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Beer brat crockpot recipe served in a stack on a white oval platter.

Beer Brats in a Crockpot

Juicy bratwurst slow-cooked in beer and sweet onions, then finished on the grill for that perfect snap. This easy crockpot method is ideal for cookouts, game day, or feeding a crowd.
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Author Kori
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Course Slow Cooker Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 uncooked bratwurst (about 2½ to 3 pounds)
  • 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced, or 2 medium)
  • 24 ounces beer (lager or pilsner work great)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional for serving: buns, grainy mustard, sauerkraut, sautéed peppers

Instructions
 

  • Add sliced onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place bratwurst on top, pour beer over everything, and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
    Adding he onions, seasoning, bratwurst, and beer to a white oval slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until brats are cooked through and tender.
    Placing the lid on a white oval slow cooker to make beer brats crockpot recipe until they are done, then removing from the slow cooker.
  • Optional grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Transfer brats from the crockpot to the grill and cook 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and lightly charred on all sides.
    Placing the beer brats crockpot on a grill to finish and add char before serving.
  • Serve on toasted buns topped with the beer-soaked onions and your favorite fixings.

Notes

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.
CROCKPOT COOKING TIPS: Every slow cooker heats a little differently, so cooking times can vary. Once you know how your crock pot runs (hotter or cooler), you can adjust as needed. For meats and proteins, always use a thermometer to check doneness — the internal temperature is the most accurate way to know when it’s ready.
TIPS: Avoid overcooking in the slow cooker or the casings may split. Brats are done when they reach 160 degrees F. Remember that the brats are fully cooked before grilling - the grill step simply adds texture and color. If not grilling, brown them quickly in a hot skillet instead.
VARIATIONS: Add sliced bell peppers to the onions. Use a darker beer for deeper flavor. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar for slightly sweet beer brats.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Pile onto toasted hoagie rolls with mustard and sauerkraut. Serve with potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. Leftovers are great sliced into mac and cheese or breakfast hash.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 9gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 561mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 0.4mg
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