How Long to Cook Brats in Slow Cooker for Deliciously Tender Results

ByAmelia Ellis Updated

How Long to Cook Brats in Slow Cooker?

To cook brats in a slow cooker, you should cook them for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

This allows the flavors to develop and the brats to become tender.

The recipe provided includes browning the brats in a frying pan before placing them in the slow cooker, and combining beer, mustard, and caraway seeds to create a flavorful sauce.

The slow cooker method is a convenient and time-saving way to cook bratwurst, especially during the winter months.

Leftover brats can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave, or they can be frozen after cooking.

Key Points:

  • Brats should be cooked in a slow cooker for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
  • The slow cooking process allows flavors to develop and brats to become tender.
  • Browning the brats in a frying pan before placing them in the slow cooker is recommended.
  • A flavorful sauce can be made with beer, mustard, and caraway seeds.
  • Using a slow cooker is a convenient and time-saving method for cooking bratwurst.
  • Leftover brats can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen after cooking.

Did You Know?

1. In order to cook brats thoroughly and evenly in a slow cooker, it usually takes around 4 to 5 hours on low heat.
2. Unlike grilling or stove-top cooking, using a slow cooker to cook brats helps retain their moisture and enhances their flavors.
3. Slow cooking brats in beer not only adds a rich flavor, but it also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a more succulent texture.
4. The addition of sauerkraut to the slow cooker not only infuses the brats with a tangy flavor, but it also helps keep them moist and tender.
5. For added depth of flavor, you can sear the brats in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. This helps develop a delicious caramelized exterior while the slow cooking process ensures the inside is juicy and tender.

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Brats Recipe

When making bratwurst in a slow cooker, there are a few essential ingredients that contribute to a deliciously tender result. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1 package of bratwurst (around 4-6 brats, depending on the size)
  • 1 cup of beer (preferably a lager or ale)
  • 2 tablespoons of grainy mustard
  • 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds

These ingredients work together to develop a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the brats. The onion and garlic act as a savory base, while the beer, mustard, and caraway seeds create a flavorful sauce that infuses the brats with a subtle tangy richness.

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Steps To Prepare Brats In The Slow Cooker

To begin, follow these steps to prepare the brats for their slow cooking journey:

1. Start by thinly slicing the onion and smashing the garlic cloves. These will serve as the aromatic base for the brats in the slow cooker.

2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and brown the bratwursts on all sides. This helps seal in the juices and adds a beautiful caramelization to the brats. The browning process should take about 5 minutes.

3. Once the brats are nicely browned, transfer them to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the sliced onions and smashed garlic.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beer, grainy mustard, and caraway seeds to create a flavorful sauce mixture.

5. Pour the sauce mixture over the brats in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated.

6. Set the slow cooker to either high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, depending on your preferred level of tenderness.

7. Allow the brats to simmer in the slow cooker, absorbing all the flavors and becoming incredibly tender.

Cooking Time And Temperature For Brats In Slow Cooker

The cooking time and temperature for brats in a slow cooker are crucial to achieving the desired tenderness and flavor. Based on the recipe provided, here are the recommended guidelines:

  • High setting: Cook the brats for 2 hours. This option is perfect if you’re short on time and eager to enjoy your brats sooner rather than later. The higher temperature hastens the cooking process, resulting in well-cooked and delicious brats.

  • Low setting: Cook the brats for 4 hours. This option is ideal if you have more time on hand and want to take advantage of the slow cooking method to achieve ultimate tenderness. The lower temperature allows the brats to cook gently, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Remember, these timings are just a guide. It’s important to monitor your slow cooker and check the internal temperature of the brats to ensure they reach a safe level of doneness (160°F or 71°C) before serving.

Alternatives For Keeping Brats Warm Without A Slow Cooker

While using a slow cooker offers convenience and ease in keeping your brats warm, there are alternative methods if you don’t have one handy. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Oven method: After cooking the brats in a frying pan and preparing the flavorful sauce, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven set at 200°F (93°C) to keep the brats warm. Check them occasionally to ensure they don’t dry out.

