Oven Braised Beer Brats with Caramelized Onions and Apples

Oven braised beer brats are a traditional Midwestern dish often associated with tailgating and football season, but they also make for a super easy, prep-ahead weeknight dinner that can feed a crowd. When slow cooked in a flavorful beer and enhanced with onions, garlic, and spices, the sausages turn golden brown, juicy, and delicious. Our slow cooker beer brats by recipe developer Michelle McGlinn are inspired by the German heritage prevalent in the Midwest, so a German-style beer will ultimately be the best bet for braising these brats. Ales and lagers fit the bill, and McGlinn notes that another German-style brew such as a hefeweizen will result in "something really interesting." Hefeweizens are full-bodied wheat beers with a sweet, fruity flavor profile with hints of banana and clove. If you want to try a seasonal approach in the fall, look for an Oktoberfest lager to keep up with the German theme.

Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 bratwursts
• 1 cup beer
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and apples, cooking until they are soft and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Nestle bratwursts among the onions and apples.
6. Pour in beer and beef broth, ensuring the brats are mostly covered.
7. Stir in Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bring to a simmer, then transfer to the oven.
9. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the brats are cooked through and have absorbed the flavors.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

ENJOY!!