There’s something undeniably comforting about grilled bratwurst, especially when it’s nestled in a soft pretzel bun. I discovered this mouthwatering Bratwurst Sliders recipe one evening, as friends gathered for an impromptu game night. The smell of sizzling bratwurst and the crispy crunch of fried onion strips filled the air, creating an atmosphere that invited laughter and good conversation.
These sliders are perfect for those days when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare. The combination of savory bratwurst, rich beer cheese sauce, and crispy onion makes them a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply wanting to treat yourself to something delicious, these sliders can transform any mealtime routine into a festive feast. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that proves homemade food can be exciting, flavorful, and never boring!
Why will you love Bratwurst Sliders?
Irresistible Flavor: The savory bratwurst with creamy beer cheese sauce creates a flavorsome bite that’s simply unforgettable.
Crunchy Delight: Crispy fried onion strips add a satisfying texture that complements the soft pretzel buns perfectly.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Customizable: Guests can build their own sliders, allowing for endless combinations to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for any occasion, these sliders will have everyone raving and asking for your secret!
Bratwurst Sliders Ingredients
For the Sliders
• Bratwursts – These flavorful sausages are the star of your sliders, bringing a juicy bite that pairs beautifully with toppings.
• Pretzel Buns – Soft and chewy, these buns elevate your bratwurst sliders and add a delightful twist to the traditional burger.
• Unsalted Butter – A little butter goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your buns when grilled.
For the Fried Onion Strips
• Onion – Sliced onions provide a sweet crunch; yellow or sweet onions work best for frying.
• Buttermilk – This tangy ingredient helps the coating adhere, while adding a rich flavor to the onion strips.
• All-Purpose Flour – This is the base for your crispy coating—mix in seasonings for extra flavor!
• Salt – A pinch enhances the overall taste of the fried onions, ensuring they’re perfectly seasoned.
• Black Pepper – Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle kick and depth to the flavor of the onion crust.
• Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying, it has a high smoke point, allowing for that perfect golden crisp.
For the Beer Cheese Sauce
• Beer Cheese Sauce – The luscious, creamy dipping sauce amplifies the flavor of your bratwurst sliders and offers a delightful pairing for the crispy onions.
Now that you have all the ingredients laid out, you can see how easy it is to whip up these delicious Bratwurst Sliders and bring everyone together for a joyful meal!
How to Make Bratwurst Sliders
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Prepare the beer cheese sauce using your favorite recipe, ensuring it’s creamy and flavorful to complement the sliders wonderfully. Warm it gently, so it’s ready for dipping.
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Set up a dredging station by pouring buttermilk into one bowl and mixing flour, salt, and pepper in another. This allows for easy coating of the onion strips.
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Dip the onion strips into the buttermilk, then transfer them to the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. Set them aside while you heat the oil.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 365°F. Carefully fry the breaded onion strips for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt, if desired.
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Remove the casings from the bratwurst links and form them into patties. Season each patty generously with salt and pepper to ensure maximum flavor.
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Grill the sliders on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 160°F for perfectly cooked sausages.
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Butter the pretzel buns, then place them cut side down on the grill for the last 5 minutes of cooking, giving them a lovely toasted finish.
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Serve the sliders with a generous helping of fried onions on top and warmed beer cheese dip on the side. Let guests build their own delicious creations!
Optional: Add sliced pickles for an extra crunch and tang.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bratwurst Sliders?
There’s nothing quite like a gathering of friends and family, especially when they’re indulging in delicious bites in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries add a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory bratwurst sliders, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw brings a crunchy, tangy element that balances the richness of the beer cheese sauce and fried onions.
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Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a hearty side that’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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German Potato Pancakes: These crispy, golden favorites pair wonderfully with sliders and provide a tasty nod to the German lineage of bratwurst.
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Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: Adding a tangy crunch, pickles cut through the richness of the sliders, offering a refreshing and zesty palate cleanser.
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Fruity Salad: A light, fruity salad with a citrus-based dressing can add a vibrant and refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the meal—perfect for cleansing the palate.
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Beer Pairing: Consider pairing with a crisp lager or wheat beer that complements the flavors of bratwurst and cheese sauce, elevating your dining experience.
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Chocolate Cake: Finish off the meal with a rich, moist chocolate cake for a sweet indulgence that rounds out the flavors of the evening perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Bratwurst Sliders
Fridge: Store leftover Bratwurst Sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the ingredients separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze cooked bratwurst patties and fried onion strips individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Buns freeze well too!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, adding the beer cheese dip for extra warmth and flavor.
