful.
To sear the brats, heat a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the bratwurst and sear until browned on each side. This should only take around 1-2 minutes per side, and you don't need to cook them through, just get some nice browning.
After searing, you can add the bratwurst to your crockpot. For a traditional Wisconsin-style meal, layer sliced onions and smashed garlic in the bottom of the crockpot, then nestle the seared brats on top. You can also add potatoes, sauerkraut, and various spices like mustard seed and caraway seed for extra flavour.
Finally, pour your choice of beer over the brats and vegetables. A mild and light beer like a lager is recommended, but you can also use chicken stock, water, or another liquid of your choice. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the bratwurst and vegetables are tender and cooked through.
By searing the bratwurst first, you'll be rewarded with a delicious, tender, and flavourful meal that your family and friends will surely enjoy.
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Use a mild beer, like lager, for cooking
When cooking Johnsonville brats in a crock pot, it is recommended to use a mild and light beer, such as lager, instead of more flavourful varieties like an IPA or stout. This is because the crock pot cooking method results in very tender brats that absorb the cooking liquid, so a milder beer will impart a subtler flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Lager is a great choice for crock pot brat recipes because it has a clean, crisp, and refreshing flavour that pairs well with the bratwurst and enhances the overall taste without being too overpowering. It also tends to be less bitter than other beers, which can help to avoid any bitter notes in the final dish.
Additionally, lager is widely available and affordable, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for home cooks. It is also a versatile beer style that can be easily substituted for non-alcoholic beer or chicken stock if preferred, without sacrificing the integrity of the dish.
By using a mild beer like lager, you can create a delicious and flavourful brat dish that showcases the subtle nuances of the lager without being too strong or bitter. This allows the other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, mustard, and caraway seeds, to shine through and creates a well-rounded and balanced dish.
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Add vegetables like potatoes, onions and garlic
To add vegetables to your bratwurst crockpot recipe, you can include potatoes, onions, and garlic. Begin by slicing and smashing the garlic cloves. Slice the onions and layer them with the garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also add sliced peppers at this stage for some extra colour and flavour.
Next, prepare the potatoes. You can use gold potatoes, which are recommended by recipe developer Michelle McGlinn. Slice the potatoes and add them to the slow cooker. If you are adding sauerkraut, place this in the slow cooker now. Nestle the bratwurst on top of the vegetables.
Now, combine beer, mustard, and caraway seeds in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and pour this mixture over the bratwurst and vegetables. You can also add bay leaves and mustard seeds for extra flavour.
Finally, cook on high for 2 hours or low for about 4 hours, or until the bratwurst is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
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Drain brats before serving to avoid soggy buns
To cook Johnsonville brats in a crockpot, you'll first need to slice some onions and smash some garlic. Layer the onions and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the brats for around 1-2 minutes on each side—just until they're browned. No need to cook them through! Place the browned brats on top of the onions and garlic. Next, combine beer, mustard, and caraway seeds in a small bowl and pour this over the brats. Now, simply leave your brats to cook in the slow cooker until they're ready.
When it comes to serving, you'll want to avoid soggy buns at all costs! To do this, it's important to drain the brats briefly before placing them in the bun. This will ensure that the juices don't soak into the bread, making it soggy. You could also try adding a hydrophobic layer to the bun, such as mayonnaise, oil, or butter, to prevent the juices from being absorbed. Another option is to toast the bun first, which will give it a harder texture and help it maintain its integrity once you add the brat and any sauces.
If you're looking for a more substantial barrier against the juices, you could try using a slice of cheese. Place the cheese on top of the patty and then flip the burger over to serve it with the cheese facing down. That way, the cheese will act as a barrier between the meat and the bun. You could also try pressing the brat with a spatula to remove any excess juice, or letting the brat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to cool and thicken before serving.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Johnsonville brats in crockpot with juicy meat and crispy, non-soggy buns!
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days
Slow cooker bratwursts are a delicious, no-fuss way to cook juicy and tender bratwursts. But what happens if you have leftovers? Well, storing them is easy! Simply place your leftover bratwursts in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in a hot skillet or in the microwave until they're heated through. It's important to ensure they are piping hot before consuming.
You can also freeze your cooked bratwursts for a longer storage option. Place them in an airtight freezer container and they will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Remember to let them thaw before reheating and consuming.
This is a handy way to ensure you don't waste any delicious bratwursts and can enjoy them for several meals. It's a convenient make-ahead option for busy days when you don't have time to cook from scratch.
So, whether you're storing in the fridge or freezer, an airtight container is key to keeping your crockpot bratwursts tasty and fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
First, slice some onions and smash some garlic. Layer half the onions in the crockpot, then add the garlic. Heat oil in a skillet and sear the brats for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Place the seared brats on top of the onions and garlic. Combine beer, mustard, and caraway seeds in a bowl and pour over the brats. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
A mild and light beer like a lager is recommended. Avoid more flavourful beers like IPAs or stouts.
Yes, you can cook vegetables like potatoes, onions, and sauerkraut in the crockpot with the brats.
The brats should be tender and the internal temperature should be 160°F.
Yes, you can substitute the beer with chicken stock, water, or any other liquid of your choice.
