Slow Cooker Beer and Mustard Glazed Bratwurst Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more concentrated glaze, remove the sausages once they are cooked and set them aside. Increase the heat of the slow cooker to high or transfer the remaining liquid to a small saucepan on the stove. Simmer the liquid for a few minutes until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency, then drizzle it back over the sausages before serving to add an extra layer of intense flavor.

Consider serving these bratwursts on toasted buns with a variety of toppings, such as extra mustard, sauerkraut, or pickled peppers. The acidity of these additions cuts through the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the glaze, providing a well-rounded meal.

If serving without buns, they pair wonderfully with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the savory, hearty nature of the slow-cooked meat.

Variations

• Spicy Mustard Glaze: Replace the standard mustard with a spicy brown mustard or add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beer mixture for a significant, zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the onions.
• Herb Infused Brats: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker during the cooking process. The woody herbs infuse the glaze with a subtle, aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with the beer.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the sausages submerged in a small amount of the cooking liquid to prevent them from drying out while in the refrigerator.

Properly stored in this manner, they will remain safe to consume for up to three days, maintaining their flavor and moisture for quick, easy meals later in the week.

This dish is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can prepare the entire recipe as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the sausages gently. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning or for hosting guests, as the bulk of the work is already done well in advance.

Serving ideas

Serve the bratwurst hot, directly from the slow cooker, ensuring each portion is topped with a generous amount of the softened onions and the flavorful beer glaze. The sausages can be served whole on a plate or sliced into rounds if desired. This makes them versatile enough to be a standalone main course or to be incorporated into a larger spread, providing a comforting and satisfying element to any meal.

Pair these sausages with hearty side dishes such as warm potato salad, braised cabbage, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the remaining beer and mustard sauce. The combination of textures and temperatures makes for an inviting dining experience.

Ensure that the serving vessel is warm if possible, or serve immediately to maintain the ideal temperature and consistency of the glaze for the best possible eating experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Beer and Mustard Glazed Bratwurst

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 bratwurst links
• 2 cups sweet onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup amber beer
• 2 tbsp mustard

Instructions

1. Place the raw bratwurst links in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Distribute the sliced sweet onions evenly over the top of the sausages.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and sausages. In a separate glass measuring cup, whisk together the amber beer and mustard until combined, then pour this mixture over the contents of the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature of the sausages reaches at least 160°F (71°C) before serving. Let the sausages rest for 5 minutes.

Contains: gluten, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.