Ingredients
Scale
- 5 thick slices of chicken or beef bacon, chopped
- 1 pound uncooked bratwurst links (chicken or beef), casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup dark beer or nonalcoholic beer (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 dinner rolls, split and toasted
- 2 cups cheddar and sour cream potato chips, crushed
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken or Beef Bacon
- Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped chicken or beef bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
- Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain.
- Leave the bacon drippings in the pan for added flavor.
2. Cook the Bratwurst Mixture
- In the same skillet, add the bratwurst (or ground meat) and chopped onion.
- Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
- Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the mixture from becoming too oily.
3. Add the Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese, beer (or broth), Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.
4. Assemble the Sliders
- Stir the cooked bacon back into the bratwurst mixture.
- Spoon about ¼ cup of the mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted dinner roll.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of crushed potato chips on top for a crispy texture.
- Place the top half of the roll on each slider.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and enjoy them while they’re warm.
Notes
1. How to Tell if the Bratwurst is Cooked
- The meat should be fully browned with no pink remaining.
- If using a meat thermometer, it should read at least 160°F (71°C) for chicken or beef bratwurst.
2. Preventing Overcooked or Burnt Meat
- Cook on medium heat rather than high heat to prevent burning.
- Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
3. Fixing a Sauce That is Too Thin or Too Thick
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
- If it becomes too thick, add a splash of beer or broth to loosen it up.
4. Efficient Kitchen Prep Tips
- Chop the onions and garlic before you start cooking to keep the process smooth.
- Have all ingredients measured and ready before turning on the stove to avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min