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    Home » Real Food » Instant Pot Brats

    Instant Pot Brats

    By Kristen Chidsey | 8 Comments | Published June 23, 2021 | Updated June 10, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Made with beer, onions, and sauerkraut, Instant Pot Brats are one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to enjoy bratwurst. This quick, 4 ingredient recipe is perfect for a fast dinner or entertaining.

    Made with beer, onions, and sauerkraut, Instant Pot Brats are one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to enjoy bratwurst.

    Serve up tender, juicy brats with a scoop of sauerkraut, a squirt of mustard, and a side of Baked Fries or Air Fryer Potatoes for a simple meal.

    2 brats in bun with mustard and sauerkraut next to instant pot.

    Bratwursts are typically prepared by par-boiling and then finishing on the grill. This allows the brats to cook fully and achieve a crispy exterior.

    You can speed up the process by using your Instant Pot to make brats, and I have to tell you the results are spectacular.

    The bratwursts are sauteed so that their skin is crisp and golden and the flavor of the beer, onion, and sauerkraut infuse every morsel of the brats.

    This recipe is fast, easy, and perfect for entertaining!

    Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients for Instant Pot Brats on counter.
    • Bratwurst: Use any uncooked bratwursts you like. This recipe works with turkey, chicken, beef, or pork brats.
    • Beer: A mild pale lager will add flavor to the brats as they cook. If you don't care for beer, use beef or chicken stock.
    • Onion: The onion will add flavor to the brats and sauerkraut.
    • Sauerkraut: Jarred or bagged sauerkraut both work for this recipe.

    How to Make Brats in the Instant Pot

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute, add in a bit of oil, and allow to heat up for a minute or two.
    • While the oil is heating, pierce each bratwurst with a fork 3-4 times on each side. This will allow the brats to cook evenly and not burst open while pressure cooking.
    • Once the oil is heated, add in the bratwursts and sear on each side until just browned. This should take just about 2 minutes per side.
    Browned brats in inner pot of Instant Pot.
    • Once the brats are browned, remove them from the inner pot and place them onto a plate.
    • Add in a bit more oil and the sliced onion and saute the onion for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened.
    Sauted sliced onion in inner pot of instant pot.
    • Once the onion is softened, turn the Instant Pot off.
    • Add in the beer or stock 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 from happening.
    • Nestle the brats back into the inner pot and cover with the sauerkraut.
    Brats with sauerkraut and onions in inner pot of Instant Pot.
    • Place the lid on the pressure cooker, being sure the vent knob is sealed. And set to cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
    • Once cook time has been reached, allow pressure to release naturally on its own for at least 10 minutes. It does not matter if your unit is on keep warm or not.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve the brats with a scoop of sauerkraut and onions on a bun with spicy brown mustard.
    • Serve the brats and sauerkraut alone as a stand-alone dish with fresh fruit or steamed vegetables on the side.
    • Prepare a feast guaranteed to ring in "good luck" by pairing the Brats and Sauerkraut with Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Greens and Cornbread Muffins.
    • Serve the brats and sauerkraut over instant pot mashed potatoes or classic mashed potatoes.
    2 bratwursts served in buns with sauerkraut.

    Storing Leftovers

    Leftover Instant Pot Brats can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

    You can also opt to freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat as desired. Use within 3 days of defrosting.

    FAQs

    Can this be made without the beer?

    Absolutely! Simply replace the beer with either chicken or beef stock.

    Do you have to brown the bratwursts before pressure cooking?

    No! You can skip sauteeing 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.

    Is it necessary to pierce the brats before pressure cooking?

    Yes! I accidently tested this recipe without piercing the brats and they split open while pressure cooking. You just want to pierce the casing 3 to 4 times on each side with a fork. This also allows the bratwurst to soak up the delicious flavor from the cooking liquid.

    What if I don't like sauerkraut?

    Don't use it! Sauerkraut is a classic pairing for bratwurst, but if you don't care for the sauerkraut, simply omit from the recipe with no other changes needed.

    Can I make Instant Pot Brats with peppers and onions?

    Yes! If you like your brats served with peppers and onions instead of sauerkraut, saute 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.

    Can I make this recipe low-carb?

    Yes. Use a low-carb beer or omit the beer and use stock instead.

    Is bratwurst gluten-free?

    If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, be sure to check the label of your bratwurst over carefully, as it will vary depending on the brand you purchase.

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    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.

    More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
    • Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
    • Instant Pot Burrito Bowl

    If you enjoyed this easy recipe for Instant Pot Bratwurst, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Two bratwurst in buns with sauerkraut and mustard next to instant pot.

    Instant Pot Brats

    Made with beer, onions, and sauerkraut, Instant Pot Bratwursts are an easy and flavorful way to enjoy brats.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, German
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Pressure Build-Up and Release: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 36 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 273kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons oil divided
    • 4-6 bratwursts
    • 1 large onion thinly sliced
    • 12 ounces pale beer
    • 15 ounces sauerkraut
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute and let heat until it reads HOT, or for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add in 1 teaspoon of the oil. Pierce each brat 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 the remaining teaspoon of oil and onion and saute the onion for 2-3 minutes, or until just beginning to soften.
    • Turn the pressure cooker off and add in the beer, or stock, 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 spoon the sauerkraut over the brats.
    • Set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the cook time has elapsed, allow the 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.

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    Storage: Leftover Instant Pot Brats can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
    Beer: Use any beer you like, keeping in mind that a pale lager will not overwhelm the flavor of the brats. You can also, omit the beer and use chicken stock in its place. 
    You can skip sauteeing 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.
    Preparing with Peppers and Onions: If you like your brats served with peppers and onions instead of sauerkraut, saute 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.
    Increasing the recipe: 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. 
    Sauerkraut: Feel free to omit from the recipe if you don't care for sauerkraut.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1263mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Margo

      September 30, 2021 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 30, 2021 at 4:29 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Diane Benson

      June 30, 2021 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      These came out perfectly! All three kids loved them!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 30, 2021 at 11:34 am

        Whenever the kids are happy, you know it is a good dinner!

        Reply
    3. Kristyn

      June 30, 2021 at 12:53 am

      5 stars
      Wow, loaded with flavor, these brats would be a hit anywhere!! I'll take one of these anytime!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 30, 2021 at 11:35 am

        I love hearing that you enjoyed these Brats!

        Reply
    4. Betsy

      June 29, 2021 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 30, 2021 at 11:35 am

        That is exactly what we are doing Betsy! So glad to hear you enjoy!

        Reply

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