Touchdown Brat Sliders

The kitchen was already chaos when my friend Sarah stumbled in with three bags of groceries and that look in her eye that said I have an idea. We had twenty minutes before kickoff and a living room full of hungry football fans. She dumped bratwurst, cheese, and beer onto my counter with zero hesitation. Those sliders became the reason people started showing up early to my game day gatherings.

Last November I made forty of these for a watch party and honestly should have doubled the batch. My brother stood by the stove eating them straight off the baking sheet while they were still too hot to touch. Nobody even mentioned the actual game score. They just kept asking if there were more sliders coming.

Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked bratwurst sausages, casings removed: Fresh is better here and removing the casings lets you form perfect small patties that cook evenly
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Fresh cracked makes a real difference in the final flavor
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: This gives that subtle smoky depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the seasoning in the cheese sauce
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the sauce perfectly
• 1 cup lager beer: Something you would actually drink works best here
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself for the smoothest melting
• 2 oz cream cheese: This is what makes the sauce silky instead of grainy
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: Just enough to brighten all that rich cheese
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced: Take your time with these because they are worth every minute
• 12 slider buns: Brioche or potato rolls hold up beautifully
• 1/3 cup sliced dill pickles: These cut through all the richness

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks later

Caramelize the onions first:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onions with a pinch of salt, and let them cook slowly until they are deep golden brown and sweet

Form the patties:

Mix the bratwurst meat with pepper and smoked paprika gently, divide into 12 portions, and shape each into a small patty

Bake the patties:

Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned

Make the beer cheese sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for one minute, slowly add beer while whisking until smooth, then stir in cheddar and cream cheese until melted

Assemble everything:

Place bun bottoms in a baking dish, top each with a patty, caramelized onions, pickles, and plenty of cheese sauce, then cover with bun tops

Finish with butter:

Brush the bun tops with melted butter, add sesame seeds if you want, and bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the buns are golden and the cheese is bubbling

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These sliders have become my go to whenever life feels overwhelming and I need to feed people something that feels like a hug. The way the cheese sauce gets into every single cranny of the bun is absolute magic.

Make It Ahead

I have learned to caramelize the onions and make the cheese sauce up to two days in advance. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat with a splash of cream to bring it back to life. The patties are best formed and cooked the same day for the freshest texture.

Serving Ideas

These disappear fastest when served with extra napkins and cold beer. I like to set out a bowl of extra pickles and some coarse mustard on the side. They also pair beautifully with a simple German potato salad or roasted brussels sprouts.

Storage And Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes to recrisp the buns and melt the cheese again. The microwave works but makes the buns soggy so I avoid it.

• Wrap assembled sliders individually in foil before freezing for up to one month
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
• The cheese sauce freezes beautifully in small portions

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Hope these sliders make your game day table just as rowdy and wonderful as mine. There is something genuinely special about food that makes people linger longer than they planned.

Your Questions Answered

→ Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?

Yes, the caramelized onions can be made a day ahead and reheated. The beer cheese sauce can also be prepared and gently reheated, adding a splash of milk if it's too thick. The brat patties are best cooked fresh.

→ What type of beer works best for the cheese sauce?

A light lager or pilsner is recommended as it adds a subtle depth without overpowering the cheese. Avoid anything too dark or hoppy, which can make the sauce bitter.

→ Can I use different types of sausage for the patties?

Absolutely. While bratwurst is traditional, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage, adjusting the seasonings as needed. Ensure casings are removed.

→ How should I store and reheat leftover sliders?

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, usually about 10-15 minutes.

→ What are good accompaniments for these sliders?

These pair wonderfully with classic game day sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or even a simple green salad. Sweet potato fries or onion rings also make a great addition.