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Crispy Slow Cooker Bratwurst & Sauerkraut

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A crowd-pleasing German-inspired dish where bratwursts are slow-cooked with tangy sauerkraut and onions, then finished with a crispy sear in a skillet for perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 links fresh pork bratwursts
  • 1 large jar (approx. 30 oz) plain uncooked sauerkraut, drained
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-rings
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the sausages by removing them from packaging. Optionally pierce with a fork to prevent bursting, though keeping them intact retains juices.
  2. Layer the slow cooker: Spread half the sliced onions on the bottom, add half the drained sauerkraut, place bratwursts in a single layer, then top with remaining onions and sauerkraut.
  3. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, whole grain mustard, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker and gently press down to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours (5 hours is ideal) until sausages are cooked through and kraut is soft.
  5. Remove sausages from the slow cooker and set aside. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and let it melt and foam.
  7. Sear the sausages in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  8. Serve immediately on toasted buns with the warm sauerkraut and onion mixture spooned alongside.

Notes

Do not add extra liquid like beer or water to the slow cooker as the sausages and kraut release their own juices. The final sear is crucial for texture. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for 3 months. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker bratwurst, sauerkraut recipe, crispy brats, German sausage, comfort food, game day food, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/crispy-slow-cooker-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-5-easy-steps/