Save My brother-in-law brought these to a playoff party three years ago and I haven't stopped thinking about them since. He set the platter down during the third quarter and the living room went completely silent—everyone abandoned the chips and salsa immediately. Now they're the first thing people ask about when they get the group text about who's hosting this week.
I made these for my dad's birthday last fall and he ate four before halftime even started. My mom usually picks at game day food but she went back for seconds, which is basically a five-star review in our family.
Ingredients
- Uncooked bratwurst sausages (1 lb): Removing the casings lets you form perfect slider-sized patties that cook evenly and fit the buns beautifully
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Fresh cracked pepper makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): This adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the bratwurst's natural seasoning
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Control the salt level in your roux by starting with unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Creates the silky base for your beer cheese sauce
- Lager beer (1 cup): Choose a beer you actually enjoy drinking—it really comes through in the sauce
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Sharp cheese gives you that tangy kick that cuts through the richness
- Cream cheese (2 oz): The secret ingredient that makes the sauce velvety smooth instead of grainy
- Dijon mustard (1/2 tsp): Just a teaspoon adds a complex background note
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for slowly caramelizing those onions until they're golden and sweet
- Large yellow onion (1): Thin slices are key here—use a sharp knife or mandoline
- Slider buns (12): Soft brioche or potato rolls work beautifully here
- Sliced dill pickles (1/3 cup): These add the perfect acidic crunch to balance everything
- Melted butter (2 tbsp): Brushing the bun tops gives them that gorgeous golden finish
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp, optional): A little sprinkle makes these look restaurant-worthy
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later
- Caramelize the onions:
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add those thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they're golden brown and smell amazing—about 12 to 15 minutes. Set them aside where they'll stay warm.
- Shape the patties:
- Gently mix the bratwurst meat with black pepper and smoked paprika in a bowl. Divide into 12 equal portions and form each into a small patty that will fit your slider buns perfectly.
- Bake the patties:
- Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they're cooked through with a nice light brown color.
- Make the beer cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for just 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beer while whisking constantly until smooth, then reduce heat to low. Add both cheeses and stir until melted, then stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt to taste. Keep this warm while you assemble everything.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Place bottom bun halves in a baking dish and top each with a brat patty, a spoonful of those caramelized onions, some pickles, and a generous amount of beer cheese sauce. Crown them with the bun tops.
- Finish and serve:
- Brush the bun tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you're feeling fancy. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the buns are toasted and that cheese is bubbling beautifully. Serve them hot and watch them disappear.
Save Last year my neighbor smelled these cooking through our shared wall and showed up with a six-pack of beer, claiming he just happened to be in the neighborhood. We've made them together for every big game since.
Make Ahead Magic
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 milk if it seems too thick after chilling.
Perfect Party Portions
These sliders are ideal because everyone gets their own perfectly portioned sandwich. Set up a toppings bar with extra pickles, mustard, or even jalapeños so guests can customize their sliders exactly how they like them.
Game Day Hosting Wins
Keep everything warm in a 200°F oven if people are eating throughout the game. The buns stay soft and the cheese stays melty without drying out or getting overcooked.
- Set out plenty of napkins—these can get messy in the best way
- Pair with simple sides like potato salad or coleslaw to round out the spread
- Double the recipe for a crowd because these disappear faster than you expect
Save There's something about warm bratwurst and tangy cheese that brings people together. Hope these become a favorite in your house too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use pre-cooked bratwurst for this dish?
While uncooked bratwurst is recommended for shaping the patties, you could adapt this using pre-cooked links by slicing them and warming them before assembly, though the texture might differ slightly.
- → How can I adjust the consistency of the beer cheese sauce?
For a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a tiny pinch more flour. If you prefer a thinner sauce, slowly add a splash more beer or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- → What type of beer works best in the cheese sauce?
A mild lager is ideal for the cheese sauce as it provides flavor without being too overpowering or bitter. Avoid very hoppy or dark beers, which can alter the delicate balance.
- → Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Absolutely. The caramelized onions can be made a day in advance and reheated. The brat patties can be formed and refrigerated until cooking. While best fresh, the beer cheese sauce can be gently reheated if needed.
- → Are there any substitutions for pork bratwurst?
Yes, you can easily substitute with turkey bratwurst for a lighter option, or even use seasoned ground pork, chicken, or a plant-based alternative if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- → What if I don't have slider buns?
No problem! Regular dinner rolls, small brioche buns, or even Hawaiian sweet rolls work perfectly. Just adjust the size of your patties to fit your chosen bread.