These Beer Brat Sliders are a fun twist on a backyard favorite! Juicy bratwurst soaked in beer, nestled in soft slider buns—perfect for bites of flavor!
They’re great for parties or game days, and who can resist the smell of bratwurst sizzling? I like to add some sauerkraut and mustard for a tasty kick. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bratwurst: Choose high-quality bratwurst for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken bratwurst works wonderfully as a substitute.
Beer: Lager is my preferred choice for its mild taste, but you can also use pale ale. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try using non-alcoholic beer or even chicken broth.
Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but if you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead. They’ll still hold the sliders together nicely!
Coleslaw: I love using a pre-made coleslaw mix for convenience. If you want to make your own, simply mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a little mayo, vinegar, and sugar to taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Sliders Don’t Fall Apart?
One common challenge in making sliders is keeping them from falling apart. To achieve a perfect patty, be gentle when mixing the ingredients; over-mixing can toughen the sliders. Here are a few tips:
- Combine the bratwurst and other ingredients just until mixed. No need to go crazy here; gentle folding is key!
- Form patties a bit smaller than the buns since they will puff up slightly while cooking.
- Use a grill or skillet that’s pre-heated well—this helps create a good crust, holding the patties together.
Following these tips will give you delicious sliders that hold their shape perfectly while grilling!
Beer Brat Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Slider Patties:
- 1 lb bratwurst sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns, split and toasted
- 12 dill pickle slices
- 1 cup shredded coleslaw or prepared coleslaw mix
- Yellow mustard or your favorite mustard (optional)
- Butter (for toasting buns, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and forming the patties, and then around 20 minutes cooking and assembling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Patty Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground bratwurst meat, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well blended but be careful not to overmix.
2. Add the Beer:
Pour in the beer and gently mix it in until just combined. The beer adds flavor and keeps the patties moist, so take care not to overwork the meat.
3. Form the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 12 small slider-sized patties, making sure they are even in size. Place them on a tray or a plate while you heat up your grill or skillet.
4. Cook the Sliders:
Heat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the brat sliders for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure to check if they are fully cooked inside!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the sliders are cooking, lightly butter the split slider buns. Toast them on the grill or in another skillet until they are golden brown. This gives the buns a lovely crispy texture!
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Take the bottom half of each bun and spread mustard on it if you’re using it. Add a slice of dill pickle, then place a brat slider patty on top, followed by a generous amount of shredded coleslaw. Finally, place the top bun on each slider.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sliders immediately while they’re warm. They are perfect for a casual gathering, game day, or any fun occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
These beer brat sliders combine the rich, savory flavors of bratwurst infused with beer, and they are brightened up by crunchy pickles and tangy coleslaw, all nestled in soft, toasted buns. Perfect for every celebration!
Can I Use Different Sausages for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While bratwurst is traditional, you can use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time if you use different types of sausage to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the bratwurst mixture. You can also top the sliders with spicy mustard or add sliced spicy pickles!
What Should I Do with Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for a quick fix. Enjoy them as a late-night snack!
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the brat patty mixture the day before and refrigerate it. Just be sure to form the patties just before cooking for the best texture. You can also freeze the uncooked patties; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
