September 24, 2024
Main Dishes

Brat Sliders Recipe

These brat sliders feature juicy double-smoked bratwurst topped with rich, smoky beer cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all tucked into a soft mini pretzel bun. Perfect for game day or backyard gatherings, these sliders pack a punch of bold flavors in every bite!

These double-smoked brat sliders are packed with flavor, featuring juicy bratwurst topped with creamy smoked beer cheese and sweet caramelized onions. Served on a mini pretzel bun, they’re the perfect bite-sized snack for any gathering!

If you’re looking for the perfect game day snack, these double-smoked brat sliders are sure to be a hit. Packed with bold flavors from the juicy bratwurst, smoky beer cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, these sliders are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re tailgating with friends or hosting a football party at home, these bite-sized treats will keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re completely customizable with options like mustard and sauerkraut, so everyone can create their ideal slider!

Why This Recipe Works

Double-smoked flavor: Smoking the bratwurst twice adds an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor, making the brats juicy and delicious.
Perfect for game days: These bite-sized sliders are easy to eat, making them ideal for tailgating, football parties, or any gathering.
Customizable toppings: From smoked beer cheese to caramelized onions, and optional add-ons like mustard and sauerkraut, everyone can build their perfect slider.

Supplies Needed

Large cast-iron skillet or heavy skillet
Rimmed baking sheet
Small saucepan
Tongs
Slotted spoon
Paper towels

Ingredients

Bratwurst
Pretzel slider buns (or substitute with Hawaiian rolls)
Yellow onions (for caramelized onions)
Butter (for cooking the onions)
Smoked Beer Cheese Sauce
- Beer (I love Amber Ale or Oktoberfest style)
- Cheddar cheese (or substitute with Monterey Jack or smoked gouda)
- Mustard and Horseradish
Optional Toppings:
- Stone ground mustard
- Sauerkraut
- Grillo’s pickles (optional for extra crunch)

How to Double Smoke Bratwurst

Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Place the uncooked brats directly on the smoker grates and smoke them for 1 hour. This slow cooking method infuses the bratwurst with a deep, smoky flavor.
Ice Bath: Cool the bratwurst down fully and let them chill for at least 20 minutes.
Increase the temperature to 275°F after the first hour, and cook the brats for another 30-45 minutes to heat them a second time until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The higher heat helps them finish cooking without drying out. If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill over medium heat or bake them on a rimmed baking sheet at 350°F in the oven.
Let the brats rest for a few minutes, then slice them in half lengthwise for the slider buns.

Don’t want to smoke your brats? Simply throw them onto the grill and cook them over medium heat or try my recipe for air fryer brats for an easy indoor method.

Assembling the Brat Sliders

Toast the slider buns: Lightly toast the pretzel buns on the grill or in the oven to warm them up.
Prepare the onions: In a large skillet, cook sliced onions with butter over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they caramelize. If they start to stick, add a little water or more butter to the pan.
Build the sliders: Place the halved bratwurst into the toasted pretzel buns. Top with a generous spoonful of smoked beer cheese and caramelized onions. Optional toppings like stone ground mustard or Grillo’s pickles will add even more flavor to the sliders.

Serving Suggestions and Reheating

These sliders are perfect for game days or tailgating parties. Serve them alongside your favorite beer, or pair them with classic sides like deli style potato salad or these Chicago-style smoked sweet peppers. You could even add a spicy bratwurst slider twist with a splash of hot sauce or spicy brown mustard on top.

If you need to reheat the brat sliders, the best way is to pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make the buns soggy. Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat as needed for a quick snack later.

Enjoy these tasty brat sliders as the perfect addition to any football season party!