Slow Cooker Braised Cervelat Sausages with White Wine and Emmental Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can sauté the onions in a small amount of butter before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional. Adding a pinch of dried thyme or a small bay leaf can also enhance the aromatic profile of the braising liquid.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the sausages once cooked and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to the remaining liquid in the slow cooker.

When serving, consider pairing the sausages with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese. The crusty bread is excellent for soaking up the flavorful wine and onion broth left behind in the slow cooker.

Always serve the dish while it is piping hot to ensure the emmental cheese maintains its creamy texture and does not harden as it cools.

Variations

• Herb-Infused Version: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the onion layer before adding the cheese. This adds a fresh, earthy dimension to the final dish.
• Spicy Sausage Twist: Substitute the cervelat with a spicy smoked sausage or add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the onion layer for a subtle heat that cuts through the creamy cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the emmental cheese will become grainy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a microwave-safe dish or in a small saucepan over low heat until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the sausages and the onion-cheese sauce together in the container to maintain moisture. Place the container in the refrigerator promptly to ensure food safety. Properly stored, the dish will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the ingredients in advance by slicing the onions and shredding the cheese, storing them separately in the refrigerator.

The sausages can be slit and kept cold until you are ready to assemble the slow cooker. Assembling the dish just before turning the slow cooker on ensures the best texture and prevents the cheese from becoming overly gummy or separated.

Serving ideas

Serve the sausages on warmed plates to help maintain the temperature of the melted cheese. Arrange the sausages neatly and spoon a generous portion of the onions and melted cheese from the bottom of the slow cooker over each serving. Providing a small bowl of high-quality mustard on the side can add a nice tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.

For a complete meal, consider serving alongside steamed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. The mild flavors of these sides complement the savory, wine-braised sausages perfectly.

Ensure that everyone has a fork and knife, as the sausages are hearty and benefit from being sliced into bite-sized pieces as they are consumed, allowing the diner to incorporate the sauce into every mouthful.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Braised Cervelat Sausages with White Wine and Emmental

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

Ingredients

• 4 cervelat sausages, slit lengthwise
• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 1 cup shredded emmental cheese
• 1/2 cup dry white wine

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by ensuring the ceramic insert is clean and dry. Make a shallow slit lengthwise along each cervelat sausage to help them absorb the flavors. Arrange the prepared sausages in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
2. Evenly scatter the sliced yellow onions over the sausages. Sprinkle the shredded emmental cheese generously over the onion layer. Pour the dry white wine over the top of the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is melted.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the sausages from the slow cooker using tongs. Transfer them to a serving plate, ensuring some of the melted cheese and onion mixture from the insert is spooned over the top. Allow the sausages to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture.

Contains: milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22.5 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

980 mg

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