Slow Cooker Brats and Sauerkraut with Apples

Brats and Sauerkraut go together as well as anything in this world. They were made to be eaten alongside each other.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Brats and Sauerkraut

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6 10

Servings servings

Calories 341kcal

Author Dana DeVolk

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil once hot. Sear the brats on all sides in the oil, just looking for a char, not fully cooking them, 5-8 minutes.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 5 bratwurst
Take the brats out and set them on a plate.
Add the onions to the pan and cook until softened and starting to brown, 8-10 minutes.
1 large sweet onion
Add the garlic, stir it in until fragrant, 30 seconds. Take off the heat.
2 cloves garlic
While the onions are cooking, add the sauerkraut, apple, beer, brown sugar, mustard, and caraway to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
16 ounces sauerkraut, 1 Honeycrisp apple, 12 ounces lager beer, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
Add the seared brats to the slow cooked along with the onions and garlic.
Place the lid on top and cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Serve in buns as sandwiches if desired or as is!

Pre-Sear for Extra Flavor: Browning brats in a large skillet on medium heat before slow cooking helps lock in juices and gives that lightly golden brown outside.
Pat Dry, Then Sear: If your brats are too wet, you won’t get a good sear. So pat them dry with a paper towel first—less splatter, more color.
Use Fresh Onions: Sweet onions add a fantastic, subtle sweetness to the dish. Avoid substituting with onion powder—fresh is the key for that gentle onion flavor.
Don’t Overcook: If you give brats too much cook time, they can dry out, even in a slow cooker. A little time is enough to get them fully cooked. Just check with an instant-read thermometer if you’re unsure.
Try a Mix: If you love variety, toss in half brown mustard and half spicy mustard. Another layer of flavor without extra fuss.
Serve with Good Bread: Whether you prefer hot dog buns, crusty rolls, or slices of sourdough, pairing these juicy bratwurst with the right bread makes the meal even better.