Grilled Sausage Sliders for the Perfect Football Party

Introduction

When it comes to throwing the ultimate fraternity football party, you need a recipe that’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is packed with flavor. These grilled sausage sliders are the perfect solution. Juicy, flavorful sausage patties are grilled on the Arteflame and topped with gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and spicy mustard, all served on soft slider buns. They’re bite-sized, easy to handle, and guaranteed to be a hit with your fellow fans.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 12 slider buns
• 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or pepper jack)
• 1/2 cup spicy mustard
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
• 1 cup pickles, sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the Arteflame Grill

Start your Arteflame grill by placing vegetable oil-soaked paper napkins in the grill, stacking firewood over them, and lighting the fire. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes, so the flat cooktop is ready for grilling.

2. Prepare the Sausage Patties

In a large bowl, mix the ground sausage with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Form the mixture into 12 small patties, slightly larger than the slider buns (they will shrink a bit as they cook).

3. Sauté the Onions

Drizzle olive oil onto the flat cooktop and add the sliced onions. Sauté them until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Move them to a cooler part of the grill to keep warm.

4. Grill the Sausage Patties

Place the sausage patties on the hot part of the Arteflame’s cooktop. Grill the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.

5. Assemble the Sliders

Toast the slider buns on the cooler part of the cooktop, cut side down, until they are golden and slightly crispy. Spread a layer of spicy mustard (and mayonnaise if using) on the bottom half of each bun. Place a sausage patty with melted cheese on top, followed by caramelized onions and pickles. Add any optional toppings like jalapeños or BBQ sauce, then top with the other half of the bun.

6. Serve

Arrange the sliders on a large platter and serve them up hot. These sausage sliders are perfect for munching on during the game, easy to grab, and packed with flavor.

Tips

• Sausage Varieties: Try mixing different types of sausage, like a combination of mild and spicy, or even chicken sausage, to please a variety of tastes.
• Make-Ahead: Form the patties and sauté the onions ahead of time, so you can just throw everything on the grill when it’s game time.
• Condiments Bar: Set up a condiment bar with different sauces and toppings so guests can customize their sliders.

Recipe Variations

1. BBQ Sausage Sliders: Add a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce and top with coleslaw for a Southern twist.
2. Bacon & Cheese Sausage Sliders: Add crispy bacon slices along with the melted cheese for an extra indulgent slider.
3. Hawaiian Sausage Sliders: Top with grilled pineapple slices and teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory combination.
4. Italian Sausage Sliders: Use provolone cheese, marinara sauce, and sautéed peppers and onions for an Italian-inspired slider.
5. Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Pairings

• Drinks: Serve with cold beer, soda, or a big batch of spiked punch.
• Side Dish: Pair with classic party sides like potato chips, nachos, or a big bowl of guacamole.
• Dessert: Keep it simple with cookies, brownies, or football-themed cupcakes.

Conclusion

These grilled sausage sliders are the ultimate football party food—delicious, easy to eat, and packed with flavor. Whether your team wins or loses, everyone will be cheering for the food. So fire up the Arteflame, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the game with these mouthwatering sliders.