Description
Juicy bratwurst-spiced beef patties topped with creamy beer cheese and served on chewy pretzel buns. A festive and hearty burger perfect for Oktoberfest or any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp caraway seeds, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup German lager or ale
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 pretzel buns, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: caramelized onions, sauerkraut, lettuce, pickles
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 equal patties and chill for 20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until desired doneness is reached. Rest patties under foil.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in beer until smooth.
- Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, and cayenne until sauce is creamy. Keep warm.
- Slice pretzel buns and butter the cut sides. Toast in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until golden.
- Assemble burgers by layering buns with beer cheese, patties, more cheese sauce, and optional toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
 For a non-alcoholic version, replace beer with milk or chicken broth. Patties can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Serve with fries, potato salad, or a cold lager.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German-American