Experience the Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats
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Savoring the Flavor: Discover Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats
Imagine the rich, savory taste of a classic Reuben sandwich, but with a twist that takes it to a whole new level of comfort and convenience. Our Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats offer just that – a harmonious blend of tender bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, aromatic spices, and a hint of beer, all slow-cooked to perfection. Served on toasted hoagie rolls with a creamy Reuben sauce and melted Swiss cheese, these brats redefine satisfying comfort food. This recipe not only delivers incredible flavor but also leverages the magic of your slow cooker, making meal prep effortless and enjoyable.
For those who adore the iconic Reuben sandwich, this innovative take promises a delightful culinary adventure. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all your favorite Reuben elements in a hearty, easy-to-manage format, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Let’s delve into what makes these Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats a must-try dish.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich: A Taste of History from Omaha
Did you know that the beloved Reuben sandwich has its roots right here in Omaha, Nebraska? This iconic deli staple, cherished for its layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, boasts a fascinating origin story from my very own hometown. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a culinary masterpiece that stands the test of time.
According to historical accounts, the Reuben sandwich was invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born Jewish grocer living in Omaha. He created this masterpiece, possibly as a collaborative effort with fellow participants, during a weekly poker game held at the prestigious Blackstone Hotel between 1920 and 1935. This group, affectionately known as “the committee,” included Charles Schimmel, the hotel’s owner. The sandwich quickly gained local acclaim when Schimmel added it to the Blackstone’s lunch menu. Its fame eventually spread nationwide after a former hotel employee won a national contest with the recipe, cementing its place in American culinary history. Such is its significance in Omaha that March 14th has been officially designated as Reuben Sandwich Day! (Source: Wikipedia).
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Reuben Style Brats
These Reuben Style Brats offer the best of both worlds: the irresistible flavor profile of a classic Reuben combined with the unparalleled convenience of slow cooking. The slow cooker transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours.
Effortless Entertaining with Slow Cooker Meals
Slow cooker meals are synonymous with ease, and this recipe is no exception. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without being tied to the stove. More importantly, these brats are an absolute game-changer for gatherings, especially football watch parties. Imagine prepping everything in advance, then during halftime, simply popping the assembled sandwiches into the oven for a quick toast. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll have a sizzling, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish ready to serve your guests. No stress, just deliciousness!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking. The bratwurst becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the rich essences of the beer, spices, and, of course, the star ingredient – Frank’s Sauerkraut.
Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting Your Reuben Style Brats
Creating these Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats is a straightforward process, breaking down into a few simple stages. The key is allowing the slow cooker to do most of the heavy lifting, infusing the brats with deep, complex flavors.
To begin, you’ll want to brown your bratwursts in a skillet. This crucial step creates a beautiful sear on the brats, locking in their juices and adding an extra layer of flavor and texture that truly elevates the final dish. Don’t skip this step – it makes a noticeable difference!
Once browned, the brats are transferred to your slow cooker. There, they will luxuriate all day in a flavorful bath of Frank’s Sauerkraut, a bottle of your favorite beer (or a suitable substitute like water or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option), and a blend of savory spices, including caraway seeds for that authentic Reuben flavor. This low-and-slow cooking method ensures the brats are incredibly tender and infused with a tangy, rich taste.
While the brats are simmering, you’ll prepare the irresistible Reuben sauce. This creamy spread is a simple mixture of mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, minced onion, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of minced garlic. For an extra layer of Reuben authenticity, incorporate finely chopped deli corned beef into the sauce. This homemade dressing brings all the classic Reuben flavors together in a luscious, tangy concoction.
When the brats are perfectly cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your delicious sandwiches. Generously spread the flavorful Reuben sauce onto hearty hoagie rolls, ensuring every bite is packed with that distinctive taste.
Next, top each sauced hoagie roll with a slice of melty Swiss cheese, followed by one of the wonderfully tender, slow-cooked brats. Pile on a generous helping of the flavorful sauerkraut, fresh from the slow cooker. A quick bake in the oven for about 8-10 minutes is all it takes for the rolls to become perfectly toasted and the Swiss cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
Serve these fantastic Reuben Style Brats hot and be prepared for a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds and satisfy even the heartiest appetites!
