Oven Braised Beer Brats with Caramelized Onions and Apples – A Fall Favorite That’s Too Good to Miss!
There’s nothing like the hearty, savory comfort of beer-braised bratwursts cooked low and slow with sweet onions and apples. This easy oven dish fills the whole house with cozy aromas and tastes even better than it smells!
Ingredients:
For the Brats:
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of good-quality beer (lager or ale works great)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Brats:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Brown the bratwursts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Apples:
- In the same pan, add the onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until they start to caramelize.
- Add the apples and cook another 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Braise with Beer:
- Pour in the beer and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return the brats to the pan, nestling them into the onion-apple mixture.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the skillet or dish with foil or a lid and transfer it to the oven.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the brats are cooked through and infused with flavor.
- Serve:
- Spoon the caramelized onions and apples over the brats when serving. Delicious with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted veggies!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Printable Recipe Summary:
| Oven Braised Beer Brats | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
FAQs
Q: Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes! Non-alcoholic beer works just fine for this recipe and still adds great flavor.
Q: What kind of apples are best?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape while baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Q: Can I use another sausage instead of brats?
Absolutely! You can substitute with Italian sausage or any hearty pork sausage you like.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider to the beer for a subtle fruity sweetness!
