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.