Oven Braised Beer Brats
Oven Braised Beer Brats are tender bratwursts slow-cooked with onions and beer in the oven for a rich, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or backyard-style dinners indoors.
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil (if using baking dish)
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- 2 large onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 bottle 12 oz beer (lager, pilsner, or ale)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon caraway seeds or a splash of apple cider vinegar for added flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté sliced onions until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- Place the brats and onions in a baking dish or Dutch oven.
- Pour the beer over the brats and onions. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, turning the brats halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove the lid or foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes to allow the brats to brown slightly.
- Serve hot on buns with mustard, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Choose a beer with a flavor profile you enjoy—lighter beers give a subtle taste, while darker beers create a deeper, richer sauce.
You can skip the pre-sauté step and let the onions cook entirely in the oven, but caramelizing them first adds more flavor.
You can skip the pre-sauté step and let the onions cook entirely in the oven, but caramelizing them first adds more flavor.