Bratwurst patties with beer cheese sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles on slider buns—ideal for game day.
# What You Need:
→ Brat Patties
01 - 1 lb 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine bratwurst meat, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently to combine. Divide 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 and lightly browned.
05 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly add lager beer while whisking continuously until smooth. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and combined. Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt. Keep warm on low heat.
06 - Split slider buns and place bottom halves in a baking dish. Top each bottom half with one cooked brat patty, a spoonful of caramelized onions, a small portion of dill pickles, and a generous dollop of beer cheese sauce. Cover with corresponding top bun halves.
07 - Brush the top surface of each slider bun with melted butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
08 - Bake assembled sliders for 7 to 8 minutes until buns are golden and toasted and cheese sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot.