Preparation: Always ensure bratwurst is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating for food safety.
Make Ahead Options
These Bratwurst Sliders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the beer cheese sauce and fried onion strips up to 24 hours in advance to save time during busy weeknights. Simply fry the onion strips and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beer cheese sauce can be made ahead and warmed when you’re ready to serve. To finish the sliders, grill the bratwursts and pretzel buns as directed, then layer everything together for a delicious meal. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have tasty, restaurant-quality Bratwurst Sliders with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Expert Tips for Bratwurst Sliders
- Choose Quality Bratwurst: Opt for fresh, high-quality bratwurst to enhance the flavor of your sliders—cheap options can lead to a greasy taste.
- Perfectly Crispy Onions: Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (365°F) before frying to avoid soggy onion strips—this will give you that desired crunch!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper on your bratwurst patties; it makes a significant difference in flavor for your Bratwurst Sliders.
- Grill Technique: Use indirect heat for cooking the bratwurst if your grill has hot spots; this ensures even cooking without burning the outside.
- Adaptable Toppings: Encourage guests to experiment with toppings like jalapeños or sauerkraut—the more variety, the more fun!
Bratwurst Sliders Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to add your own twist to these sliders for a personalized touch that will delight your taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños to the beer cheese sauce for a zesty heat that pairs beautifully with the savory bratwurst.
- Veggie Swap: Replace bratwursts with grilled portobello mushrooms or veggie patties for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the bratwurst patties for an extra layer of creamy flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ground bratwurst for a fragrant twist bursting with flavor.
- Sweet Onion Rings: Try using sweet Vidalia onions for the fried strips, which will bring a subtle sweetness and balance to the sliders.
- Gluten-Free Buns: Substitute soft gluten-free buns to make this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive friends or family.
- Beer Alternatives: For a non-alcoholic version, use non-alcoholic beer in the cheese sauce or a savory broth, maintaining that rich flavor.
- Sauerkraut Addition: Top the sliders with tangy sauerkraut for a classic German flavor that enhances the bratwurst experience.
Experimenting with these variations will keep your slider nights exciting and tasty!
Bratwurst Sliders Recipe FAQs
What type of bratwursts should I use for the sliders?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality fresh bratwursts for the best flavor and texture. Look for those that have a firm texture and are made from real pork or beef, as cheap options can sometimes result in a greasy finish. Also, feel free to explore bratwursts with different seasonings, like garlic or herbs, to add unique twists to your sliders!
How should I store leftover Bratwurst Sliders?
After your gathering, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, it’s best to keep the components separate—store the patties, fried onion strips, and buns in different containers. This helps keep everything fresh and delicious for your next indulgence!
Can I freeze the Bratwurst Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the components for longer storage! Individually wrap the cooked bratwurst patties and fried onion strips in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Buns can also be frozen; just make sure to pack them well! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat the sliders?
Certainly! To reheat, take the thawed bratwurst patties and onion strips and pop them in the oven at 350°F. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety! Don’t forget to warm up your beer cheese dip for that delightful companion!
How can I make these sliders more kid-friendly?
Very! Make these bratwurst sliders appealing for kids by skipping the spicy seasonings and perhaps topping them with mild cheese or ketchup instead of beer cheese. You can also cut the pretzel buns smaller to make slider bites—they’ll enjoy assembling their own mini creations!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free pretzel buns to accommodate those who may have gluten sensitivities. Also, check the sausage ingredients to ensure there are no allergens like dairy or soy if you have guests with allergies. Everyone deserves to enjoy a delicious Bratwurst Slider!
Savor Bratwurst Sliders with Crunchy Onion Strips Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the beer cheese sauce using your favorite recipe, ensuring it’s creamy and flavorful.
- Set up a dredging station by pouring buttermilk into one bowl and mixing flour, salt, and pepper in another.
- Dip the onion strips into the buttermilk, then transfer them to the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 365°F. Fry the onion strips for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the casings from the bratwurst links and form them into patties, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the sliders on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on one side until juices run clear and internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Butter the pretzel buns and grill them cut side down for the last 5 minutes for a lovely toasted finish.
- Serve the sliders with fried onions on top and warmed beer cheese dip on the side.