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Slow Cooker Bratwurst

Sweet Bacon & Pecans
Slow cooker bratwurst is a tender and delicious main course that is perfect for potlucks, parties, and other special occasions.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 2 19 oz. packages uncooked bratwurst sausages about 10 to 12 bratwurst total
  • 2 to 3 cups sauerkraut optional
  • 1 large apple cored and thinly sliced, optional
  • 1 large onion peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon caraway seeds optional
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or coarse ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional
  • 1 12 oz. bottle or can of beer such as lager or pilsner, or 1 ½ cups of chicken broth or apple cider

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a grill pan or seasoned cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Brush the pan with cooking oil.
  • Grill the bratwurst sausages for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or just until the sausages are nicely browned. Remove the brats from the grill and set them aside.
  • Place the sauerkraut (optional), sliced apple (optional), sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add the chopped parsley, celery salt, light brown sugar, caraway seeds (optional), and black pepper over the onions and garlic.
  • Heat the butter in a small saucepan until it melts. Stir in the Dijon mustard or coarse ground mustard and honey until well combined. Remove the saucepan from heat.
  • Place the grilled bratwurst sausages on top of the sauerkraut (optional), onions and seasonings in the slow cooker.
  • Pour the beer (or chicken broth or apple cider) over the sausages, allowing it to cover most of the brats. Drizzle the honey mustard mixture and apple cider (optional) over the sausages.
  • Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This will allow the brats to cook through and absorb all the flavors. The bratwurst should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, as measured by an instant read thermometer.
  • Serve slow cooker bratwurst immediately with your favorite condiments, buns, side dishes, or alongside other game day snacks.

Notes

If you like a bit more spice, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker when cooking the bratwurst. Sliced bell peppers or sauerkraut can also be added to the slow cooker for additional flavor and texture.
The bratwurst should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, as measured by an instant read thermometer. The amount of time that it takes to make the bratwurst depends on the temperature that you cook it at in the slow cooker.
Keyword fall recipes, party recipes