Bratwurst is a classic German sausage that is delicious and easy to cook. Whether you’re grilling on the barbecue or cooking in the oven, bratwurst is always a hit!
It has a mildly spicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with various side dishes.
But what are the best side dishes to serve alongside bratwurst? We asked a professional chef to share his favorite side dishes for this classic dish. If you are looking for an exciting side dish to round out your meal, this blog post has some ideas that will surely please.
In a Hurry Then Try any of these to Pair with Bratwurst- Sauerkraut, Fruit Salad, Cucumber Salad, Potato Salad, Baked Apple with Cinnamon Topping, Roasted Root Vegetables, Grilled Asparagus, Garlic Bread, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Rye Bread Dumplings, Spicy Mustard Sauce, Garman Potato Salad, Pretzel Rolls, German Red Cabbage, Braised Apple, Grilled Veggies, Caramelized Onions, Bavarian Mustard sauce, and Spaetzle Noodles.
19 All time best side dishes to serve with Bratwurst
1. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a staple side dish for bratwurst, and it’s no surprise why! The acidic crunch of sauerkraut helps balance out the savoriness of the bratwurst and adds texture to the plate.
You can make your own sauerkraut or buy it pre-made from any grocery store (just be sure to read the label carefully).
This tangy side dish pairs perfectly with grilled bratwurst and complements its unique flavor profile. You can buy it pre-made or make your own using shredded cabbage, salt, and other seasonings such as caraway or juniper berries.
2. Fruit Salad
Nothing says summer like a refreshing fruit salad, and I love it! This simple side dish pairs perfectly with bratwurst and can be made with whatever fresh fruit is in season.
For example, if it’s mid-summer, you could use peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Or if it’s early autumn, why not try apples, pears, plums, and figs? The combination possibilities are endless!
Dress your fruit salad with honey-lime dressing for something sweet or balsamic vinaigrette for something tangy. Either way, this light side dish will help bring balance to your meal.
I never imagine a day without a fruit salad. Can you?
3. Cucumber Salad
This light and refreshing salad combine crunchy cucumbers with creamy feta cheese and tangy red onions for a flavor explosion that’s sure to please!
You can make this salad before—or even the night before—and let the flavors meld together in the fridge overnight. It’s a great way to make sure dinner is ready on time without any last-minute prep work!
4. Potato Salad
Potato Salad Potato salad is a must-have side dish for any bratwurst feast. It’s easy to make and can be as simple or complex as you like.
To keep things simple, just boil potatoes until they are tender and then dress them in a mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and celery seed. For more flavor, add chopped pickles or even bacon bits!
Whatever ingredients you choose, this hearty dish will go perfectly with your bratwurst dinner.
5. Baked Apples with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Sweet apples baked with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins make the perfect accompaniment to savory bratwursts. The sweet topping provides a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of the sausages.
6. Roasted Root Vegetables
I love to eat roasted vegetables, not exceptional roasted root. When I tried the first time, believe me, or not, it became my all-time favorite with bratwurst.
Roasting root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets, onions, and potatoes not only brings out their natural sweetness but also gives them a crisp texture that pairs well with brats cooked on the grill or in the oven.
7. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese Topping
Asparagus is a great vegetable option for grilling and pairs nicely with roast beef or pork sausages like brats. And most of the time it’s available in our kitchen.
Only need to Grill some asparagus spears over medium heat until lightly charred, then top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra special touch!
8. Garlic Bread Toast Points
Garlic Bread Toast Points is a simple yet elegant appetizer that takes just minutes to prepare but will wow your guests! Slice some crusty French bread into thin slices, then brush generously with garlic butter before baking in a hot oven until golden brown and crispy…
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are one of the best couples with bratwurst. These tasty little veggies are flavorful when roasted in olive oil and seasoned generously before going into the oven.
Add some fresh lemon juice at the end to really bring out all those delicious flavors!
10. Rye Bread Dumplings
Soft rye bread dumplings served alongside your main course add an interesting twist to any meal. Use quality ingredients such as dark rye flour for maximum flavor, then boil them until they’re light and fluffy – so good!
11. Spicy Mustard Sauce
A spicy mustard sauce can take any sausage from ordinary to extraordinary in no time.
Just mix together some Dijon mustard with honey, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, celery seed, black pepper, onion powder, cumin, coriander powder, oregano leaves (freshly chopped if available) & cider vinegar.
Stir it all together until it forms a smooth paste, then serve alongside your grilled sausages for an extra zing of flavor!
12. German Potato Salad
German potato salad, a classic potato salad, is a must-have when serving bratwurst. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, thanks to the bacon and sweet onions. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra potatoes you have lying around!
13. Pretzel Rolls
Soft pretzel rolls are perfect for wrapping up your brats and adding a unique crunchy texture to your meal. They also make great buns for sandwiches—just spread some mustard on them before adding your favorite toppings!
