Instant Pot Brats ⋆ Deb's Daily Dish

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Instant Pot brats are a quick and easy weeknight meal. They are simmered with onions, seasonings and sweet and savory sauerkraut. There is so much flavor and are cooked without beer. Serve them on mashed potatoes or cauliflower with mustard relish and sautéed red cabbage for a simply delicious meal.

And If you love bratwurst, try my recipe for Mustard Relish with Grilled Brats. The relish will also taste so good with the instant pot brats!

Instant pot brats with red onions, sauerkraut served on mashed cauliflower, red cabbage and mustard on white plate

Ingredients Needed

butter
red onion
package of pre-cooked bratwurst (regular, not beer brats)
apple cider vinegar (or apple juice if not keeping lower carb)
sauerkraut (try to get refrigerator package)
brown sugar substitute (or regular brown sugar)
bbq seasonings
celery seed/salt, dry mustard

What is a great beer substitute for brats?

Although many people like to cook their brats in beer, this is a "no beer needed" recipe. Beer adds an earthy, rich and full-bodied flavor. And we definitely want lots of flavor to cook the bratwurst in first before they are grilled. But there are plenty of ways to substitute it.

You could use some apple cider or white or red wine in the recipe. If you'd like to stay alcohol free, there are plenty of non-alcoholic beers available.
Cooking the brats with onion, apple cider vinegar, some sugar and the liquid from sauerkraut will make them very flavorful and juicy.
Chicken, beef or vegetable broths or stocks add extra flavor to bratwurst.

How to cooks brats in the Instant Pot?

Season brats with bbq seasoning.
Turn Instant pot to saute' setting.
Add butter and saute' onions and brats until browned
Combine celery salt, dry mustard, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar and brown sugar substitute. Pour over brats and onions.
Set Instant pot to sealing, change setting to manual for 10 minutes.
Using long tongs or wooden spoon, do a quick release to venting for 3 minutes.
Do you like a slightly spicy relish? My Orange Jalapeno Relish is so good!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen brats be cooked in the Instant Pot?

Yes, unlike the slow cooker, the Instant Pot will quickly thaw foods and bring up to temperature for the recipe. However, if you use frozen brats, just add 2 minutes to the manual cooking time.

Can I eat brats that still have a little pink in them?

Most brands of bratwurst that are sold in packages in the meat section are fully cooked. However, as long as you cook the brats to the minimum temperature of 160°F. they are safe to eat.

How long can brats be stored in the refrigerator?

The USDA states that brats will stay fresh in the refrigerator unopened, for up to 2 weeks. After the package has been opened, store for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze brats for 1 -2 months in an airtight container.

Recipe Tips for Success

You do not have to poke hole in the bratwurst before cooking. They won't burst and poking holes causes them to lose some of the liquid which can cause dryness.
Some packages are sold as precooked or needing cooking. It will usually say on the front of the package.
Bratwurst should be cooked to the internal temperature of 160°F.

If you love bratwurst, try my recipe for Mustard Relish with Grilled Brats.

Instant pot brats, red onions, sauerkraut served on mashed cauliflower, mustard, red cabbage on white plate

If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, I'd love if you gave it a 5 star rating. This tells me what you enjoy and want to see more of. Thank you!

You'll want to try these Instant Pot recipes!

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli