Grilling brats is a delightful summer tradition, and pairing them with the perfect sides can make your meal unforgettable. Serve tangy sauerkraut to boost flavor and digestion, or a creamy and crunchy potato salad for a classic touch. Grilled peppers add smoky sweetness, while corn on the cob offers a nostalgic taste of summer. Baked beans bring a comforting, hearty element to the table. Roasted vegetables, beer cheese dip, mixed green salad, and even grilled peaches are excellent additions. Each side dish enhances the savory taste of bratwurst, creating a complete, satisfying experience. Curious about more delicious matches?
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and robust flavor, serves as a classic and complementary side dish for grilled brats. Homemade recipes often highlight the fermentation benefits, such as improved digestion and added probiotics.
This delightful, crunchy condiment not only enhances the taste but also contributes to a healthier meal. Preparing your own sauerkraut is rewarding, offering both culinary satisfaction and nutritional advantages.
Potato Salad
Potato salad, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, is an excellent accompaniment to grilled brats. German variations, featuring vinegar and mustard, offer a tangy twist.
For a classic recipe, use boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and a touch of mustard. Add chopped onions, pickles, and celery for crunch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the dish, making it both delicious and visually appealing.
Grilled Peppers
Complementing the creamy richness of potato salad, grilled peppers add a vibrant, smoky flavor to your bratwurst feast.
Bell peppers, with their bright colors, not only enhance the visual appeal but also offer a delightful taste.
Experiment with spice variations like paprika or chili flakes to elevate the dish.
These peppers are easy to prepare and pair perfectly with the savory notes of grilled brats.
Corn on the Cob
A quintessential summer side, corn on the cob brings a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs exceptionally well with grilled brats.
The boiling method guarantees the corn is tender, while butter variations, from classic salted to herb-infused, add delightful richness.
Grilling the corn afterward enhances its natural sweetness, offering a perfect balance to the savory brats, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Baked Beans
Baked beans provide a savory and slightly sweet accompaniment that enhances the flavors of grilled brats and corn on the cob.
With various flavor variations, such as smoky or spicy, they can be customized to suit any palate.
Simple cooking techniques, like slow-cooking or using a pressure cooker, guarantee that the beans are tender and delicious, adding a comforting, hearty element to your meal.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw provides a revitalizing and crisp contrast to the rich flavors of grilled brats. With numerous coleslaw variations available, you can choose between classic cabbage-based recipes or explore options with carrots or apples.
The coleslaw dressing is pivotal, balancing tanginess and creaminess to complement the brats perfectly. This side dish not only adds texture but also enhances the overall dining experience.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese offers a comforting and creamy accompaniment that pairs exceptionally well with the savory taste of grilled brats.
By utilizing various cheese varieties such as cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, you can elevate the dish's flavor.
Different cooking techniques, like baking until golden brown or adding a breadcrumb topping, can add texture and depth, making it an irresistible side dish.
Grilled Onions
Complementing the creamy richness of mac and cheese, grilled onions provide a caramelized sweetness that enhances the savory flavors of brats. These caramelized onions add a delightful depth to each bite, making the meal more satisfying.
Alternatively, crispy onion rings can offer a fun, crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the juicy brats, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures on your plate.
Cucumber Salad
An invigorating cucumber salad offers a crisp, cool contrast to the hearty flavors of grilled brats. This revitalizing side dish can be dressed up with various dressing variations, from tangy vinaigrettes to creamy yogurt-based mixes.
Adding fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley enhances the salad's bright flavors, making it an ideal, palate-cleansing companion to rich, savory bratwurst.
Pretzel Bites
Offering a soft and salty contrast to the smoky brats, pretzel bites serve as a delightful and convenient finger food at any grill gathering.
Homemade pretzels are perfect for dipping in mustard, adding a zesty touch that complements the brats beautifully.
Their small size makes them easy to handle and enjoy, ensuring they are a favorite among guests.
Grilled Pineapple
Caramelized to perfection, grilled pineapple introduces a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the savory profile of brats.
Pineapple skewers are ideal for grilling, as they guarantee even cooking and a delightful presentation.
The caramelized pineapple adds a juicy and flavorful contrast, making it an enticing side dish that's sure to impress your guests at any barbecue.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables guarantee a nutritious and colorful accompaniment to the savory notes of grilled brats. Utilizing seasonal produce guarantees peak freshness and flavor, while herb seasoning enhances the natural taste of the vegetables.
Simply toss your choice of vegetables—such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots—with olive oil and your favorite herbs. Roast until tender and slightly caramelized for a delightful side dish.
Beer Cheese Dip
A rich and creamy beer cheese dip complements the smoky flavors of grilled brats, providing a savory and indulgent pairing.
Made with a cheddar blend and beer, this dip is perfect for dunking your brats.
The dipping technique is simple: just dip and enjoy the cheesy goodness that enhances every bite.
It's a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
Mixed Green Salad
Invigorating and lively, a mixed green salad provides a rejuvenating counterpoint to the hearty flavors of grilled brats.
You can experiment with various dressing options, from tangy vinaigrettes to creamy ranch.
Enhance the salad with delightful salad toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
This side dish is not only invigorating but also adds a colorful touch to your meal.
Grilled Peaches
Enhance the invigorating mixed green salad by adding a touch of sweetness and char with grilled peaches. These delightful fruits can be marinated in honey and cinnamon, providing dessert ideas that complement brats perfectly.
Simply halve and grill the peaches until slightly caramelized. Explore various marinade options for a unique flavor twist, making your grilling experience both delicious and memorable.