Oktoberfest Bratwurst Pretzel Burgers with Beer Cheese Spread

Oktoberfest ends this weekend!! We tried and fell in love with these brat burgers and wanted to make sure to share them with you too! They're also awesome for game day and can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Here is all you need for 4 amazing brat burgers:

Photo byLauren

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon German or dijon mustard
• 6 links bratwurst sausages
• 4 slices swiss cheese (or Beer Cheese Spread below)
• 4 pretzel buns

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become very soft, about 7 minutes. Stir in the sauerkraut and take the skillet off the heat.
While the onions are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl.
Remove the sausage casings and place the meat in a bowl, breaking it up with your hands until it resembles ground pork.
Shape the bratwurst meat into four burger patties.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once hot, cook the patties until fully done, with an internal temperature of 165°F. See notes for reference. Top the burgers with Swiss cheese and allow it to melt. You can also warm the buns if desired. Alternatively, sear the patties in a dry pan over medium-high heat, cooking each side for about 5 minutes.
Assemble the burgers by spreading the mustard-mayo sauce on the buns, then piling the onions and sauerkraut on top of the patties. Serve and enjoy!

Beer Cheese Spread:

• 1 lb aged natural cheddar cheese
• 1 lb natural swiss cheese
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1-2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 oz beer

Finely grate the cheeses.
In a food processing bowl, add the cheeses, garlic, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and pulse until combined.
Slowly add in the beer, until the mixture is smooth and reaches a spreadable consistency. Spread on brat burger buns. Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator. (Before serving again, allow it to come to room temperature).

*Notes:
Use a beer that you like as you will taste it through the cheese spread.