Crockpot Beer Brats + Video

Crockpot beer brats are so easy to make that they’re sure to be on the menu year round! Prep in minutes, cook, and grill just before serving.

Start by slow cooking the meat in a mixture of beer and spices to create the most flavorful juicy sausages you have ever eaten.

Once they are done, toss your crockpot beer brats on the grill just long enough to infuse a smoky, caramelized flavor and top with a healthy serving of savory onions.

Prefer regular beef sausages? You’ll love my homemade pretzel dogs dipped in beer cheese sauce or this baked chili dog recipe that makes plenty for guests.

And if you can’t get enough of that onion flavor, try this amazing French onion soup topped with cheesy baguette slices.

Slow Cooker Beer Brats - Tips and Tricks

• Use a pale ale. I prefer Blue Moon, but feel free to use your favorite. Just avoid anything with a strong flavor since it will overpower the meat.
• Don’t poke holes! All of the delicious flavor will escape if you do. Since these are cooked in the crockpot, you don’t need to worry about them bursting open.
• Feeding a crowd? Easily double or triple the recipe as long as your crockpot is large enough!
• Cook down the onions. This isn’t necessary, but it can concentrate the flavor and help thicken the liquid. Leave the slow cooker on high with the lid off, or transfer to a saucepan and simmer on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

These are delicious with all of your favorite cookout sides!

I love to keep things simple with some corn on the cob, and you can make it in the air fryer, instant pot, a separate crock pot, or on the stove.

Or, throw together your choice of Southern style or German potato salad along with a tray of gooey mac and cheese to keep your guests full.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

• Slow Cooker - Great for soups, roasts, shredded chicken, and more! I love it in the cooler months, but it’s also great in the summer when you don’t want to heat up the whole house with the oven.
• Outdoor or Countertop Grill - These are only on for a minute, so you don’t need anything fancy. A cast iron skillet will also work in a pinch.
• Tongs - I love this set of 3, and I use every pair of them. They are so handy and grip amazingly well.

FAQ - Common Recipe Questions

Is there an alcohol free version of this recipe?

There is nothing that can replicate the flavor of the ale, but you could use a low sodium chicken broth instead if you don’t mind them tasting different.

Some readers have also had success with non-alcoholic varieties or a few cans of ginger ale!

How long will slow cooker beer brats last in the refrigerator?

If kept tightly wrapped or in a sealed container, they should keep for up to 4 days.

What can I do with leftover beer brats?

Aside from just reheating and enjoying them the next day, you can chop them up and include them in plenty of other recipes.

Toss some into homemade chili or add a handful to your breakfast eggs. They’re delicious in soups and stews or layered into a grilled cheese sandwich too!

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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MORE CROCKPOT RECIPES

Crockpot Chuck Roast

Crockpot Pork Chops

Crockpot Potato Soup

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

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Video: Crockpot Beer Brats

To see us make this from start to finish, watch the video at the top of this post.

Yield: 6

Author: Donna Elick

Crockpot Beer Brats

Crockpot beer brats are so easy to make that they’re sure to be on the menu year round! Prep in minutes, cook, and grill just before serving.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 5 M

Ingredients

• 6 original brats (I used Johnsonville)
• 2 (12 ounce) bottles beer (I used Blue Moon)
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon course black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook for 2 hours on high heat, reduce heat to low. Remove brats from slow cooker. Grill brats (or toss in a skillet) until you have sear marks (which gives you that yummy grilled taste) and place back in slow cooker until ready to serve.
2. Serve brats on a bun of your choice. Hoagie roll or big sesame seed buns are my favorite. Top with the crockpot beer onions and your favorite toppings (cheese, ketchup or mustard are our staples).
3. Serve and enjoy!

https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com//2015/07/best-ever-crockpot-beer-brats-recipe.html

Recipe developed by Donna Elick for The Slow Roasted Italian
Copyright ©2015 The Slow Roasted Italian – All rights reserved.

Originally published July 2015, updated and republished August 2021

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