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Easy Oktoberfest Sliders with Pretzel Buns & Melty Cheese

Celebrate Oktoberfest flavor with these juicy mini sliders made with savory beef or bratwurst patties, gooey melted cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and soft pretzel buns. They’re quick, festive, and perfect for parties, tailgates, or cozy fall dinners — all the flavor of a German beer garden in handheld form!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Sliders
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef or bratwurst sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ small onion finely diced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Buns & Toppings
  • 8 mini pretzel buns
  • 8 slices melty cheese Swiss, cheddar, or gouda
  • ½ cup sauerkraut drained
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp coarse salt optional, for garnish
  • Optional Add-Ons
  • Grainy mustard or spicy brown mustard
  • Pickles or caramelized onions for topping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan (optional for toasting buns)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Mix the Meat
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, Dijon, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently — don’t overwork the meat.
  3. Shape into 8 small patties, slightly larger than your buns.
  4. Cook the Patties
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
  7. Add a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking; cover to melt.
  8. Toast the Buns
  9. Brush pretzel buns with melted butter and toast cut-side down in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  10. Assemble the Sliders
  11. Layer bottom bun → patty with melted cheese → sauerkraut → optional mustard/pickles/onions → top bun.
  12. Brush the tops with extra butter and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
  13. Serve
  14. Serve warm with mustard dip, crispy fries, or German-style potato salad.

Notes

For an authentic taste, use bratwurst sausage instead of ground beef.
Gouda or Swiss cheese melt beautifully and pair well with sauerkraut.
To make ahead: cook patties and refrigerate; reheat and assemble before serving.
Perfect for Oktoberfest parties, football nights, or weeknight dinners.
Pair with beer, cider, or sparkling water with lemon for a complete meal.