Tailgate Bratwurst Sliders

Uncle Randy’s Bratwurst Sliders - Tailgate Edition

If you’re looking to Fire It Up at your next tailgate or backyard get-together, these Tailgate Grilled Bratwurst Sliders are a hit. Big flavor, easy to serve, and you can prep the toppings ahead so you can focus on grilling and chilling. Inspired by Uncle Randy at the Old Smokey factory—his Mississippi Comeback Sauce base plus tangy Pickled Red Onions keep it simple for tailgating.

Bratwurst sausages and slider rolls ready for grilling.
Yield: 16 sliders

Equipment

  • Old Smokey #22 grill (also works with #18 or #14; adjust roaster size and brat quantity)
  • Full-size aluminum foil roaster
  • Tongs
  • Charcoal + 1–2 wood chunks (mesquite, oak, or hickory)

Ingredients

  • 8 beer brats (your favorite brand; Johnsonville from H-E-B used here)
  • Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
  • 1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
  • 2 (16 oz) pilsners or preferred beer

Note: Developed for an Old Smokey #22, but works with #18 or #14—just size the roaster and brats accordingly.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the toppings: Make the Mississippi Comeback Sauce and Pickled Red Onions in advance (see recipes below).
  2. Fire it up: Light charcoal and add a wood chunk or two. Create a two-zone fire by pushing hot coals to one side. Keep all dampers and vents wide open.
  3. Create the beer bath: Add brats to the aluminum roaster. Pour in the pilsners and add the stick of butter so the liquid covers most of the brats (add more beer if needed).
  4. Braise: Set the beer bath on the indirect side of the Old Smokey grill, cover, and braise ~15 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix butter and beer.
  5. Sear: Move brats from the bath directly over hot coals. Sear until nicely charred and a little crunchy.
  6. Slice: Remove and slice brats lengthwise, then crosswise to make butterflied pieces sized for slider buns.
  7. Assemble: Add brat pieces to buns, top with pickled red onions, and drizzle with Mississippi Comeback Sauce. Toast buns for ~1 minute if desired.
  8. Serve: Fire it up and enjoy!
Friends gathered around an Old Smokey grill enjoying bratwurst sliders.

Mississippi Comeback Sauce

(Uncle Randy was holdin' back his secret recipe but we found one that looks good and should get you goin' in the right direction!)

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp hot sauce (Crystal or Louisiana)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients until smooth; chill until serving.

Pickled Red Onions

  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  1. Pack sliced onion into a clean pint mason jar or heatproof container.
  2. In a saucepan, bring vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a simmer, stirring to dissolve.
  3. Pour hot brine over onions to fully submerge. Cool, seal, and refrigerate.
  4. Ready in ~30 minutes; best after a few hours.
Uncle Randy standing behind the table with bratwurst and slider rolls.
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