5 Easy Crock Pot Beer and Brat Recipes

Crock pots are an essential kitchen tool, especially for those who crave the flavor of slow-cooked meals but have busy schedules. They allow for effortless cooking, and when you combine them with the rich, complex flavors of beer and bratwurst, you unlock a world of culinary delights. Here, we explore five delightful Crock Pot Beer and Brat Recipes that are both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

Slow Cooked Beer-Braised Bratwurst

This recipe transforms bratwurst into a tender, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 Bratwurst links
• 2 Large onions, sliced
• 2 Bottles of beer (preferably lager)
• 1 Tbsp Brown sugar
• 1 Tsp Caraway seeds
• 1 Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bratwurst and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 4 minutes.
2. Transfer bratwurst to the crock pot.
3. Add onions to the same skillet, cook until they begin to caramelize.
4. Place onions on top of the bratwurst in the crock pot.
5. Pour in the beer, sprinkle brown sugar, caraway seeds, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
7. Optionally, remove the bratwurst, thicken the liquid with a roux or cornstarch mixture for a richer gravy.

🍺 Note: Use a good quality beer to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Beer Glazed Bratwurst Bites

These bite-sized pieces are perfect for parties or snacks.

Ingredients:

• 12 Bratwurst links
• 2 Bottles of dark beer
• ¹⁄₄ Cup Honey
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil

Steps:

1. Slice bratwurst into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a crock pot, mix together beer, honey, mustard, and olive oil.
3. Add the bratwurst pieces and stir to coat evenly.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve hot, perhaps with toothpicks for easy eating.

Bratwurst and Beer Cheese Dip

This dip is a crowd pleaser, combining creamy cheese with the unique flavor of bratwurst.

Ingredients:

• 1lb Bratwurst, cooked and crumbled
• 2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 Can of beer (light ale or lager works best)
• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 Tsp Garlic powder
• 1 Tsp Onion powder
• 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

1. Mix the shredded cheese with cornstarch to prevent clumping.
2. In the crock pot, combine cream cheese, beer, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
3. Add bratwurst and cheese mixture to the pot, stir.
4. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and dip is heated through.
5. Serve with your favorite dippers like bread, pretzels, or chips.

🧀 Note: Keep the dip on warm setting after serving to keep it at the perfect consistency.

Oktoberfest Stew with Bratwurst

This stew captures the festive spirit of Oktoberfest with its hearty ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 Bratwurst links, sliced
• 3 Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 Carrots, sliced
• 2 Celery stalks, chopped
• 1 Large onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Can (12oz) of beer
• 4 Cups beef broth
• 1 Tsp Thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients except bratwurst in the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
3. In the last hour of cooking, add the sliced bratwurst.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

One-Pot Beer Brat Soup

Comfort in a bowl, this soup is hearty and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 Bratwurst links, casings removed
• 1 Large onion, chopped
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Potatoes, cubed
• 1 Can (14oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 Can of beer
• 4 Cups chicken broth
• 1 Cup heavy cream
• 1 Tsp Mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Brown the bratwurst in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Transfer bratwurst to the crock pot, leaving some fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet, then add to the pot.
4. Add remaining ingredients except for the cream.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until potatoes are tender.
6. Stir in cream, cook for an additional 30 minutes.

In these recipes, the slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re making a meal for the family or preparing for a party, these crock pot beer and brat recipes ensure that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the rich, comforting flavors.