Brats and Sauerkraut

The flavors of bratwurst and sauerkraut seem practically made for each other. Our contest-winning recipe for brats and sauerkraut uses a slow cooker to let the flavors meld, resulting in an incredibly delicious bite. The sauerkraut mixture itself is something special, featuring add-ins of chopped apples, mustard, brown sugar, bacon and onion, then cooked with the sausage for mouthwatering deliciousness.

Ingredients for Brats and Sauerkraut

• Bratwurst: Eight uncooked bratwurst links of any variety you like are the base for this dish. Try plain brats, smoked brats or even cheddar brats, depending on your flavor preference.
• Sauerkraut: Use one 14-ounce can of sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained. Homemade sauerkraut works well too!
• Apples: Two medium apples, finely chopped, add a hint of sweetness to this dish.
• Bacon: Three crispy bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, add loads of umami to brats and sauerkraut, as well as a little crunch.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a slight molasses-like note to the sauerkraut.
• Onion: Chopped onions are a classic companion to bratwursts in carnival and festival versions of this dish. In this version, they flavor the sauerkraut mixture.
• Ground mustard: Ground mustard adds a little hint of hot mustard flavor to the sauerkraut mixture.
• Brat buns: Split bratwurst buns serve as edible holders for the brats and sauerkraut.

Directions

Step 1: Add the brats

Start by placing the bratwurst in a 5-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the sauerkraut mixture

In a large bowl, combine the sauerkraut, apples, bacon, brown sugar, onion and mustard, then spoon the mixture over the bratwurst.

Step 3: Cook the brats and sauerkraut

Cover the slow cooker and cook the ingredients on low until a thermometer inserted in the sausage reads 160°F, six to eight hours.

Step 4: Serve the bratwurst

Place the bratwurst in buns. Using a slotted spoon, top each with the sauerkraut mixture.

Brats and Sauerkraut Variations

• Omit the onions: If you or some members of your group don’t care for onions, skip them during the slow-cooker phase. Serve chopped raw onions or tasty caramelized onions in a bowl on the side instead.
• Add sweet peppers: Slice your favorite sweet peppers and add them to the slow cooker for even more flavor and color.
• Serve them with spicy brown mustard: Spicy mustard makes brats even more delicious. Offer it at the table along with the sauerkraut and brats.
• Go with pretzel logic: Serve the brats and sauerkraut in sausage-size pretzel buns for added fun and flavor.

How to Store Brats and Sauerkraut

Once the brats and sauerkraut cool, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then enjoy the leftovers within about four days.

Can you freeze brats and sauerkraut?

Yes. When the dish cools, transfer the contents to a freezer container or zippered freezer storage bags with the excess air removed. Leftovers will keep for about two months, frozen. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in a pan on the stove before enjoying them again.

Brats and Sauerkraut Tips

Could I make this brats and sauerkraut recipe on a grill instead?

Sure! Start by cooking the onion in bacon drippings in a skillet for 15 to 20 minutes after the onions soften, then add the apple, sauerkraut and other ingredients except the sausage, cooking for about two more minutes. Transfer everything to a foil pan, add the brats and pour a bottle of beer over them. Cover the foil pan and place the pan on the grill over medium heat for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the brats are no longer pink. Here are all the details on how to make grilled beer brats with kraut.

What could I use instead of ground mustard?

Ground mustard, dry mustard and powdered mustard are essentially the same thing: crushed or ground mustard seeds. You could make your own ground mustard by placing mustard seeds in a spice grinder, or use a mortar and pestle. Dijon mustard tastes similar, so in a pinch, use an equal amount of Dijon in place of the ground mustard.

Could I make this with a vegan bratwurst?

You can. Vegan sausages of all varieties have come a long way. Read package labels or company websites to see which suggest slow-cooking as an option. If you’re unable to find that information, cook the sausage as recommended, then add it to a slow cooker for just 30 minutes or so, after cooking the other ingredients for at least an hour or two, or until the flavors unite. Placing the vegan sausage in the slow cooker after cooking it gives it a little time to absorb the juices from the sauerkraut.