Save Elevate your game day spread with these Touchdown Brat Sliders, a crowd-pleasing snack that brings the best of American-German fusion to the table. Featuring juicy bratwurst patties, rich beer cheese sauce, and perfectly caramelized onions, every bite is a win for your taste buds.
Save These sliders are designed for flavor and efficiency. By baking the patties and assembling them in a batch, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time cheering for your favorite team. The addition of a smooth beer cheese sauce ensures these sliders remain moist and decadent.
Ingredients
- For the Brat Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) uncooked bratwurst sausages, casings removed
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- For the Beer Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) lager beer
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 oz (55 g) cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- For the Onions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- For Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 1/3 cup (30 g) sliced dill pickles
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing buns)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 12–15 minutes. Set aside.
- Step 3
- In a bowl, combine bratwurst meat, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently. Divide into 12 equal portions and shape each into a small patty.
- Step 4
- Arrange patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 5
- Meanwhile, make the beer cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add beer, whisking constantly until smooth. Reduce heat to low, then add cheddar and cream cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt. Keep warm.
- Step 6
- Split slider buns and place bottom halves in a baking dish. Top each with a brat patty, a spoonful of caramelized onions, pickles, and generous beer cheese sauce. Cover with bun tops.
- Step 7
- Brush bun tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Step 8
- Bake assembled sliders for 7–8 minutes, until buns are toasted and cheese is bubbling. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth beer cheese sauce, add the lager slowly while whisking constantly. When caramelizing onions, keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to prevent burning, allowing them to reach a deep golden brown for the best flavor. Always check labels for potential allergens when purchasing buns and condiments.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter option, you can substitute turkey bratwurst for the traditional pork variety. If you want to add some heat to your game day snack, include a few jalapeño slices on each slider before adding the top bun.
Serviervorschläge
These sliders are best served hot straight from the oven. They pair exceptionally well with a crisp pilsner or a traditional Hefeweizen to complement the savory pork and tangy cheese sauce.
Save Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party or a casual weekend get-together, these Touchdown Brat Sliders are guaranteed to be a fan favorite. Serve them hot and enjoy the perfect fusion of flavors!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use pre-cooked bratwurst instead of raw sausages?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bratwurst. Simply remove the casings, form into patties, and reduce the baking time to 5-7 minutes just to heat through and brown slightly.
- → What type of beer works best for the cheese sauce?
A light lager or pilsner works perfectly as it provides subtle flavor without overwhelming the cheese. Avoid dark or heavily hopped beers which can make the sauce bitter.
- → How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Keep the heat on low when adding the cheese and stir constantly. Remove from heat as soon as the cheese melts completely to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- → Can these sliders be made ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the patties, caramelized onions, and cheese sauce up to one day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside these sliders?
These pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or German potato salad. Crispy kettle chips and pickled vegetables also complement the rich flavors.
- → Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free slider buns and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.