Touchdown Brat Sliders (Print version)

Bratwurst patties with beer cheese sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles on slider buns for game day.

# What you’ll need:

→ Bratwurst Patties

01 - 1 pound uncooked bratwurst sausages, casings removed
02 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Beer Cheese Sauce

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup lager beer
07 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 2 ounces cream cheese
09 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt to taste

→ Caramelized Onions

11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Assembly

14 - 12 slider buns
15 - 1/3 cup sliced dill pickles
16 - 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing buns
17 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and deep golden brown, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a separate container.
03 - Combine bratwurst meat, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl. Gently mix to combine seasonings. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a small patty approximately 2 inches in diameter.
04 - Arrange formed patties on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through with light browning on exterior.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add lager beer while whisking continuously until mixture is smooth. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until completely melted. Incorporate Dijon mustard and season with salt to taste. Maintain warm temperature.
06 - Split slider buns horizontally. Place bottom halves in a baking dish. Top each bottom bun with one bratwurst patty, one spoonful of caramelized onions, several pickle slices, and a generous portion of beer cheese sauce. Cover with corresponding top bun halves.
07 - Brush tops of slider buns evenly with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over buttered bun tops.
08 - Bake assembled sliders for 7 to 8 minutes until bun tops are lightly toasted and cheese filling is bubbling at edges. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot.

# Cooking tips:

01 -
  • They disappear faster than you can plate them, which means less cleanup and more celebrating.
  • The beer cheese sauce is dangerously good, the kind you'll want to eat with a spoon when no one's looking.
  • You can prep most of it ahead and just pop everything in the oven when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Don't rush the onions, they need time to release their sugars and turn golden, if you crank the heat they'll just burn.
  • Keep the beer cheese sauce on low heat once you add the cheese or it can seize up and turn grainy on you.
  • If you're making these ahead, assemble them but don't bake until right before serving so the buns stay soft and fluffy.
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop to portion the brat meat evenly so all the patties cook at the same rate.
  • Warm the beer to room temperature before adding it to the sauce, it'll incorporate faster and more smoothly.
  • Toast the buns cut side up under the broiler for 30 seconds before assembling if you want extra crunch.
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