To enhance your bratwurst dinner, consider serving it with a variety of delightful sides. German potato salad with its tangy vinegar dressing and crispy bacon bits pairs wonderfully. Sauerkraut, known for its health benefits and zesty flavor, is a must-have. Pretzel rolls offer a soft, salty contrast, while coleslaw provides a fresh crunch. Grilled corn, with its smoky, sweet flavor, is another excellent option. These dishes not only complement the brats but also elevate your dining experience. There's more to discover, including sides that will make your meal truly memorable.
German Potato Salad
German potato salad is a traditional and flavorful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with bratwurst. This delightful salad features a tangy vinegar dressing that adds a zesty kick to the tender potatoes.
Enhanced with crispy bacon bits, it offers a savory and satisfying taste. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an ideal accompaniment to your bratwurst dinner.
Sauerkraut
Complementing the tangy flavors of German potato salad, sauerkraut is another traditional side dish that pairs perfectly with bratwurst.
Made through a fermentation process, sauerkraut offers numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion and a boost to the immune system.
Its sour, crisp taste adds a delightful contrast to the savory brats, making it a must-have addition to your dinner plate.
Pretzel Rolls
Pretzel rolls, with their soft interior and slightly salty crust, provide an ideal bread option to serve alongside bratwurst. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these rolls enhance your meal's flavor.
Recipe variations include adding herbs or cheese to the dough, giving you a chance to customize. They pair perfectly with brats, offering a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its crisp texture and tangy dressing, offers an invigorating contrast to the hearty flavors of bratwurst. This classic side dish combines a fresh cabbage mix with a creamy dressing, adding a delightful crunch and zest to your meal.
Its rejuvenating qualities balance the rich, savory taste of brats, making it a perfect accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn, with its smoky flavor and charred kernels, provides a delicious and visually appealing side dish for bratwurst.
The charred flavor enhances the sweetness of the corn, making it a perfect pairing.
A simple butter topping can elevate the taste further, adding a rich, creamy texture.
This combination offers a delightful contrast to the savory, juicy brats, ensuring a memorable meal.
Baked Beans
Complementing the smoky flavors of grilled corn, baked beans introduce a hearty and savory element that pairs wonderfully with bratwurst. Their rich, smoky flavor enhances the meal, while also offering a satisfying vegetarian option for guests.
Easy to prepare and universally loved, baked beans bring a touch of comfort to the table, making them a perfect side dish for any bratwurst dinner.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad offers an energizing and creamy contrast to the savory flavors of bratwurst, making it an ideal side dish for a balanced meal.
This classic dish brings revitalizing summer flavors to your plate, perfect for picnic ideas.
Its blend of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a delightful harmony that complements the hearty brats, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Roasted Vegetables
For a wholesome and colorful addition to your bratwurst dinner, consider serving a medley of roasted vegetables. Select a seasonal selection of veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Toss them in olive oil with herb seasoning such as rosemary and thyme. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, adding a delightful contrast to the savory brats.
It's a nutritious, vibrant side dish.
Cucumber Salad
A revitalizing cucumber salad can provide a crisp and cool contrast to the hearty flavors of bratwurst. For dressing options, consider a light vinaigrette or a creamy dill dressing.
When it comes to preparation tips, thinly slice cucumbers and add red onions for extra zest. Mix in fresh dill and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, ensuring a rejuvenating side dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Alongside the invigorating cucumber salad, mashed potatoes offer a comforting and rich accompaniment to brats.
You can explore various gravy options to enhance their flavor, from classic brown to creamy white.
For an added twist, try garlic variations that infuse the potatoes with a robust taste.
This pairing creates a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for any dinner gathering.
Pickled Red Cabbage
Pickled red cabbage provides a tangy and vibrant contrast that complements the savory flavor of brats perfectly.
The fermentation process not only enhances its taste but also brings numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion and a boost in probiotics.
Its delightful crunch and bright color make it an attractive and nutritious side dish, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your meal.
Cheese Spaetzle
Cheese spaetzle is a traditional German dish that offers a comforting and indulgent side, pairing excellently with the hearty flavors of brats. This homemade recipe features soft, doughy noodles mixed with rich cheese varieties like Emmental or Gruyère.
The melted cheese envelops the spaetzle, creating a creamy, savory blend that complements the robust taste of brats, making it a delightful addition to any dinner plate.
Pasta Salad
Another excellent accompaniment to brats is a lively pasta salad, offering an invigorating contrast to the rich and savory cheese spaetzle.
Ingredient options for pasta salad are vast, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Dressing variations can range from tangy vinaigrettes to creamy ranch.
This side dish brings a burst of freshness, balancing the hearty flavors of the meal while adding visual appeal.
Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a classic French side dish that offers a delightful combination of tender green beans and toasted almonds. It enhances any bratwurst dinner with its nutty flavor and crisp texture. Rich in green bean nutrition, this dish provides fiber and vitamins.
Almondine variations can include lemon zest or garlic, adding an invigorating twist. It's a simple yet sophisticated accompaniment that balances flavors beautifully.
What Are Some Popular Side Dishes to Serve with Brats for Dinner?
When serving brats for dinner, it’s important to have the right side dishes to complement the meal. Some popular options include sauerkraut, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Other great choices include mac and cheese, grilled vegetables, and corn on the cob. Here are the 15 best side dishes for brats.
Apple Sauerkraut
Complementing the nutty flavors of Green Bean Almondine, Apple Sauerkraut brings a tangy and slightly sweet profile to your bratwurst dinner.
This delightful side dish combines the tartness of sauerkraut with the sweetness of apples, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Simple cooking techniques, such as simmering, guarantee the flavors meld perfectly.
It's an inviting addition that enhances the overall meal experience.