Grilled brats pair perfectly with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes. Start with a hearty German potato salad, known for its rich and starchy texture. For a crisp and tangy option, try coleslaw, which can be prepared in several styles. Baked beans offer a savory and sweet complement, whereas grilled vegetables add a nutritious touch with smoky flavors. Macaroni salad provides a creamy, tangy twist, ideal for balancing out the meal. To add even more variety, consider sweet and sour cabbage, German potato pancakes, or fried green beans. Discover these delightful sides for a truly satisfying meal.
Potato Salad
A creamy and comforting potato salad is an ideal side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled bratwurst. German Potato Salad, known for its rich and starchy texture, enhances the juicy flavor of brats, making it a popular choice.
This easy side dish, whether homemade or store-bought, appeals to many tastes and adds a satisfying complement to any cookout or gathering.
Coleslaw
While potato salad offers a creamy and starchy delight, coleslaw provides a contrasting crisp and tangy complement to grilled brats.
This versatile salad, a traditional German side dish, can be prepared in various styles, from classic cabbage and carrots to apple and cabbage slaw.
For a unique twist, try a creamy cucumber coleslaw, adding a invigorating touch to your meal.
Baked Beans
Hearty and savory, baked beans serve as an ideal side dish for grilled brats, enhancing the meal with their sweet and smoky flavors.
This classic pairing complements the bold taste of bratwurst, offering a satisfying and delicious accompaniment.
Whether opting for vegetarian baked beans or spicy variants, this comforting side dish brings depth and variety to your dining experience.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables serve as a nutritious and flavorful complement to grilled brats, enhancing the meal with their smoky, charred essence.
Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are popular choices, adding vibrant colors and rich tastes.
These vegetables not only provide a delightful depth of flavor but also offer a healthy and delicious option that beautifully rounds out your bratwurst meal.
Macaroni Salad
Complementing the smoky flavors of grilled brats and vegetables, macaroni salad introduces a creamy and tangy element to the meal.
This German-inspired pasta salad, with its rich dressing, coats tender pasta, creating a delightful contrast.
As a traditional side dish, it enhances the bold taste of brats, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that elevate the overall dining experience.
Corn on the Cob
A classic accompaniment to grilled brats, corn on the cob provides a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that enhances the meal. This side dish complements the bold taste of bratwurst and is a favorite for its simplicity and appeal.
Grilling the corn adds delicious char marks, and it can be seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, honey butter, or Cajun spices for added variety.
Cucumber Salad
Following the delightful sweetness of corn on the cob, cucumber salad offers an invigorating and tangy counterpart to grilled brats. This light and rejuvenating side dish, made with crisp cucumber slices and a zesty vinaigrette, perfectly balances the savory German meat.
As a delicious side dish for brats, cucumber salad enhances the dining experience with its contrasting textures and flavors, making it a must-try.
Beer Cheese Dip
Infused with the robust flavor of beer, Beer Cheese Dip offers a creamy and indulgent accompaniment that elevates the taste of grilled brats.
This delicious side recipe combines the rich, savory elements of cheese dip with the distinct taste of beer.
Perfect for dipping pretzels or bread, it enhances the meal, providing a satisfying contrast to the bold flavors of bratwurst.
Grilled Asparagus
Why not elevate your grilled brats with the addition of perfectly grilled asparagus, a simple yet flavorful side dish?
This vegetable side, with its tender stalks, is grilled to perfection, creating a healthy option.
The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus perfectly complements the savory taste of grilled brats, and seasoning with lemon, garlic, or herbs enhances the overall meal experience.
Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded potato skins bring a hearty and indulgent touch to your meal, perfectly complementing the savory flavors of grilled brats.
Serve these potato side dishes as they combine creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, making them an ideal comfort food.
Customize with toppings like chives or jalapenos for added flavor, ensuring they enhance your meal and delight your guests.
German-style Pretzels
German-style pretzels, with their soft and chewy texture, are an excellent and classic side dish that enhances the flavors of juicy grilled brats. Their slightly salty flavor adds a delightful twist, making them a filling and satisfying choice.
Whether enjoyed as soft pretzels with mustard dipping sauce or as stuffed pretzel rolls, they bring flair and complement the boldness of bratwurst perfectly.
Sweet and Sour Cabbage
Complementing the savory profile of German-style pretzels, Sweet and Sour Cabbage introduces a harmonious blend of flavors, balancing the sweetness of sugar with the tanginess of vinegar.
This classic dish features red cabbage cooked with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and caraway seeds, reminiscent of German sauerkraut.
The colorful, invigorating side adds depth and vibrancy to grilled brats, making it a perfect pairing.
German Potato Pancakes
German potato pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, frequently serve as a traditional and popular accompaniment in German cuisine. Known for their crispy exterior and tender interior, this dish is made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and seasonings. It is pan-fried to perfection.
As one of the side dishes, German potato pancakes complement grilled brats wonderfully, adding a touch of comfort and delightful texture.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and slightly sour flavor, serves as a classic side dish that perfectly enhances the taste of grilled bratwurst.
German sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, offers a unique and flavorful addition.
As a side dish that pairs effortlessly, its tangy dressing adds depth and balance, making it an ideal companion to the juicy bratwurst, delighting your taste buds.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Grilled Cheese Also Suitable for Grilled Brats?
When it comes to the best side dishes for grilled cheese, options like tomato soup and coleslaw are popular choices. However, these may not be the most suitable options for grilled brats. Instead, consider pairing grilled brats with sides like potato salad, baked beans, or grilled vegetables for a delicious meal.
Fried Green Beans
Fried Green Beans offer a crispy and savory side dish that enhances the flavor profile of grilled brats.
Coated in seasoned batter and deep-fried until golden brown, these green beans provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of indulgence.
This dish is a delightful alternative to traditional vegetable sides, making it a favorite choice for elevating your bratwurst dining experience.