Slow-Cooked Bratwurst with Apples and Onions
Transform your dinner routine with this delightful Slow-Cooked Bratwurst with Apples and Onions recipe. Perfectly juicy bratwursts are enhanced by the sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions and crisp apples. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also cooks slowly in the crock pot while you're away, making it an ideal weeknight meal. When you return home, the inviting aromas will greet you, and the kids will be clamoring for seconds! Substitute apple juice for beer to create a family-friendly version of this dish, but feel free to use beer for a deeper flavor profile if you prefer. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bratwursts
8 (Whole)
Olive oil or canola oil
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Onion
1 (Sliced into rings)
Apples
2 (Cored and sliced into rings)
Apple juice or beer
2 cups (Liquid)
Instructions
1
Slice the onion into rings and spread them evenly across the bottom of the crock pot. Follow with the sliced apple rings set on top of the onions.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive or canola oil over medium heat. Add the bratwursts and minced garlic, browning the bratwursts on all sides. Remember to poke a few small holes in the bratwursts to allow steam to escape.
3
Once browned, carefully transfer the bratwursts to the crock pot, placing them over the apple and onion mixture.
4
Pour the apple juice or beer over the bratwursts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the crock pot with its lid.
5
Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. When it's done, the bratwursts will be tender and full of flavor, complemented by the sweet and tangy apples and onions.
6
Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
24g
Carbs
14g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Bratwurst with Apples and Onions?
It is a hearty crock pot meal featuring juicy bratwursts, caramelized onions, and crisp apples.
How many bratwursts are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 whole bratwursts.
What type of oil is recommended for browning the meat?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either olive oil or canola oil.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
How should the onion be prepared?
One onion should be sliced into rings and spread evenly across the bottom of the crock pot.
How do I prepare the apples?
You need 2 apples that are cored and sliced into rings.
What liquid is used for cooking the bratwursts?
You can use 2 cups of apple juice for a family-friendly version or 2 cups of beer for a deeper flavor profile.
How should the ingredients be layered in the slow cooker?
Spread onion rings on the bottom, followed by apple rings, and then place the browned bratwursts on top.
Why is it necessary to brown the bratwursts first?
Browning the bratwursts with minced garlic in a skillet enhances their flavor and texture before slow cooking.
Why should I poke holes in the bratwursts?
Poking a few small holes in the bratwursts allows steam to escape while they are browning.
What is the recommended cooking time?
Set your crock pot to low and cook the mixture for 6 to 8 hours.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates does this recipe have?
Each serving contains 24g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the meal?
This dish provides 14g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The dish contains 9g of sugar per serving.
What is a good side dish for these bratwursts?
Serving the dish with crusty bread is highly recommended for a complete and hearty meal.
Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Yes, simply use apple juice instead of beer to create a family-friendly version.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
Heat the oil over medium heat when browning the bratwursts and garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is an ideal weeknight meal because it slow-cooks while you are away from home.
What is the benefit of using a crock pot for this meal?
The slow cooker makes the bratwursts tender and full of flavor while being simple to prepare.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 6 primary ingredients including meat, oil, garlic, onion, apples, and liquid.
What type of flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions and crisp apples.
How should the liquid be added to the crock pot?
Pour the apple juice or beer over the bratwursts, ensuring they are well-coated.
Should the crock pot be covered during cooking?
Yes, you must cover the crock pot with its lid for the duration of the cooking time.
What should I do once the cooking is finished?
Serve the bratwursts hot, optionally complemented by the sweet and tangy apples and onions.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food that everyone in the family will love.
Can I use different types of onions?
The recipe specifies one onion sliced into rings; typically, yellow or white onions work well.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.