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Forget the hassle of par-boiling and grilling bratwurst and let your Instant Pot do the work for you! Quickly seared and then pressure cooked with beer, onions, and sauerkraut, this Instant Pot Bratwurst recipe delivers juicy bratwursts with crisp, golden skin in no time.
Serve these tender, juicy Instant Pot brats with a scoop of sauerkraut, a squirt of mustard, and a side of baked fries or crispy Air Fryer potatoes for a delicious, simple meal fit for Game Day.
Kristen's Keys for Instant Pot Bratwurst
While this is an incredibly easy recipe, pay attention to these two tips for the best results.
- Pierce the Bratwurst. This will allow the brats to cook evenly, soak up flavor from the cooking liquid, and not burst open while pressure cooking. I accidently skipped this step once, and the bratwurst did in fact split open while pressure cooking.
- Sear for Texture. Searing the brats using the sauté function before pressure gives you that crispy, golden skin you crave!
Notes on Ingredients
- Bratwurst: Opt for raw, uncooked brats. Turkey, chicken, beef, or pork all work.
- Beer Choice: Use German beer for bold flavor or pale lager for a milder taste. Substitute with beef or chicken stock if preferred.
- Sauerkraut is Optional: Recommended to balance the richness, but omit if you don't like it!
How to Make Instant Pot Brats
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Saute Brats. Using the sauté function, sear the pierced bratwursts in a bit of oil, until golden and evenly browned on each side. Once the brats are browned, remove them from the inner pot and place them onto a plate.
- Sauté Onion. If needed, add in a bit more oil to the inner pot, then add in the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened.
- Deglaze Inner Pot. Add the beer or stock to the inner pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot. This will help to prevent a burn notice and all those browned bits will help to flavor the brats!
- Layer Ingredients. Nestle the seared brats back into the inner pot and top with the sauerkraut, if using.
- Pressure Cook. Pop the lid on the Instant Pot, set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once cook time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally on its own for at least 10 minutes--this will help to keep the brats super tender.
Serving Suggestions
Whether served with bacon-wrapped jalapenos for the ultimate game day spread, or alongside roasted fall vegetables for a simple family meal, these Instant Pot Brats are sure to be a hit! See more inspiration for serving ideas below:
- Keep it Classic: Serve Instant Pot Brats with a scoop of sauerkraut and onions on a hotdog or hoagie bun with spicy brown mustard.
- Make it Creamy: Skip the sauerkraut and top your brats with homemade creamy coleslaw.
- Enjoy on New Years: Prepare a feast guaranteed to ring in good luck by pairing the Brats and Sauerkraut with Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Greens.
- Over Potatoes: Serve the brats and sauerkraut over instant pot mashed potatoes or classic mashed potatoes.
Instant Pot Brats FAQs
No! You can skip sautéing the brats. Just keep in mind that the exterior of the brats will be soft, much like a boiled brat. You can finish on the grill or under the broiler to crisp up if desired.
Yes! If you like your brats served with peppers and onions instead of sauerkraut (like my Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe), sauté 1 large sliced onion and 2 large sliced bell peppers (any color), after browning the bratwurst. Deglaze the pan with beer or stock and add the brats back to the pressure cooker. Omit the sauerkraut and cook as the recipe directs.
If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, be sure to check the label of your bratwurst carefully, as it will vary depending on the brand you purchase.
You can cook up to 8 bratwursts in the Instant Pot without having to change the amount of beer or sauerkraut or the cooking time. However, you may need to brown your bratwursts in batches. If you want to prepare more than 8 brats at a time, I would suggest doubling the beer, onions, and sauerkraut. Keep the cooking time the same.
Instant Pot Bratwursts
Video
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4-6 raw bratwursts
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces German or pale beer
- 15 ounces sauerkraut, optional
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté, add in about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and let heat briefly. While the oil is heating, pierce the bratwursts several times with a fork and then place the brats into the oil and sear on each side until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the brats and place them onto a clean plate.
- Add an additional teaspoon of olive oil to the inner pot, along with the sliced onion and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes, or until just beginning to soften. Hit cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add in 12 ounces German or pale beer (or stock), and and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
- Add the brats back to the inner pot and top with sauerkraut.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, ensuring the vent knob is sealed. Using the manual or pressure cook button, set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the cook time has elapsed, allow pressure to release naturally on its own for at least 10 minutes.
- Serve the bratwurst with the onions and sauerkraut on buns with mustard or plain as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It was excellent. The only change I made was to use only 4 oz. Broth vs. 12 oz. It came to pressure with no problem. It was good served on lightly grilled hot dog buns with spicy brown mustard.
Thanks for sharing, Sharon!
It was so delicious that I made them twice already. I’m going to try 15 brats in the instant pot. Having an autumn gathering tomorrow evening. I have par prepared sauerkraut with onion and apple and some black pepper and beer. I think keeping the cook time is correct.
Hi Margo! I am so happy to hear you enjoy this recipe so much. Yes, you will keep the cooking time the same, but it will take longer to come pressure with more liquid. Enjoy your gathering.
Great recipe thank you for sharing its an amazing easy fall meal
Thanks so much, Angie!
These came out perfectly! All three kids loved them!
Whenever the kids are happy, you know it is a good dinner!
Wow, loaded with flavor, these brats would be a hit anywhere!! I'll take one of these anytime!
I love hearing that you enjoyed these Brats!
So easy and so delicious! This is perfect for my next get-together! I'm thinking July 4. Let the kiddos roast their hot dogs over the fire and us adults will be having our brats Instant Pot style! Perfection.
That is exactly what we are doing Betsy! So glad to hear you enjoy!