Tiffany Haney
Philly Brats are a delicious and easy meal to make in a crock pot. The bratwursts are cooked in beer with onions, peppers, and garlic, and served on a bun with mustard. This recipe is perfect for a busy day, as it requires minimal prep and can be made in advance. The crock pot helps to lock in the juices of the bratwurst, making them tender and flavorful. While the traditional recipe calls for beer, non-alcoholic alternatives such as apple juice or chicken broth can be used instead.
Philly Brats in a Crock Pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bratwurst, onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, beer, mustard, caraway seeds, vegetable oil, apple, brown sugar, sauerkraut |
| Crock Pot Cooking Time | 4-6 hours |
| Crock Pot Cooking Temperature | High or Low |
| Preparation | Sear brats in skillet, add to crock pot with other ingredients |
| Sides | Mac and cheese, potato salad, buns, condiments, raw veggies and dip, fruit |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the bratwurst
To prep the bratwurst, start by slicing your onions and peppers. You can slice the onions thinly or chop them into larger pieces, depending on your preference. If you're using garlic, smash or mince the cloves. You can also add sliced apples, such as Honeycrisp or Gala apples, to your crockpot for a touch of sweetness.
Next, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bratwurst and sear them on both sides until they are browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and enhance the flavour of the bratwurst. If you're in a rush, you can skip the searing step, but your bratwurst may not have the same dark brown colour.
After searing the bratwurst, set them aside on a plate and add the sliced onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook the onions until they are translucent and starting to brown, then remove the skillet from the heat. If you're using apples, you can also sauté them with the onions for a softer texture.
Now it's time to assemble the crockpot. Layer the bottom of the crockpot with the onions, garlic, and any other vegetables you are using. Place the seared bratwurst on top of the vegetables, nestling them in nicely. If using, pour in the beer, apple juice, or chicken broth, ensuring the bratwurst is partially submerged to keep them moist during cooking. Dot the bratwurst with butter for a rich, buttery flavour.
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Preparing the crock pot
Next, heat some oil in a skillet and sear the brats for around 3 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step can be skipped if you are in a rush, but it is recommended to lock in the juices and enhance the flavour. If you are preparing the crock pot the night before, you can stop here and place the seared brats in the refrigerator until the morning.
Now, it's time to assemble the crock pot. Layer the sliced onions, peppers, and apples (if using) at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you're using garlic, add it now. Then, place the brats on top. You can also add butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavour. Finally, pour in the liquid. Beer is a popular choice, but you can also use apple juice, chicken broth, or water. If you're using beer, you can mix it with mustard and caraway seeds before pouring it into the crock pot.
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook. You can cook the brats on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 2-4 hours.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for Philly brats in a crock pot can vary depending on the heat setting and the desired level of doneness. For a thorough cook, it is recommended to sear the brats in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This will help to lock in the juices and give them a nice brown colour. The brats should be seared for about 3-6 minutes on each side until they are charred but not fully cooked.
Once the brats are seared, they can be added to the crock pot with the remaining ingredients. The crock pot can be set to low heat for a slower cook or high heat for a faster cook. On low heat, the brats will take around 6 hours to cook, while on high heat they will take approximately 2 hours. It is recommended to avoid opening the lid during the cooking time to maintain the heat inside the crock pot.
If you are in a hurry, it is possible to skip the searing step and cook the brats directly in the crock pot. However, they will not have the same browned appearance when finished. Cooking unseared brats on high heat for 4 hours should be sufficient. If the brats are frozen, they may take up to an hour longer to cook, even on high heat.
To ensure the brats are cooked to a safe temperature, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of each brat should reach at least 160°F, but they can be cooked to up to 190°F if desired.
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What to serve with Philly brats
Philly brats are a fun summer recipe that is perfect for a cookout. They are loaded with Philly cheesesteak toppings, including a dreamy cheese sauce. You can grill them or cook them in a crockpot.
So, what are some good sides to serve with Philly brats? Well, anything your heart desires! But here are some classic sides and toppings to get you started:
- Sauerkraut: This is probably the most traditional bratwurst topping. It adds a tangy flavour to the dish.
- Onions: These can be cooked on a grill pan or a sheet of heavy-duty foil along with the brats. They add a wonderful charred and caramelized flavour to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds extra flavour to the dish.
- Butter: Butter makes everything better! It infuses the dish with a warm, buttery flavour.
- Beer: Beer is a natural partner for bratwurst. It infuses flavour without bringing a strong beer taste.
- Buns: You can serve the brats in a hot dog bun, or try a hoagie roll, German brötchen, or pretzel bun.
- Mustard: Try Düsseldorf-style mustard or stone-ground mustard.
- Pickles: These can be added to the bratwurst board along with other toppings.
- Salads: A Greek pasta salad or a Summer Berry Salad can complement the Philly brats well.
- Vegetables: Green beans, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and potatoes are some veggies that go well with Philly brats.
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Storing and reheating
To reheat, there are a few methods you can use:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bratwurst on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Brush the bratwurst with a small amount of oil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until heated through, turning once halfway through.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Place the bratwurst in the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bratwurst in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning once halfway through.
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Frequently asked questions
Bratwurst, onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, and beer. You can also add mustard, caraway seeds, and apple for extra flavour.
For 6 hours on low heat or 2 hours on high heat.
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the crock pot in the fridge overnight.
