Learn how to cook bratwurst in the oven. Sear the brats on the stove and braise them with beer, onions, and sauerkraut in the oven. Beer-braised brats are a quick and easy way to tender, juicy sausages without using a grill. This recipe can be prepared with or without beer.
Add oil to a large cast iron skillet or oven-proof skillet, and heat the oil over medium-high heat. Using tongs, carefully add the bratwursts to the pan and sear 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.
To the same skillet, add the onions and season with salt and pepper. Add extra oil if needed.
Continue cooking, stirring the onions frequently until they are softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat if needed.
Return the bratwursts back to the pan with the onions. Pour in the beer. Add sauerkraut in a single layer over the top of the sausages and onions. Turn the stove off.
Cover the skillet with the lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook at 400°F for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F using a meat thermometer.
Check the mixture after 20 minutes of cooking. Add about ¼ cup of beer if additional liquid is needed.
Remove the pan from the oven. Rotate the bratwursts in the sauerkraut and onion mixture to incorporate all of the flavors before serving. Allow sausages to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. They will be hot!
While the beer brats rest, toast the buns under the broiler until they are browned to your liking. Be careful not to leave the broiler unattended!
Add the brats, onions, and sauerkraut to a toasted bun. Serve with whole grain mustard, relish, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
If you do not have an oven proof skillet, transfer the contents of the pan to a greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish before baking.Avoid any brats already flavored with beer, as the finished dish will taste too bitter. Also be sure to purchase fresh (not cooked) sausages.Lager is a family of beers that includes bright lagers, amber lagers, dark lagers, Oktoberfests, and pilsners. Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite are all good options. You will only need 12 ounces. No need to use anything fancy!
Reheating / Storing / Leftovers Info:
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat bratwursts with toppings in the microwave for a minute at a time until warmed through. Rotate every minute or so for even warming.
Freezing: Freeze cooked and uncooked bratwurst sausages without the buns and toppings for up to 3 months. Store wrapped in plastic wrap and inside a freezer bag for best results.