slow cooker bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe

slow cooker bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe

The Best slow cooker bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe

I’m so excited to share this slow cooker bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the rich, meaty flavor of the bratwurst and the tangy, slightly sour taste of the sauerkraut is just perfect.

And the best part is that it’s so easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love serving this dish at family gatherings, because everyone can grab a bun and fill it up with as much or as little of the delicious filling as they like. It’s also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies – they’ll never even notice they’re eating sauerkraut!

As for where this dish comes from, I’m not entirely sure – but I’ve heard it’s a classic German recipe that’s been passed down through generations. Whatever its origins, I can tell you that it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser in our household. The slow cooker method makes it so easy to cook the bratwurst and sauerkraut together until they’re nice and tender, and the flavors really meld together beautifully.

I’ve even started making it for everyday meals, because let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to use their slow cooker? My kids are always asking for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) , and my husband loves that it’s a hearty, filling meal that’ll keep him going all day long.

So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out, I highly recommend giving this one a shot. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time! As for storage and reheating ideas, I like to store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days – just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re hot and steaming.

You can also freeze cooked bratwurst and sauerkraut for up to three months – just thaw it out when you’re ready to serve. And if you want to get fancy, you can serve this dish with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra-special treat.

Slow Cooker Bratwurst and Sauerkraut

Slow Cooker Bratwurst and Sauerkraut

4.9 from 1812 votes

This hearty slow cooker meal combines juicy bratwurst with tangy sauerkraut and aromatic spices. It simmers low and slow to develop deep flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or game day dish.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

6 fresh bratwurst sausages
1 (32 oz) jar sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add the bratwurst and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned all over.
3This searing step locks in flavor and creates a nice crust.
4Transfer the browned bratwurst to the slow cooker.
5Add the drained sauerkraut, sliced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, caraway seeds, and black pepper.
6Pour the chicken broth over everything.
7Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
8The bratwurst should be fully cooked and tender, and the sauerkraut should be soft and aromatic.
9Serve the bratwurst and sauerkraut hot, directly from the slow cooker.
10Use tongs to place each sausage on a bun or plate, then spoon the sauerkraut mixture on top.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (5-6 quart)
Large skillet
Tongs
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1450mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of beer along with the chicken broth. Serve with mustard and crusty rolls for a classic pairing.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Works

This slow cooker bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick weeknight meal. And as an added bonus, it’s packed with nutrients from both the sausage and sauerkraut – so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

My kids love helping me prepare this dish because they get to participate in every step of the process (from slicing veggies to stuffing buns!) They even enjoy eating leftovers because they know we’re all getting our daily dose of vitamins from those delicious fermented cabbage bits.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Bratwurst and Sauerkraut

Q: What type of bratwurst should I use?

A: You can use either pork or beef bratwurst – both will give you great results. If you want a milder flavor, go with pork; if you prefer something more robust, choose beef.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can cook the bratwurst and sauerkraut on the stovetop or in the oven if you don’t have a slow cooker – just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: Do I need to add any additional spices?

A: No, this recipe is quite straightforward as-is – but feel free to add your own favorite spices if you like!

Q: Can I use different types of sausage instead of bratwurst?

A: Yes, you can use other types of sausage like knockwurst or kielbasa if you prefer – just adjust cooking times based on their thickness.

Q: How do I know when the sauerkraut is done?

A: It should be tender but still hold its shape – if it’s too soft, add more cooking time; if it’s too firm, reduce heat or add liquid.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time but cook them together only when serving

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