Bratwurst, a type of German sausage that’s popular worldwide, is known for its versatile flavors and the ease with which it pairs with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re grilling outdoors on a sunny day or looking for the perfect accompaniment to your bratwurst dinner, the right side dish can elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. This list of 26 bratwurst side dishes explores a range of flavors, textures, and ingredients, offering something for every palate. From traditional German sides like sauerkraut and potato salad to more innovative pairings, these recipes promise to complement your bratwurst and bring harmony to your plate, showcasing the global appreciation for this beloved sausage.
1. Sauerkraut
A Traditional Favorite
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and slightly sour flavor, is a classic accompaniment to bratwurst. This fermented cabbage dish not only adds a burst of flavor but also aids digestion, making it a healthy and delicious option.
Versatile and Flavorful
Whether served warm or cold, sauerkraut can be customized with caraway seeds, apples, or onions to enhance its taste. It’s a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory notes of bratwurst.
A Nod to German Heritage
Incorporating sauerkraut into your meal pays homage to the German roots of bratwurst, offering a traditional dining experience. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of this simple yet flavorful side dish.
2. German Potato Salad
A Warm, Tangy Companion
German Potato Salad, served warm, is a hearty side dish that features potatoes dressed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing with bacon, onions, and fresh herbs. This salad contrasts beautifully with the juicy, flavorful bratwurst.
A Comforting Side
The warmth and heartiness of German Potato Salad make it a comforting side, ideal for cooler weather or outdoor gatherings. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavors complement the richness of bratwurst perfectly.
Celebrating German Cuisine
This potato salad celebrates the flavors of German cuisine, offering a delicious way to enjoy the traditional ingredients and cooking methods that pair so well with bratwurst.
3. Soft Pretzels
A Hearty, Savory Treat
Soft Pretzels are a delightful side dish that pairs excellently with bratwurst. Their chewy texture and salty crust offer a satisfying contrast to the tender, savory sausage.
Versatile Dipping Options
Serve Soft Pretzels with a variety of mustards or cheese dips for an interactive and enjoyable dining experience. They’re perfect for soaking up flavors and adding a fun element to your bratwurst meal.
A Taste of Bavaria
Incorporating Soft Pretzels as a side dish is a nod to Bavarian beer gardens, where pretzels and sausages are staple offerings. It’s a simple yet delicious way to bring a piece of Bavarian culture to your table.
4. Red Cabbage Slaw
A Colorful, Crunchy Addition
Red Cabbage Slaw adds a colorful and crunchy element to your bratwurst meal. Dressed in a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing, this slaw offers a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of bratwurst.
A Nutritious Choice
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, Red Cabbage Slaw is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a wholesome side dish that brings balance and vibrancy to your plate.
Refreshing and Versatile
This slaw is refreshing and can be tailored to include apples, carrots, or nuts for added texture and flavor. It’s a versatile side dish that complements the savory notes of bratwurst beautifully.
5. Beer-Braised Onions
A Flavorful Topping
Beer-Braised Onions are a flavorful topping that adds depth and richness to bratwurst. Slow-cooked in beer until tender and caramelized, these onions are the perfect addition to a bratwurst bun or served on the side.
A Toast to German Beer Culture
Incorporating beer into the cooking process pays homage to Germany’s renowned beer culture, enhancing the dish with complex flavors. Beer-Braised Onions are a celebration of the harmony between food and beer in German cuisine.
A Mouthwatering Companion
These onions transform a simple bratwurst meal into a gourmet experience, offering a mouthwatering blend of sweetness and savory depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
A Smoky, Sweet Treat
Grilled Corn on the Cob provides a smoky sweetness that complements the savory richness of bratwurst perfectly. Brushed with butter and seasoned with a sprinkle of salt, grilled corn is a simple yet satisfying side.
Perfect for Outdoor Cooking
Ideal for barbecues and outdoor gatherings, grilling corn alongside bratwurst allows for an effortless cooking experience. It’s a celebration of summer flavors that pairs wonderfully with the charred, juicy bratwurst.
A Versatile Favorite
Corn on the cob is versatile, easily customized with various toppings like cheese, chili powder, or lime. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a delightful texture and sweetness to your meal.
