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 .

Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker – Easy 5-Star Recipe You’ll Love

Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker – A Fuss-Free Flavorful Favorite

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Juicy bratwurst in a slow cooker with sweet onions and a splash of broth or beer—an easy, no-fuss dinner recipe.

Author: Olivia
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

Scale

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

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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

Find it online: https://collectiverecipes.com/bratwurst-in-a-slow-cooker/