Bratwurst patties with beer cheese sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles on soft slider buns for game day.
# Required ingredients:
→ Bratwurst Patties
01 - 1 pound 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, optional
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
03 - In a bowl, combine bratwurst meat, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a small, compact patty.
04 - Arrange patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
05 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add beer while whisking constantly until smooth. Reduce heat to low, then add cheddar and cream cheese, stirring until fully melted. Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt. Keep warm.
06 - Split slider buns and place bottom halves in a baking dish. Top each with a bratwurst patty, a spoonful of caramelized onions, pickles, and generous beer cheese sauce. Cover with bun tops.
07 - Brush bun tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake assembled sliders for 7 to 8 minutes, until buns are toasted and cheese is bubbling.