The Power of Sauerkraut: More Than Just a Condiment
Beyond its incredible flavor, sauerkraut is a nutritional powerhouse. Many people enjoy its tangy taste, but few realize the extensive health benefits it offers. On my blog, I feature numerous sauerkraut recipes, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s genuinely good for you. Let’s explore some of the fantastic ways sauerkraut contributes to your well-being:
- A Probiotic Powerhouse: Sauerkraut is teeming with beneficial probiotics. Our intestines are home to trillions of bacteria, and a healthy balance is crucial for digestion and overall health. Fermented foods like sauerkraut are naturally rich in these good bacteria, which can aid digestion and gut health. Consuming probiotic-rich foods is especially helpful during and after antibiotic use, when many beneficial bacteria may be depleted.
- Aids in Cancer Prevention: Sauerkraut contains unique isothiocyanate compounds, which are known for their potential to help fight cancer. These compounds are believed to “reduce the activation of carcinogens and increase their detoxification” within the body. While more research is always ongoing, diets high in sauerkraut have been anecdotally linked to lower cancer rates in various populations, suggesting its protective role.
- Packed with Vitamin C: We all know Vitamin C is vital for a healthy immune system and radiant skin, supporting the production of collagen and connective tissue. What you might not realize is that sauerkraut is an exceptional source of this essential vitamin. Historically, fermented cabbage has been utilized as a reliable and readily available source of Vitamin C, particularly in times when fresh produce was scarce.
Incorporating more sauerkraut into your diet is a simple yet effective way to boost your nutrient intake and support various bodily functions. It’s a testament to how traditional foods can offer modern health benefits. (Source: www.diynatural.com)
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Print Recipe
Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats
15 mins
9 mins
14 hrs 51 mins
15 hrs 15 mins
American
Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats
8 servings
926 kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
For the Brats:
- 8 uncooked Bratwurst
- 1 12 ounce bottle beer (could sub water or apple juice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound Frank’s sauerkraut, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup deli corned beef, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons chili sauce
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon minced onion (I used dry)
- 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- sprinkling of black pepper
Instructions
- Brown brats in a skillet on all sides. Place in slow cooker.
- Drain sauerkraut, pour over the brats, add onion, sprinkle with caraway seeds. Pour beer over the top. Cook on low 7-9 hours, ensuring bratwursts are cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce by combining all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside until ready to assemble.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Spread Reuben sauce on hoagies, top with a Swiss cheese slice, add one cooked brat, top with sauerkraut and place on cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until rolls are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Notes
Adapted Source
Nutrition
Stay Connected with Frank’s Sauerkraut for More Delicious Inspiration
Ready to explore more incredible ways to incorporate Frank’s Sauerkraut into your meals? Follow Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels to discover a bounty of delicious recipes year-round and easily find where you can purchase the finest sauerkraut available. Their platforms are a fantastic resource for culinary inspiration and staying up-to-date with their latest offerings. Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all things sauerkraut!
Hungry for More Irresistible Recipes?
If you’re still craving that unique Reuben flavor profile, or perhaps looking for something unexpectedly delicious, check out these other fantastic recipes:
Discover “Everything About the Reuben Sandwich: How to Reuben-ize Everything!” – a comprehensive guide to incorporating those beloved flavors into countless dishes, from dips to casseroles. This article dives deep into the versatility of the Reuben, providing creative ideas to infuse that savory, tangy goodness into almost any meal. Whether you’re a purist or an adventurous eater, you’ll find inspiration to satisfy your Reuben cravings in new and exciting ways.
And for a truly unexpected treat that showcases the incredible versatility of sauerkraut, you absolutely must try what I believe is the BEST Chocolate Cake on the planet!
Yes, you read that right – Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake! Don’t let the name surprise you; the sauerkraut in this recipe acts as a secret ingredient, lending incredible moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate flavor without being detectable as cabbage. It creates a remarkably rich, tender, and uniquely delicious dessert that will astound your guests and challenge their perceptions of what sauerkraut can do. It’s a sweet revelation that perfectly rounds out any meal, proving that sauerkraut is truly a star ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.