  2. Stovetop method: Similar to the oven method, cook the brats as instructed and then transfer them to a large pot or dutch oven. Add a bit of water or beer to the pot, cover it with a lid, and set the heat to low. This gentle simmer will keep the brats warm without overcooking them.

  3. Grill method: If you have a grill available, you can also keep the brats warm by using indirect heat. Cook the brats on direct heat until they are nicely browned and then move them to a cooler part of the grill. Cover them with aluminum foil and let them stay heated until ready to serve.

Remember to keep food safety in mind and aim to serve the brats within two hours of cooking to prevent any possibility of bacteria growth.

  • Oven method: cover with foil and keep at 200°F (93°C)
  • Stovetop method: simmer with water/beer
  • Grill method: cook on direct heat, then move to cooler part, cover with foil.
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Storage And Reheating Instructions For Leftover Bratwurst

If you have leftover bratwurst from your slow cooker feast, here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Storage: Store the leftover bratwurst in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for 3-4 days.

  • Reheating on the stovetop: To reheat the bratwurst, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes on each side until heated through.

  • Reheating in the microwave: For a quicker method, reheat the brats in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.

Remember to discard any leftover brats that have been left at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid potential food safety issues.

Benefits Of Using A Slow Cooker For Bratwurst Instead Of A Grill

Using a slow cooker to prepare bratwurst offers several benefits over traditional grilling methods, particularly during the winter months or when convenience is a priority. Here are some advantages to consider:

  • Convenience: Cooking brats in a slow cooker requires minimal effort. Once you’ve browned them in a pan, you simply transfer them to the slow cooker, add the sauce, and let them cook. This hands-off approach frees up your time to focus on other tasks.

  • Tender results: Slow cookers work by using low and steady heat to cook food over a longer period, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy bratwurst. The slow, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.

  • Versatility: While grilling is often associated with bratwurst, slow cookers offer an alternative method that can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of weather conditions. You can have delicious bratwurst without the hassle of dealing with outdoor grilling.

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So, whether you’re looking to simplify your cooking process or enjoy bratwurst during the colder months, give this slow cooker bratwurst recipe a try. Angela Latimer’s beer bath method promises to deliver a delectable dining experience that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your family asking for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook bratwurst?

To achieve perfectly cooked bratwurst, it is recommended to grill them slowly over medium-low heat, maintaining a temperature between 300 and 350°F. This gentle cooking process ensures the best results, and it typically takes around 20 minutes for the brats to reach the desired internal temperature of 160°F. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the bratwurst, so it is crucial to turn them frequently to ensure even caramelization on all sides. With this method, you can savor deliciously cooked brats in just a short while.

How do you tell when a brat is fully cooked?

The key to determining when a brat is fully cooked lies in achieving an internal temperature of 160°F. To accurately monitor this temperature, it is recommended to use a reliable instant-read thermometer. Especially when grilling a batch of brats, it is advisable to check the temperature of each individual brat as grills may have hot spots and cooking rates can differ. By ensuring that the internal temperature reaches the optimal point, you can be confident that your bratwurst is fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed.

Can you cook brats without boiling them?

Yes, you can absolutely cook brats without boiling them! One delicious method is grilling them directly over medium-low heat on a gas grill. This allows the brats to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in juicy and flavorful sausages. Once they are almost cooked through, you can then sear them over high heat to create a nice charred exterior for added texture and flavor. This grilling method is not only easy but also guarantees mouthwatering brats that are perfect for any game day, tailgating, or outdoor BBQ occasion.

How long do you cook brats per side?

When it comes to cooking brats, it’s important to maintain a medium direct heat. Placing the sausages over anything higher could cause the casings to crack open, so it’s best to avoid that. Cook the brats for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until the casings have turned a delightful shade of brown. Once that happens, you can proudly serve and devour your delicious brats.