Touchdown Brat Sliders

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Touchdown Brat Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day treat. These mini sandwiches are loaded with juicy bratwurst, flavorful toppings, and served on soft slider buns for a bite-sized taste of perfection. Whether you’re watching the big game or hosting a casual gathering, these sliders are a guaranteed hit. The bratwurst is seasoned and grilled to perfection, offering a savory, satisfying flavor in each bite, while the toppings add a burst of freshness and tang. With easy customization options, you can make these sliders to fit everyone’s taste preferences.

I remember the first time I made them for a game-day party. The smell of sizzling bratwurst filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to grab one. The combination of the juicy bratwurst with the fresh toppings was a total game-changer. What’s great is how customizable these sliders are—I’ve tried different toppings like sautéed onions, tangy mustard, or even creamy cheese, and each time they’ve been a huge hit! Whether you’re sticking with the classic combo or mixing it up with something new, these sliders are always a crowd favorite.

Perfect for:

• Game day
• Parties
• Casual get-togethers
• Tailgating
• Barbecue lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Touchdown Brat Sliders will score a touchdown at your next gathering:

• Juicy Bratwurst: The bratwurst is packed with savory, spiced flavor and grilled to perfection, offering the ultimate bite.
• Slider Size: These mini sandwiches are easy to eat, making them perfect for casual parties or game-day snacking.
• Customizable Toppings: Whether you like mustard, pickles, sautéed onions, or tangy cheese, these sliders can be tailored to fit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Simple, hearty, and flavorful, these sliders are sure to please everyone at your table.
• No Fuss: These sliders are easy to assemble, making them the perfect option for busy hosts and busy game days.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Touchdown Brat Sliders:

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (soft and mini)
• 6 bratwurst (beef, chicken, or turkey bratwurst)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
• 1 cup sauerkraut (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Pickles (sliced, optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Toppings (Optional):

• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
• Ketchup or barbecue sauce
• Jalapeños or other fresh chilies for a kick

Ingredient Highlights

• Bratwurst: Choose a high-quality bratwurst, whether it’s beef, turkey, or chicken, for the main protein in your sliders.
• Slider Buns: Soft, mini buns are ideal for making sliders. You can choose whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Swiss will melt perfectly over the bratwurst, adding richness and flavor.
• Sauerkraut: Optional, but it adds a tangy contrast that pairs well with bratwurst.
• Mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty flavor to the sliders. Yellow mustard or Dijon can both work well.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Touchdown Brat Sliders:

Grill the Bratwurst:

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Bratwurst: Grill the bratwurst for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. You want them to be browned and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Remove from Heat: Once cooked, remove the bratwurst from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into pieces that will fit comfortably on the slider buns.

Prepare the Sliders:

4. Toast the Slider Buns: While the bratwurst rests, slice the slider buns in half. Toast them lightly on the grill or in the oven for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Prepare the Onions (Optional): If using onions, sauté them in a small pan with a little olive oil until soft and caramelized (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Assemble the Sliders: Place a piece of grilled bratwurst on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun.

• Optional: Top with a spoonful of sauerkraut, a slice of cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles.
• Spread mustard on the top half of the buns.

Serve:

7. Assemble and Serve: Place the top half of the buns on the assembled sliders and serve immediately with extra condiments on the side. Enjoy!

How to Serve

• With a Side of Chips: Pair your sliders with crispy potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a veggie platter for a complete snack.
• Serve with a Dip: Consider serving with a mustard dip, aioli, or spicy ketchup for extra flavor.
• For a Full Meal: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
• For a Picnic or Party: These sliders are perfect for outdoor gatherings, especially with a cold drink in hand.

Additional Tips

• Grill the Brats Ahead of Time: You can grill the bratwurst a day ahead, slice them, and store them in the fridge. Reheat them on the grill when assembling.
• Customize the Toppings: Add sautéed mushrooms, shredded lettuce, or roasted peppers for a unique twist.
• Use a Griddle Pan: If you don’t have access to a grill, a griddle pan on the stove works just as well to cook the bratwurst and toast the buns.
• Use Leaner Bratwurst: For a lighter option, go with chicken or turkey bratwurst.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Touchdown Brat Sliders – Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Veggie Brat Sliders – Swap out bratwurst for a plant-based sausage or veggie patty.
3. Cheddar Bacon Brat Sliders – Add crispy turkey bacon for extra crunch.
4. BBQ Brat Sliders – Top with a smoky barbecue sauce for a sweet, tangy twist.
5. Sweet & Spicy Brat Sliders – Drizzle with honey and chili flakes for a sweet and spicy combo.
6. Crispy Onion Brat Sliders – Add crispy fried onions for a crunchy texture.
7. Lettuce-Wrapped Brat Sliders – For a low-carb option, serve the bratwurst in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
8. Melted Cheese Brat Sliders – Experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or pepper jack, for a more flavorful twist.
9. Garlic Herb Brat Sliders – Top with a garlic herb butter spread for extra flavor.
10. Sausage & Sauerkraut Brat Sliders – Combine bratwurst with more sauerkraut for a tangy, flavorful bite.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked bratwurst (without the buns and toppings). Reheat the bratwurst in a skillet or oven before assembling.
• Storage: Leftover cooked bratwurst can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The assembled sliders are best eaten fresh.

Special Equipment

• Grill or griddle pan
• Tongs for flipping bratwurst
• Small pan for sautéing onions
• Knife for slicing bratwurst and buns

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes, any type of sausage or bratwurst works well in this recipe.
2. Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time? You can grill the bratwurst and prep the toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble the sliders right before serving.
3. How can I make these sliders spicier? Add jalapeños or spicy mustard for an extra kick.
4. Can I use store-bought buns? Yes, any slider or small bun works perfectly.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Substitute the bratwurst with veggie sausages or patties for a plant-based version.

Print

Conclusion

Whether you’re celebrating a touchdown or just looking for a fun and flavorful snack, Touchdown Brat Sliders are the perfect choice. With their juicy bratwurst, customizable toppings, and easy-to-assemble format, they’re sure to be a fan favorite at your next gathering!

These sliders bring together savory bratwurst with a soft, toasted bun and your favorite toppings like mustard, sauerkraut, grilled onions, or pickles. They’re simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making them ideal for game day, casual get-togethers, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

I’d love to see how your Touchdown Brat Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!