If you’re looking for an easy dinner that practically cooks itself, these Crockpot Beer Brats and Onions are about to become a family favorite. Juicy bratwurst slowly simmer in beer with buttery onions until they’re incredibly tender and full of rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for game day, hosting a backyard cookout, or just need a simple weeknight meal, this slow cooker brat recipe is always a winner.
Serve them on toasted buns piled high with onions, or enjoy them alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, German potato salad, or sauerkraut for a hearty comfort food meal.
Other Simple Crockpot Meals to Try
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a handful of simple ingredients
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
- Perfect for football parties and tailgates
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Rich beer flavor without being overpowering
- Hands-off cooking
- Delicious leftovers
Ingredients
- 8 fresh bratwurst
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 bottles (12 ounces each) lager beer
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Serving
- Toasted brat buns
- Stone ground mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Shredded cheese (optional)
How to Make Crockpot Beer Brats and Onions
Step 1
Slice the onions and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic.
Step 2
Lay the bratwurst over the onions.
Step 3
Pour in the beer. Add butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 5-6 hours
- HIGH: 3-4 hours
Step 5 (Optional but Recommended)
For extra color and flavor, transfer the cooked brats to a hot grill or skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before serving.
Step 6
Serve on toasted buns with plenty of beer-soaked onions and your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Beer Brats
- Use uncooked fresh bratwurst for the juiciest results.
- A mild lager, pilsner, Oktoberfest, or amber beer works best.
- Toast the buns for extra texture.
- Don’t overcook, or the brats can become overly soft.
- Finish on the grill for that classic brat flavor.
Best Beer to Use
Great choices include:
- Miller Lite
- Yuengling Lager
- Samuel Adams Boston Lager
- Blue Moon
- Coors Banquet
- Pabst Blue Ribbon
- Oktoberfest beers during fall
Avoid overly bitter IPAs unless you enjoy a stronger hop flavor.
Variations
Wisconsin Beer Brats
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and serve with cheddar cheese.
Spicy Beer Brats
Add sliced jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes.
Sweet Onion Brats
Use sweet Vidalia onions and add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
German Style
Serve with warm sauerkraut and spicy mustard.
What to Serve with Beer Brats
Crockpot Beer Brats and Onions
Juicy bratwurst slow cooked in beer with buttery onions and garlic until tender and flavorful. Perfect for game day, tailgating, Oktoberfest, or an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 5 HOURS
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 BRATWURSTS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: SLOW COOKER
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 fresh bratwurst
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 (12-ounce) bottles lager beer
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
- 8 brat buns
- Whole grain mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Dill pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
Spread the sliced onions and garlic evenly across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 2Place the bratwurst over the onions.
Step 3Pour the beer over the bratwurst. Add the butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Step 4Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the bratwurst are fully cooked and the onions are tender.
Step 5 (Optional)For a browned finish, remove the bratwurst and grill or sear them in a hot cast iron skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 6Toast the buns if desired. Place each brat into a bun and top generously with the beer-braised onions, whole grain mustard, and sauerkraut. Serve immediately.
Notes
- A light lager, pilsner, or Oktoberfest-style beer produces the best flavor.
- Avoid hoppy IPAs, which can become bitter during slow cooking.
- Browning the bratwurst after slow cooking gives them a classic grilled texture.
- Leftovers are delicious sliced into mac and cheese, baked beans, or potato soup.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan with some of the cooking liquid or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I brown the brats first?
No. They cook perfectly in the slow cooker, but browning afterward adds extra flavor and texture.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes. It still provides great flavor while eliminating the alcohol.
Can I freeze cooked beer brats?
Absolutely. Freeze them with some cooking liquid to keep them moist.
What’s the best onion to use?
Yellow onions become sweet and buttery after slow cooking, making them the best choice.
Can I cook these overnight?
It’s best not to. Five to six hours on LOW is ideal for the best texture.
Make It Your Own
- Stir sliced bell peppers into the slow cooker.
- Add mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
- Use cheddar bratwurst for even more richness.
- Swap in smoked bratwurst for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over mashed potatoes instead of buns.
Final Thoughts
These Crockpot Beer Brats and Onions are one of those effortless recipes you’ll find yourself making all year long. They’re perfect for football season, Oktoberfest celebrations, backyard barbecues, family dinners, and busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work while filling your kitchen with incredible savory aromas, leaving you with juicy, flavorful bratwurst and melt-in-your-mouth onions every single time.
