Beer brat sliders are tiny, tasty sandwiches that pack a punch! Juicy bratwursts cooked in beer make for a flavorful bite, topped with onions or your favorite sauces for extra yum.
These sliders are perfect for parties or game day. Who can resist a mini sandwich? I love serving them with a side of chips—it’s an easy and fun meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bratwurst: Fresh bratwurst is best for this recipe. If unavailable, Italian sausage can be a great substitute. For a spicier kick, try using chicken or turkey brats. They still deliver great flavor without the extra fat!
Beer: I recommend using a lager or ale because they add nice depth to the sausage. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, non-alcoholic beer works, or even chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
Onions: Sweet onions work wonderfully in this recipe, but yellow onions are just as good. For a twist, you can use shallots for a really sweet flavor when caramelized.
Cheese: While I love cheddar for its meltiness, Swiss and gouda also add a creamy richness. If dairy-free is needed, try using a plant-based cheese option.
How Do You Get the Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions enhances their sweetness and adds rich flavor to the sliders. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat—too hot, and they burn; too cold, they won’t caramelize.
- Cook the onions slowly, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If they stick, add a splash of beer or water—this helps deglaze the pan too!
- When they’re golden brown and soft, remove them and set aside to keep that sweet flavor.
How Do You Achieve a Deliciously Juicy Brat Patty?
For juicy brat patties, follow these simple steps:
- Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties; keep them loose for tenderness.
- Cook on medium-high heat for a good sear, which locks in moisture.
- Check for doneness, around 160°F internal temperature, to ensure they’re cooked through but still juicy.
These tips should help you create sliders that are a hit at any gathering. Enjoy your cooking!
Beer Brat Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb bratwurst sausage meat (or casings removed from 4-5 bratwursts)
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing onions)
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 6 slices of cheese (e.g., cheddar, Swiss, or gouda), halved
- 1 cup coleslaw or shredded cabbage slaw
- Optional: mustard or your favorite sauce for topping
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking the patties, and then a few more minutes assembling the sliders. Quick and delicious—perfect for gatherings!
Instructions
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent and beautifully caramelized, which will take around 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step adds a sweet flavor to your sliders!
2. Cook the Bratwurst:
In the same skillet, pour in the beer and bring it to a gentle simmer. If you’re using sausage meat, break it up into chunks; if using bratwurst links, add them whole. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the bratwurst is thoroughly cooked. After simmering, drain the liquid and remove from the pan. It’s okay if it gets a little bit brown—that adds flavor!
3. Form the Patties:
Now, take the cooked bratwurst meat and form it into 12 small slider-sized patties. Season lightly with salt and pepper to give them a great taste.
4. Brown the Patties:
Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the brat patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through. This gives them a nice crisp on the outside!
5. Melt the Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, add a half slice of cheese on top of each patty to allow it to melt deliciously.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese melts, lightly toast your slider buns on the grill or in a pan until they’re golden brown. This adds great texture and flavor!
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Now it’s time to put it all together! On each bottom bun, place one brat patty with melted cheese, add a spoonful of the caramelized onions followed by a handful of coleslaw for crunch. Finally, top with the bun to close it up.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sliders immediately with mustard or your favorite condiments on the side. They’ll be a hit at your next party or gathering!
These sliders are perfect for game day or parties, offering juicy, beer-infused brat flavors in a fun, handheld format. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While bratwurst is traditional, feel free to use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey brats for a leaner option. Each will give a unique flavor that’s still delicious!
Can I Prep the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the patties and caramelize the onions a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the patties and assemble the sliders with the toasted buns.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet. If the buns are too soft, you can crisp them up in a pan for a fresh texture!
Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
Sure! Add some chopped jalapeños or use spicy mustard instead of regular mustard. You can also opt for spicy bratwurst or mix in crushed red pepper flakes with the sausage meat for heat.