Save The first time I made these sliders was during a playoff game that went into double overtime. By the time I pulled the tray from the oven, everyone had migrated from the living room to the kitchen, drawn by the smell of melting cheddar and caramelized onions. My friend Sarah claimed she normally hates bratwurst but ate three of these before halftime. Now they are requested for every single watch party.
Last Super Bowl Sunday, I made three batches and still ran out before the fourth quarter. My brother in law hovered near the counter pretending to help with dishes while sneakily grabbing sliders every time I turned around. The combination of juicy bratwurst, tangy cheese, and buttery toasted buns just works in a way regular burgers never quite achieve.
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Ingredients
- Uncooked bratwurst sausages: Removing the casings gives you that perfect patty texture that stays incredibly juicy
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle warmth that complements the beer without overwhelming the other flavors
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Do not use mild cheese here, the sharpness cuts through the rich bratwurst
- Lager beer: A light lager works best, nothing too hoppy or the sauce might turn bitter
- Yellow onion: Take your time caramelizing, the deep sweetness balances the tangy cheese sauce perfectly
- Slider buns: Soft brioche or potato buns hold up better than dense rolls
- Dill pickles: These add a bright crunch that cuts through all the richness
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Instructions
- Get everything ready:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Caramelize those onions slowly in olive oil with a pinch of salt until they are golden brown and smell amazing.
- Shape the patties:
- Mix the bratwurst meat with pepper and smoked paprika, then form twelve small patties. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Make the magic sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Slowly pour in the beer while whisking constantly, then reduce heat and stir in both cheeses until smooth. Add the Dijon mustard and season to taste.
- Assemble and bake:
- Place bun bottoms in a baking dish, top each with a patty, onions, pickles and plenty of cheese sauce. Add the bun tops, brush with melted butter, and bake for 7 to 8 minutes until everything is toasted and bubbly.
Save These sliders have become the unofficial kickoff to our football season. Even neighbors who pretend to drop by for something else somehow end up staying once they smell them baking. Food that brings people together is the best kind of food.
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Make Ahead Strategy
You can caramelize the onions up to two days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The beer cheese sauce also reheats beautifully, just add a splash of beer or milk when warming it up. I often cook the brat patties the morning of the party, then assemble and bake just before guests arrive.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders disappear fastest when served with crispy oven baked fries or a simple cucumber salad. A cold pilsner or Hefeweizen ties everything together perfectly. I usually put out some extra pickles and mustard on the side for people who like to customize.
Game Day Hosting Tips
Set up a toppings station with extra pickles, mustard and even some jalapeño slices for guests who want heat. Keep the assembled sliders warm in a 200°F oven if timing does not work out perfectly.
- Everything tastes better when the kitchen is full of people and laughter
- Double the recipe, you will need them
- Cheese sauce can be made in the slow cooker on low for easy serving
Save Hope these sliders become part of your game day traditions too. Enjoy every bite and the company that gathers around them.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the beer cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the beer cheese sauce can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, adding a splash of milk or beer if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
- → What kind of bratwurst should I use for the patties?
For best results, use fresh, uncooked bratwurst sausages with the casings removed. If only pre-cooked bratwurst is available, you can still use it, but adjust the cooking time for the patties to just heat them through and get a nice sear.
- → Are there any substitutions for the beer in the cheese sauce?
While lager beer provides a distinct tangy flavor, you can substitute it with non-alcoholic beer or even chicken or vegetable broth for a similar savory base, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- → How do I store and reheat leftover sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in an oven or toaster oven to maintain the bun's texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- → Can I add other toppings or variations?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize. You could add a few jalapeño slices for heat, a strip of crispy bacon, or even a dollop of spicy mustard. Different types of pickles or a sprinkle of fresh herbs would also be delicious.
- → Can I prepare these for a large gathering?
Yes, this dish is excellent for crowds! The components like caramelized onions and beer cheese sauce can be prepped in advance, and you can easily scale the recipe to make multiple trays of sliders, baking them in batches or larger ovens as needed.