Frankly, I don’t have any fantasies about pretzel rolls, but most people have. So enjoy it.
14. German Red Cabbage
This sweet-and-sour red cabbage dish adds some much-needed color to any meal featuring brats as its main course. It’s a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins A and C, so it’s both tasty and healthy!
15. Braised Apples
Sweet apples are an ideal accompaniment to salty brats because they balance out the flavors perfectly. Braising them in apple juice gives them even more flavor without overpowering the subtle taste of the sausage itself.
You can also add other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for even more depth of flavor!
16. Grilled Vegetables
Try grilling up some bell peppers, zucchini slices, mushrooms, or whatever else you have handy—they all go great with brats! The char from the grill adds another layer of complexity to this already flavorful meal while keeping things light simultaneously. Plus, grilled veggies are super healthy too!
17. Caramelized Onions
Onions are a must when serving brats because their sweetness complements the smoky sausage so well. Caramelizing them takes only minutes but adds tons of flavor—try adding some garlic or herbs while they cook for even more deliciousness!
If you are not a big fan of onions, then skip it.
18. Bavarian Mustard Sauce
Every meal featuring bratwurst would be complete with a generous helping of mustard on top!
Bavarian mustard sauce is made from whole-grain brown mustard seed, which gives it its signature pungent taste—it’s sure to give your meal just the kick it needs!
19. Spaetzle Noodles
Spaetzel (egg noodles) are incredibly easy to make and surprisingly versatile; try tossing them in butter for a simple side dish or using them as a base for stews or casseroles.
Either way, spaetzle noodles are sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
How should brats be served?
Brats can be served in a variety of ways. They are great grilled and served on a bun with your favorite condiments, such as mustard or ketchup.
If you want to keep it simple, slice them up and serve them with sauerkraut and potatoes.
Another popular way to enjoy bratwurst is to simmer them in beer or chicken broth and serve them with onions, peppers, and other vegetables. You can also dice up bratwurst and add it to casseroles, pasta dishes, soups, and salads for extra flavor.
What do Germans eat bratwurst with?
In Germany, bratwurst is often served with various accompaniments and condiments. One of the most popular choices is sauerkraut, a traditional German dish made from finely-shredded cabbage that has been fermented in salt water.
Other popular accompaniments include mashed potatoes, German potato salad, and sautéed onions. Some people also like to add a dollop of mustard or ketchup for extra flavor.
Bratwurst makes an excellent main course for any meal, but it is also popular as a snack or appetizer. It can be served on a bun, in a wrap, or with a side of crackers.
For special occasions, some people enjoy using bratwurst as an ingredient for casseroles and other dishes.
Bratwurst has been around since the Middle Ages and has become a beloved staple of German cuisine.
As such, each region in Germany has its own unique version of the sausage.
Some popular varieties include Nürnberger bratwurst from Bavaria, Thüringer Rostbratwurst from Thuringia, and Currywurst from Berlin. Many countries worldwide have adopted the bratwurst, creating their own unique versions of the sausage.
No matter how it is served, one thing remains true: a good bratwurst is sure to please any crowd! Enjoy some today and taste why this classic German dish has remained popular for centuries.
Should bratwurst be boiled or grilled?
When it comes to cooking bratwurst, you have two choices: boiling or grilling.
Boiling is often the go-to method for many aspiring chefs, as it’s relatively simple and the perfect way to give your bratwurst a juicy texture.
By submerging the sausage in hot liquid, like water or beer, you can ensure that the sausage is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
If you’re searching for a more intense flavor, adding plenty of spices to the pot will help bring out the bratwurst’s unique flavor.
Grilling is another great way to cook bratwurst, especially if you’re looking for those classic grill marks.
Start by preheating the grill and oiling up the grates, then carefully place your sausages on top. If you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, make sure to adjust the temperature accordingly and move the sausages around as they cook to ensure all sides are evenly cooked.
This method adds extra flavor by brushing the bratwurst with a mixture of your favorite spices and herbs.
Word From April
Bratwurst pairs perfectly with so many different sides that you can never go wrong when planning your meal!
Whether you choose classic options like sauerkraut and potato salad or something more creative like fruit salad – Fruit salads offer a light and refreshing option that pairs well with the smokiness of grilled brats, while potato salads provide a heartier option for those seeking something more robust.
Cucumber salads provide an excellent balance between lightness and richness, making them perfect for any summertime meal.
So remember the sides when making your next meal – they’re just as important as the main course itself!
Brats are always crowd pleasers, whether served on their own or as part of an elaborate meal featuring delicious side dishes like those mentioned above!
With these fantastic options at hand, you’ll be sure to impress everyone at your next dinner party or backyard BBQ – Bon Appétit!