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Perfect Grilled Bratwurst Sliders with Beer Onions

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These grilled bratwurst sliders are smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor—everything you love about a classic bratwurst, but in a fun, shareable size. Topped with sweet-and-tangy beer onions, they’re perfect for game-day parties, summer cookouts, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bratwurst links (about 1 lb total)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup beer (lager or ale)
  • 8 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Mustard (optional, for serving)
  • Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, sauerkraut, or arugula

Instructions

  1. Make the beer onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and turn translucent. Pour in the beer, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it simmer. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the beer has mostly evaporated and the onions are soft, jammy, and deeply golden. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Prep the bratwurst patties: Take the bratwurst links and carefully slice each one lengthwise down the middle. Peel off the casing and discard. Place the bratwurst meat in a bowl and gently mix with your hands to combine. Divide the meat into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each) and shape into small patties, about 2 inches wide and ½ inch thick, slightly thinner in the center.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For charcoal, let coals burn until covered with white ash. For gas, preheat with lid closed for 10 minutes.
  4. Grill the patties: Place the bratwurst patties on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until deep golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Do not press down on the patties.
  5. Toast the buns: While the patties rest, split the slider buns and butter the cut sides. Place cut-side down on the grill or in a hot skillet. Toast for about 1 minute until golden and slightly crispy.
  6. Assemble the sliders: Place a bratwurst patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous spoonful of beer onions. Add mustard and any other toppings if desired. Close the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh (not pre-cooked) bratwurst. Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties. Let patties rest for a minute after grilling. Beer onions can be made up to 3 days ahead. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bratwurst and slider buns. For a lower-fat option, use chicken or turkey bratwurst.

Nutrition

Keywords: bratwurst sliders, beer onions, grilled sliders, party food, game day recipe, summer cookout

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/perfect-grilled-bratwurst-sliders-with-beer-onions/