What would a celebration of 2016 be without sharing the best crockpot recipe of the year? I mean really y’all, if you’re gonna take part in Crockpot Monday, you have to have a few crockpot recipes lying around waiting to be shared, right? This Crockpot German Sauerkraut with Brats recipe was definitely the number one fan favorite, which is quite fortunate seeing as how New Year’s Day is only a few days away. If you’re like my family, New Year’s Day simply must include sauerkraut and pork. No substitutions allowed. This pork and sauerkraut crockpot recipe allows you to have all of the traditional holiday flavors without slaving over a hot stove all day with a hangover from the night before. I’m pretty excited about that. Of course, the goal is to avoid the hangover altogether but sometimes celebrating gets the better of all of us. Just ask Brenna after she’s had a roll or two too many through the catnip.
*Original recipe post can be found HERE.
Ingredients:
- 1 (32-oz.) Bag Sauerkraut, Rinsed and Drained
- 2 Peeled, Cored, and Chopped Apples
- 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar, Packed
- 1 Tablespoon Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
- 1 (12-oz.) Bottle of Good Quality Lager Beer
- 4 Good Quality German Brats
- 4 Tablespoons Premium Salted Butter
Directions:
- Place the sauerkraut and chopped apples in a crock-pot; stir to combine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, and beer.
- Pour the liquid over the sauerkraut, and stir to combine.
- Place the brats on top of the sauerkraut mixture.
- Set the crock-pot on low temperature for 8 hours.
- Remove the brats; set aside.
- Stir the butter into the sauerkraut, place into a large serving dish, and then place the brats on top.
Suggestions:
- Slice the brats on a bias, before placing them on top of the sauerkraut to serve.
- Serve with potato salad or mashed potatoes.
- I used a high quality German beer brat from a German butcher in this recipe. Search your area for a place to buy premium sausages. You will really notice the difference. You may of course use whichever brat you prefer in this recipe, or add more than 4 if you desire.
- Premium butter lends a decadent flavor to this dish. Look for European, French, or Irish butter at your local market. A little goes a long way.
Improvements:
- Add finely chopped crispy bacon to the sauerkraut.
- Replace the apples in this recipe with pears.
Ingredients:
- 1 (32-oz.) Bag Sauerkraut, Rinsed and Drained
- 2 Peeled, Cored, and Chopped Apples
- 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar, Packed
- 1 Tablespoon Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
- 1 (12-oz.) Bottle of Good Quality Lager Beer
- 4 Good Quality German Brats
- 4 Tablespoons Premium Salted Butter
Directions:
- Place the sauerkraut and chopped apples in a crock-pot; stir to combine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, and beer.
- Pour the liquid over the sauerkraut, and stir to combine.
- Place the brats on top of the sauerkraut mixture.
- Set the crock-pot on low temperature for 8 hours.
- Remove the brats; set aside.
- Stir the butter into the sauerkraut, place into a large serving dish, and then place the brats on top.
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