7. Warm Bacon and Mustard Potato Salad
A Hearty, Flavorful Side
Warm Bacon and Mustard Potato Salad takes the traditional potato salad to a new level with the addition of crispy bacon and a tangy mustard dressing. It’s a robust side dish that stands up well to the flavors of bratwurst.
A Comforting Companion
The warmth of this potato salad makes it a comforting companion to bratwurst, especially on cooler days. The bacon adds a savory depth, while the mustard dressing introduces a sharpness that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
An All-Season Favorite
This potato salad is suitable for any season, making it a versatile choice for accompanying bratwurst. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy.
8. Cucumber Dill Salad
A Fresh, Light Side
Cucumber Dill Salad offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty bratwurst. With crisp cucumbers, fresh dill, and a light vinaigrette, this salad is the perfect palate cleanser, introducing a burst of freshness to your meal.
Easy and Elegant
This salad is not only easy to prepare but also adds an element of elegance to your bratwurst spread. It’s a healthful addition that balances the meal with its crisp texture and refreshing taste.
A Perfect Pair
The coolness of the cucumber and the aromatic dill make this salad a perfect pair for the spicy, savory notes of bratwurst. It’s a delightful way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meal.
9. Baked Beans with Smoked Paprika
A Comforting Classic with a Twist
Baked Beans with Smoked Paprika elevate a classic side dish with the addition of smoky paprika, enhancing the beans with a depth of flavor that complements bratwurst. It’s a hearty, comforting side that’s rich in flavor and texture.
A Smoky Complement
The smoked paprika not only adds a complex flavor profile to the baked beans but also pairs excellently with the smokiness of grilled bratwurst. It’s a match made in heaven for those who love deep, rich flavors.
Versatile and Satisfying
This side dish is versatile, perfect for casual family dinners or larger gatherings. Baked beans are a satisfying addition to any meal, especially when given a flavorful twist with smoked paprika.
10. Apple and Cabbage Slaw
A Crunchy, Sweet-Sour Side
Apple and Cabbage Slaw brings together the crunch of cabbage and the sweetness of apples in a light, tangy dressing. This slaw adds a fresh, crunchy texture to your meal, offering a sweet-sour flavor that cuts through the richness of bratwurst.
Read also: 25 Ground Sausage Recipes For Dinner
A Harmonious Blend
The combination of apple and cabbage in this slaw creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an ideal side dish for enhancing the overall dining experience with bratwurst.
Bright and Colorful
Not only is this slaw delicious, but it also adds a bright, colorful touch to your table. It’s a visually appealing side that complements the savory bratwurst with its vibrant ingredients and dressing.
11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
A Crispy, Savory Delight
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon transform this often-misunderstood vegetable into a crispy, savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with bratwurst. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the natural nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts.
A Festive Flavor Combination
The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon is a festive flavor experience, adding a touch of elegance to your bratwurst meal. This side dish is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to impress your guests.
Simple Yet Sophisticated
Despite its simplicity, this side dish is sophisticated in flavor, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a testament to the power of good cooking to elevate even the humblest of vegetables.
12. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
A Cheesy, Garlicky Favorite
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, featuring the golden crispiness of roasted potatoes with the irresistible flavors of garlic and Parmesan. This side dish adds a cheesy, garlicky kick to the traditional bratwurst meal.
Perfectly Crispy and Flavorful
The key to these potatoes is achieving the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. The addition of garlic and Parmesan ensures each bite is packed with flavor, making them a perfect complement to bratwurst.
A Versatile Side
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal dinner. They’re a universally loved side that enhances the overall meal with their robust flavors.
13. German Spaetzle
A Traditional German Pasta
German Spaetzle, a soft egg noodle or dumpling, is a traditional side dish that pairs excellently with bratwurst. Its unique texture and mild flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal, absorbing sauces and flavors beautifully.
Homemade Comfort
Making spaetzle from scratch is a rewarding experience, offering a homemade comfort that complements the savory bratwurst. It’s a nod to traditional German cooking, bringing an authentic touch to your dining table.
A Flexible Side Dish
Spaetzle is incredibly flexible, easily dressed up with butter, herbs, or cheese. It’s a side dish that can adapt to your taste preferences, making it a perfect match for the rich flavors of bratwurst.
14. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
A Colorful, Healthy Option
Grilled Vegetable Skewers bring a pop of color and a dose of healthiness to your bratwurst meal. Featuring a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, these skewers are a vibrant and tasty side.
Perfect for Grilling
Grilling these vegetable skewers alongside bratwurst makes for easy meal preparation and introduces a wonderful charred flavor to the vegetables. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and make cooking a part of the entertainment.
Customizable and Delicious
One of the best things about grilled vegetable skewers is their customizability. Choose your favorite vegetables, season them to your liking, and enjoy a side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
15. Pickled Red Onions
A Zesty Condiment
Pickled Red Onions add a zesty, tangy element to bratwurst, cutting through the richness with their sharp flavor. Their bright color and crisp texture make them an appealing addition to any sausage dish.
Quick and Easy
This condiment is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile. It can enhance a variety of dishes, making it a staple in your refrigerator for instantly elevating meals.
A Vibrant Addition
Pickled Red Onions are a vibrant addition to bratwurst, offering a burst of flavor that complements the savory sausage. They’re a simple yet effective way to add depth and interest to your dish.
16. Cheesy Polenta
A Comforting, Hearty Base
Cheesy Polenta offers a comforting, hearty base for bratwurst, with its creamy texture and rich cheese flavor. It’s an alternative to more traditional sides, providing a warm, satisfying complement to the sausage.
Rich and Flavorful
Infused with cheese, this polenta becomes a rich and flavorful dish that can stand up to the boldness of bratwurst. It’s a cozy, comforting side that’s especially welcome on cooler days.
A Versatile Dish
Polenta is incredibly versatile, easily adapted to include your favorite cheeses or herbs. It’s a side dish that invites experimentation, making it a perfect pairing for the adventurous cook.
17. Sweet Potato Fries
A Sweet and Savory Treat
Sweet Potato Fries are a sweet and savory treat that pairs wonderfully with bratwurst. Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory meat, while their crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch.
A Healthier Option
Baked sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries, packed with vitamins and fiber. They’re a guilt-free addition to any meal, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
Easy and Delicious
Sweet Potato Fries are easy to make and delicious to eat, making them a favorite among both children and adults. They’re a versatile side that can be seasoned to taste, fitting seamlessly into a variety of meals.
18. German Red Cabbage
A Classic German Side
German Red Cabbage, or Rotkohl, is a classic side dish that pairs excellently with bratwurst. This sweet and tangy cabbage is slow-cooked with apples, vinegar, and spices, offering a depth of flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
Rich in Tradition
This dish is steeped in German tradition, providing a taste of authentic German cuisine. It’s a perfect way to honor the origins of bratwurst, adding a cultural depth to your meal.
A Colorful, Flavorful Addition
German Red Cabbage adds both color and flavor to your plate, making it a visually appealing and delicious side dish. It’s a testament to the richness of German culinary traditions and their perfect pairing with bratwurst.
19. Mustard Roasted Potatoes
A Zesty Side Dish
Mustard Roasted Potatoes offer a zesty, flavorful alternative to plain roasted potatoes. Coated in a tangy mustard sauce before roasting, these potatoes emerge from the oven crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with bratwurst.
Bold and Flavorful
The boldness of the mustard enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s an excellent way to add a punch of flavor to your meal.
Easy and Versatile
Not only are Mustard Roasted Potatoes easy to prepare, but they’re also versatile, complementing a variety of main dishes beyond bratwurst. They’re a staple side dish that brings warmth and zest to your dining table.
20. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
A Colorful, Gourmet Pairing
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is a gourmet side dish that pairs the earthy sweetness of beets with the creamy tang of goat cheese, dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette. This salad adds a splash of color and a sophisticated flavor profile to the bratwurst meal.
Read also: 29 Sides For Fried Chicken Dinners
Rich in Texture and Taste
The combination of soft beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts or greens makes this salad a delight in terms of both texture and taste. It’s a refreshing addition that balances the heartiness of bratwurst.
Elegantly Simple
Though elegant and sophisticated in appearance and taste, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s a testament to the beauty of using quality ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing.
21. Garlic Butter Asparagus
A Simple, Elegant Vegetable Side
Garlic Butter Asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that features the bright, fresh flavor of asparagus sautéed in rich garlic butter. This side is a perfect springtime accompaniment to bratwurst, offering a light contrast to the sausage’s savory depth.
