Bratwurst in a slow cooker is one of those dishes that quietly earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. I’m Olivia Barnes, and here in my Cotswold cottage, where the air smells faintly of lavender and life moves at a gentler pace, meals like this have become second nature. I didn’t train in fancy kitchens—my roots are homegrown, shaped in my grandmother’s warm, flour-dusted kitchen where fresh herbs met bubbling pots.
The first time I made slow-cooked bratwurst, it was a rainy afternoon. I browned the sausages, laid them on a bed of sweet onions, added a splash of cider, and let time do the rest. By evening, the kitchen smelled like something special, and the sausages were so tender they nearly fell apart.
Just like beef tacos in the slow cooker or slow-cooked steak, this dish is about patience, not perfection. And that’s how I cook—seasonal, simple, and full of feeling.
PrintBratwurst in a Slow Cooker – A Fuss-Free Flavorful Favorite
Juicy bratwurst in a slow cooker with sweet onions and a splash of broth or beer—an easy, no-fuss dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American/German
Ingredients
6 bratwurst sausages
2 large onions, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 cups beer, broth, or apple cider
1 tbsp grainy mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the bratwurst in a skillet with olive oil until lightly golden on both sides.
2. Slice onions and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Lay the browned bratwurst on top of the onions.
4. Pour beer, broth, or apple cider over the sausages.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. Serve on rolls, with mashed potatoes, or with sauerkraut.
Notes
Brown the sausages first for richer flavor.
Use apple cider for a sweet twist or beer for traditional flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage with onions
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Table of Contents
The Kind of Meal That Waits for You
As a mum of three, I lean into meals that carry on cooking while I handle the chaos. Bratwurst in a slow cooker , A little prep in the morning and by evening, there’s something warm and ready to share. It’s become a regular in our home, right alongside slow cooker lasagna and my go-to 4-quart recipes.
Whether you serve it on buns, over mash, or with tangy sauerkraut, it’s pure comfort—easy to make, even easier to love.
How to Cook Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker – The Simple Method
The Best Way to Prepare Bratwurst for the Slow Cooker
Cooking bratwurst in a slow cooker begins with a simple but essential step—browning the sausages. This isn’t about fully cooking them, just giving them a few minutes in a hot pan until the outsides turn golden and crisp. It adds a deeper, richer flavor that really comes through after hours of slow cooking.
Next, slice up a couple of onions and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. The onions not only keep the sausages from sticking, but they slowly soften into sweet, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Then, place the browned brats on top.
For the cooking liquid, beer is a classic choice, especially if you’re after that traditional German pub-style taste. But don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand—chicken broth, apple cider, or even water mixed with a little mustard will work beautifully too. Just enough to half-cover the sausages is plenty.
Once everything is in, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for six hours. If you’re short on time, high for about three hours works just fine. The sausages will be juicy and tender either way, and the onions will have turned into a savory-sweet base that’s hard to resist.
How Long to Cook Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker
This gives the sausages time to soak up all the flavor without going dry. If you’re in a rush, you can absolutely go with high for 3 hours. Just make sure the internal temperature of the bratwurst reaches 160°F—that’s when you know they’re safe and perfectly done.
This method is very much in line with other comforting dishes like crockpot corned beef and cabbage or the ever-popular slow cooker corned beef. They all share the same slow and steady philosophy: let the flavors build while you get on with your day.
Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker – Easy Variations and Serving Idea
One of the best things about bratwurst in a slow cooker is how well it welcomes little tweaks. Once you’ve got the base method down—browned brats, sliced onions, flavorful liquid—you can start playing with extras that suit your mood or what you have on hand.
For a bold and tangy kick, add sauerkraut directly into the slow cooker with the brats. It not only adds depth but turns the dish into a one-pot German classic. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, try mixing in a touch of grainy mustard right before serving—it’s a small step that goes a long way.
These kinds of simple ingredient swaps are what make slow cooking so satisfying. It’s the same approach I use in my go-to crockpot recipes and 4-quart slow cooker meals—they’re flexible, forgiving, and always delicious.
What to Serve with bratwurst in a slow cooker
There’s no single way to serve bratwurst in a slow cooker, and that’s part of its charm. For an easy meal, tuck the sausages into soft sandwich rolls, spoon over some of those tender onions, and add a swipe of mustard or a slice of sharp cheddar.
If you’re after something heartier, serve the brats over buttery mashed potatoes or crispy roasties with a ladle of that flavorful cooking broth poured right on top. It’s especially lovely on cooler evenings when all you want is something warm and grounding.
Bratwurst also pairs nicely with a tangy side salad or steamed green beans for a lighter touch. You could even offer it alongside other cozy slow-cooked favorites like beef tacos or slow-cooked lasagna for a fun family-style dinner night.
However you serve it, this dish brings people to the table. And really, that’s what cooking is all about.
Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker – Storage, Leftovers & FAQs
What to Do with Leftover Bratwurst (Hint: Don’t Waste a Bite)
Leftovers from bratwurst in a slow cooker are a gift. The flavors deepen overnight, making the second day even more delicious. Once cooled, simply transfer any extra bratwurst and onions to an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid to keep them moist. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep well for up to 4 days.
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a few good options. You can warm them gently on the stove in a covered pan over low heat, or pop them back into the slow cooker on “warm” or low for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving them uncovered, as they can dry out easily.
Leftover bratwurst is brilliant in sandwiches, chopped into pasta, or served with fried potatoes and eggs the next morning. I’ve even tossed sliced brats into a soup made from slow-cooked broth bases for a fast, comforting meal. Waste not, want not.
And yes, you can freeze them. Let everything cool completely first, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container with the cooking juices. They’ll hold up well for 2 to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker
Should you cook brats fast or slow?
Slow is best. Cooking bratwurst in a slow cooker allows the meat to stay juicy and tender, giving time for the flavors to fully develop. Fast cooking can lead to dry, tough sausages—especially if they’re overcooked on high heat.
How long to cook sausages in a slow cooker?
Most bratwursts take 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to cook fully in a slow cooker. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to make sure they’re safely done.
What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?
Dishes that rely on crisp textures—like fried foods or delicate fish—aren’t suited to a slow cooker. Creams and dairy should also be added at the end, as long cook times can cause them to split or curdle.
What is the best way to cook raw bratwurst?
Brown them first to lock in flavor, then cook low and slow with a flavorful liquid. This method gives you juicy, well-seasoned bratwurst with minimal effort. It’s why this dish stands proudly next to family favorites like rival slow cooker recipes and classic corned beef dishes.