When serving brats and sauerkraut, a well-chosen side dish can truly elevate your meal. German potato salad, with its tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy dressing, is a delightful choice. Pretzel rolls, with their chewy texture and hint of saltiness, are a perfect match. For a nutritious option, try roasted Brussels sprouts—crisp and caramelized. Apple sauerkraut adds a fruity twist, while the rich, creamy beer cheese soup offers indulgence. These sides, among others, enhance your brats and sauerkraut beautifully. Explore these ideas to create an unforgettable meal that your guests will love. There are many more delicious alternatives worth exploring!
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is a traditional accompaniment to brats and sauerkraut. It features a delightful combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy vinegar-based dressing. Traditional recipe variations include adding onions, mustard, or herbs for extra flavor.
Serving temperature tips suggest offering this dish warm or at room temperature to enhance its flavors. This makes it an inviting and delicious addition to any meal.
Pretzel Rolls
Complementing the hearty flavors of brats and sauerkraut, pretzel rolls offer a chewy texture and a hint of saltiness that pairs perfectly with these traditional dishes.
Using classic baking techniques, these rolls achieve their unique crust through a quick dip in a baking soda solution before baking.
Topping variations like coarse sea salt or even sesame seeds can add an extra layer of flavor.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful balance of crispness and caramelized sweetness that enhances the robust flavors of brats and sauerkraut.
Packed with health benefits, these sprouts are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
For perfect preparation, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until golden brown.
This simple side dish is both tasty and nutritious.
Apple Sauerkraut
Why not elevate your sauerkraut by adding the natural sweetness of apples for a harmonious blend of flavors?
This delightful flavor pairing enhances the tanginess of the sauerkraut with a touch of fruity zest.
Simple cooking techniques, such as simmering apples with sauerkraut, allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
The result is a side dish that perfectly complements brats, adding a unique twist.
Beer Cheese Soup
How about indulging in a rich and creamy beer cheese soup to accompany your brats and sauerkraut?
This delightful side dish features a cheddar blend, creating a creamy consistency that complements the savory flavors of the main course.
The soup's smooth, velvety texture and robust taste make it a perfect pairing, enhancing the overall dining experience with every spoonful.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a delightful balance of sweetness and crispiness that pairs exceptionally well with the robust flavors of brats and sauerkraut.
With various seasoning options, such as paprika or rosemary, you can customize the fries to your liking.
Additionally, a range of dipping sauces, from tangy ketchup to creamy garlic aioli, enhances the overall dining experience, making it more enjoyable.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of brats and sauerkraut. Mastering the proper grilling techniques guarantees the corn is tender and slightly charred.
Enhance its natural flavors with butter toppings like garlic herb or chili lime. This simple yet delightful side dish balances the meal, making every bite of your brats and sauerkraut even more enjoyable.
Spaetzle
Often served as a traditional German side dish, spaetzle provides a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to brats and sauerkraut.
Homemade spaetzle, with its tender texture, can be easily customized with various spaetzle variations like adding herbs or cheese.
This versatile noodle-like dish complements the savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comforting and authentic meal experience.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Red cabbage slaw offers a crisp, tangy contrast that enhances the robust flavors of brats and sauerkraut. Its vibrant purple hue provides a striking color contrast, making your plate visually appealing.
The slaw's acidity complements fermented foods, balancing the rich taste of brats. Easy to prepare, this side dish adds both texture and a revitalizing zing, elevating your meal experience.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables bring a burst of tanginess that complements the savory flavors of brats and sauerkraut.
A vibrant vegetable medley, featuring carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, can elevate your meal.
Fermented pickles, with their delightful crunch and sharp taste, add an exciting contrast.
Together, these pickled delights create a harmonious balance, making your dining experience even more enjoyable and satisfying.
Mustard Potato Salad
Mustard potato salad guarantees a creamy yet tangy accompaniment that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of brats and sauerkraut.
The tangy dressing, combined with tender potatoes and the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon, creates a delightful contrast.
This side dish balances the meal, bringing harmony to every bite, and guarantees a satisfying dining experience that complements the hearty main components.
Caramelized Onions
What better way to elevate the savory notes of brats and sauerkraut than with the rich, sweet complexity of caramelized onions? These golden-brown gems, often referred to as French onions, enhance the dish with their deep flavor.
Drizzle some onion gravy over them for an extra layer of taste that complements the brats perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.
Mashed Potatoes
Among the classic side dishes, mashed potatoes stand out as a creamy and comforting complement to brats and sauerkraut. Their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut and savory brats, creating a balanced meal.
You can enhance the flavor with various butter options, from traditional salted to herb-infused varieties, ensuring a delightful and satisfying dining experience for everyone.
Dill Pickle Spears
Dill pickle spears offer a crisp and tangy contrast to the richness of brats and sauerkraut, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal. Their sharpness cuts through the savory elements, making them a perfect flavor pairing.
Serving suggestions include placing them on the side or even incorporating them into the dish for an added crunch, providing a revitalizing balance to the hearty main course.
What Side Dishes Can Complement Brats and Sauerkraut?
When serving brats and sauerkraut, it’s important to consider the best side dishes for sausage casserole. Some popular options include creamy mashed potatoes, tangy German potato salad, and crispy coleslaw. These sides perfectly complement the savory flavors of the brats and sauerkraut, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Baked Beans
Baked beans, with their sweet and savory profile, provide a hearty complement to the robust flavors of brats and sauerkraut. Their rich flavor profile, enhanced by molasses and spices, balances the tangy sauerkraut beautifully.
Various cooking methods, from slow-cooking to baking, allow you to achieve the perfect consistency.
This classic side dish not only satisfies but also adds a comforting, homestyle touch to your meal.