Flavorful and Nutritious
Asparagus, known for its health benefits, becomes a flavorful delight when cooked with garlic and butter. It’s a nutritious addition to your meal, providing a balance of flavors that complements the bratwurst without overpowering it.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best aspects of Garlic Butter Asparagus is its quick and easy preparation, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
22. Roasted Root Vegetables
A Hearty, Rustic Side
Roasted Root Vegetables are a hearty, rustic side dish that brings the earthy flavors of carrots, parsnips, turnips, and beets to your bratwurst meal. Roasted until tender and caramelized, these vegetables offer a comforting warmth and sweetness.
A Celebration of Seasonal Flavors
This dish celebrates the best of seasonal produce, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine. The roasting process enhances their sweetness, making them a perfect complement to the savory richness of bratwurst.
Versatile and Nutritious
Roasted Root Vegetables are not only versatile, complementing a wide range of dishes, but they also offer a boost of vitamins and fiber. They’re a colorful, nutritious addition to any meal, showcasing the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients.
23. Bavarian Lentil Salad
A Nutty, Vinegary Companion
Bavarian Lentil Salad brings a nutty, vinegary flavor profile to the table, offering a hearty and healthy complement to bratwurst. Made with tender lentils, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a satisfying side that’s both flavorful and filling.
Rich in Texture and Taste
This salad is rich in texture, combining the softness of cooked lentils with the crunch of fresh vegetables. The tangy dressing adds depth, making it a well-rounded dish that enhances the flavors of bratwurst.
A Hearty, Healthful Option
Lentil salad is a great choice for those looking for a more substantial side that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. It’s a testament to the versatility of lentils and their ability to create satisfying, delicious dishes.
24. Spaetzle with Cheese and Onions
A German Classic with a Twist
Spaetzle with Cheese and Onions takes the traditional German noodle and elevates it with the addition of melted cheese and caramelized onions. This version creates a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect alongside bratwurst, adding a creamy texture and savory flavor.
Comforting and Satisfying
The combination of tender spaetzle, gooey cheese, and sweet onions makes for a comforting and satisfying side dish. It’s a hearty companion to bratwurst, perfect for those seeking warmth and richness in their meal.
A Blend of Simple Ingredients
Despite its simplicity, Spaetzle with Cheese and Onions is a standout dish, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. It’s a celebration of comfort food at its best.
25. German Beer Cheese Dip
A Creamy, Flavorful Dip
German Beer Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful addition to any bratwurst meal, perfect for dipping pretzels, vegetables, or even the sausage itself. Made with German beer, sharp cheese, and a blend of spices, this dip is a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of indulgence to the table.
A Toast to German Flavors
Incorporating beer and cheese, this dip pays homage to traditional German flavors, offering a rich, tangy taste that’s both unique and irresistible. It’s a fun way to add a social element to your meal, encouraging sharing and enjoyment.
Versatile and Delicious
This dip is incredibly versatile, serving as a great addition not only to bratwurst meals but also to any gathering. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a hit at parties, tailgates, or casual get-togethers.
26. Kale and Apple Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
A Crisp, Refreshing Side
Kale and Apple Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to bratwurst, combining the hearty texture of kale with the sweet crispness of apples. Dressed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette, this salad is light yet satisfying.
A Blend of Sweet and Tangy Flavors
The sweet apples and tangy dressing complement each other perfectly, while the kale provides a robust backdrop that stands up to the flavors of the bratwurst. It’s a healthful, flavorful side that adds a fresh dimension to your meal.
Simple, Nutritious, and Flavorful
This salad is a testament to the power of combining simple, nutritious ingredients to create a dish that’s full of flavor. It’s an easy way to incorporate more greens into your diet, making it a perfect addition to any bratwurst meal.
Conclusion
This collection of 26 side dishes for bratwurst offers a wide range of flavors and textures, ensuring that your bratwurst meals are always accompanied by the perfect complement. From the hearty warmth of Cheesy Polenta and Roasted Root Vegetables to the fresh crispness of Cucumber Dill Salad and Kale and Apple Salad, each dish brings its own unique contribution to the table. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these side dishes showcase the versatility and global appeal of bratwurst, inviting you to explore new tastes and traditions.
