Crockpot Beer Brats: Juicy, Slow-Cooked, and Soaked in Malty Onion Magic
These Crockpot Beer Brats are the easiest way to make perfectly tender, beer-infused bratwursts with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Simmered low and slow in beer, onions, and spices, the brats absorb all that malty flavor and stay juicy for hours — making them perfect for game day, backyard hangs, or any time you want bratwurst without babysitting a skillet or grill.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Beer Brats
- 6–8 uncooked bratwursts (classic, cheddar, or beer-style)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
- 1½ to 2 cups beer (lager, Vienna lager, Märzen, or amber — no IPAs)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweeter onions)
- 1 tbsp spicy brown or Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp caraway seeds or fennel seeds
Instructions
Sear the Brats (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add a bit of oil and brown the brats for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you want true dump-and-go.
Layer in the Crockpot
- Add sliced onions, garlic, mustard, sugar (if using), and spices to the crockpot.
- Place brats on top. Pour beer over everything — liquid should mostly cover the brats.
- Add a few pats of butter on top for richness.
Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until brats are fully cooked and onions are tender and jammy.
- You can serve directly from the slow cooker, or brown the brats in a skillet afterward for a little extra snap.
Serving Suggestions
Serve With
- Toasted buns or pretzel rolls
- Spicy mustard, sauerkraut, or grilled peppers
- Beer cheese sauce, pickled jalapeños, or crispy onions
Make It a Platter
- Set up a brat bar with toppings, sauces, and different buns
- Add a side of warm potato salad, mustard slaw, or soft pretzels
- Keep warm in the crockpot for party service
Beer Pairing
In the Pot
- Lager or Vienna lager (clean and malty)
- Märzen or festbier for toasty seasonal notes
- Cream ale or brown ale for mellow depth
- Avoid IPAs, sours, or highly carbonated styles
In Your Glass
- The same beer used in the crockpot
- Rauchbier for smoky pairing
- Dunkel or bock for deeper malt
- Kolsch or pilsner to cleanse between bites
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beer Brats are as hands-off as it gets — throw them in, crack a beer, and come back hours later to a steamy, beer-soaked bratwurst dream.
They’re soft, juicy, deeply flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping like a boss. Cheers to low effort, slow cooking, and beer in your brats! 🌭🍺🧅
Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺
From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.
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- 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
- 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
- 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.