Instant Pot brats are a game-changer for home cooks who want a quick, delicious meal without sacrificing flavor or texture. If you love bratwurst but dread hovering over a grill or stove, this recipe brings all the juicy goodness to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, prepping for game day, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, mastering bratwurst in your Instant Pot will save time and seriously impress your hungry crew.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions to pro tips, serving ideas, and nutritional info. You’ll finish with the skills (and confidence) to serve up perfect brats anytime, no grill required.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Instant Pot Brats
Before you start, gather the right ingredients and equipment for the best results.
Ingredients
- Bratwurst sausages: 4–6 uncooked pork, beef, or chicken brats
- Onion: 1 large, sliced (for extra flavor)
- Beer or broth: 1 cup (lager or ale works well; swap for chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer alcohol-free)
- Butter or oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Buns or rolls: Quality sub rolls, brat buns, or pretzel rolls
Optional add-ins: sauerkraut, mustard, bell peppers, garlic cloves
Equipment
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
- Tongs
- Measuring cup
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Brats
Follow these steps for tender, flavorful bratwurst with minimal clean-up.
Step 1: Sauté for Extra Flavor
- Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot.
- Add butter or oil to the pot and wait for it to shimmer.
- Arrange brats in a single layer and brown them for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs. (This step is optional but helps lock in flavor and gives a nice golden color.)
- Remove the brats and set aside.
Step 2: Layer Flavors
- Add sliced onions to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- (Optional) Add minced garlic or bell peppers and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquid
- Pour in beer or broth, and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot bottom with a wooden spoon. This prevents the dreaded “burn” warning and adds depth to the sauce.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Brats
- Place the browned brats back into the pot, nestling them into the onions.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”.
- Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set the timer for 6 minutes at high pressure.
- When cooking ends, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release before turning the valve to “Venting” for a quick release.
Step 5: Toast and Serve
- While the brats finish, toast buns under a broiler or in a toaster oven for 2 minutes, if desired.
- Open the pot, remove brats with tongs, and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips & Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Brats
- Sear First for Maximum Flavor: Browning your brats before pressure cooking boosts their flavor and helps seal in juices. Don’t skip this step if you can spare a few extra minutes.
- Choose Your Liquid Wisely: Beer offers classic bratwurst depth, but broth keeps things kid-friendly. If you want a sweeter, more German-inspired taste, try apple cider.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For even cooking, avoid stacking brats on top of each other. Arrange them in as much of a single layer as possible.
- Check for Doneness: Brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If you’re unsure, use a digital instant-read thermometer.
- Customize Your Toppings: Go beyond classic mustard and sauerkraut. Try caramelized onions, hot peppers, spicy slaw, or a cheese sauce for a twist.
- Make Extras: Cooked brats keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re great sliced into pasta, loaded onto pizza, or added to breakfast hash.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Brats
Brats aren’t just for buns! Turn them into a full meal with creative serving ideas.
- Classic: Place brats in buns and top with sautéed onions, mustard, and sauerkraut.
- German-style: Serve with warm potato salad, pretzels, and pickles.
- Low-carb: Slice brats over a simple cabbage slaw or roasted vegetables.
- Game Day: Set up a “brat bar” with assorted toppings so guests can build their own.
- Sheet Pan Dinner: Roast seasonal veggies in the oven and serve brats sliced on top.
Pair with sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy potatoes for a crowd-pleasing feast.
Nutritional Information (Per Brat with Bun)
- Calories: 350–420
- Protein: 14–18g
- Fat: 22–28g (varies by brat type)
- Carbohydrates: 22–28g
- Sodium: 670–900mg
- Sugars: 2–4g
Notes: Using chicken or turkey brats cuts down on saturated fat. Opt for a whole wheat bun and load up with veggies to boost nutrition. For low-carb, skip the bun and use lettuce wraps or stick to side veggies.
Make Instant Pot Brats Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner
Instant Pot brats are proof that easy meals don’t have to be boring. You get all the rich, juicy flavors of traditional bratwurst in under 30 minutes, with minimal mess and maximum flexibility. Home cooks and busy families can enjoy restaurant-quality sausages any night of the week, tailored to their preferences and dietary needs.
Next time you’re craving a hearty meal with minimal fuss, give this recipe a try. You may never go back to stovetop or grill-only brats again.
Hungry for more Instant Pot magic? Check out our favorite weeknight pressure cooker recipes and join our community of home cooks for recipe swaps and meal-planning tips!
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