What to Serve With Bratwurst on a Bun: 15 Best Side Dishes

When serving bratwurst on a bun, the right sides make all the difference. German potato salad offers a tangy, smoky richness, while classic coleslaw adds a rejuvenating crunch, whether creamy or vinegar-based. Grilled veggie skewers bring a healthy, flavorful touch with charred zucchini and bell peppers. Sauerkraut's tangy, fermented taste pairs wonderfully with bratwurst's bold flavor. For a comfort food twist, consider creamy macaroni and cheese. These options, along with pickled beets or a fresh summer pasta salad, enhance the savory joy of bratwurst perfectly. Explore these side dish ideas to elevate your bratwurst meal to new heights!

German Potato Salad

tangy bacon vinegar dressing

A quintessential accompaniment for bratwurst, German Potato Salad features thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a tangy and creamy bacon-mustard vinaigrette.

This side dish for brats offers a delightful contrast to the savory and juicy bratwurst, with its tangy vinaigrette adding an appealing zest.

The smoky richness from the bacon further enhances the flavors, making it a must-try option for any bratwurst meal.

Classic Coleslaw

tasty summer side dish

Classic coleslaw, a staple side dish, complements bratwurst with its invigorating blend of shredded cabbage and carrots mixed in a creamy dressing.

Whether you prefer creamy coleslaw or a vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangy kick, this dish pairs perfectly with bratwurst.

For a twist, apple and cabbage slaw adds a sweet crunch, balancing the savory flavors of the bratwurst beautifully.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

healthy summer barbecue option

Grilled Veggie Skewers offer a healthy and flavorful side dish option that pairs excellently with bratwurst. Featuring grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, these skewers are easy to prepare and cook perfectly on the grill.

The charred edges add a delicious depth, making them a colorful and satisfying accompaniment to your bratwurst on a bun.

Sauerkraut

fermented cabbage dish popular in germany

Complementing the vibrant and smoky flavors of grilled veggie skewers, sauerkraut offers a tangy and slightly sour contrast that pairs beautifully with bratwurst.

This classic German side dish, made from fermented cabbage, enhances the bold taste of brats. Its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity, creating a delicious and authentic pairing that elevates the overall dining experience.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food for all

Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy and comforting texture, serves as an ideal side dish to enhance the savory flavors of bratwurst.

Baked mac and cheese, featuring a crispy top, adds a delightful crunch to the meal.

This classic side dish recipe, rich in cheese, pairs perfectly with bratwurst, making it a crowd-pleaser that balances flavors and textures beautifully. Addition sentences: The creamy and cheesy goodness of the dish complements the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the bratwurst. It’s a match made in heaven for any cookout or casual gathering. Try serving it alongside some sauerkraut and potato salad for delicious side dishes for bratwurst.

Corn on the Cob

grilled summer corn recipe

Corn on the cob, with its sweet and slightly smoky flavor, stands as a quintessential side dish to accompany bratwurst.

Grilled corn brings out a delightful char, enhancing the taste.

Mexican street corn, or Elote, adds a tangy twist with cotija cheese and spices.

Parmesan garlic corn offers a savory touch, while Cajun-spiced corn delivers a bold, spicy kick.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Following the smoky and savory flavors of grilled corn on the cob, cucumber salad introduces a crisp and invigorating element to the meal.

This revitalizing side dish, made of crisp cucumber slices dressed with a tangy dressing, provides a perfect balance to the hearty bratwurst.

The combination of fresh cucumbers and tangy vinaigrette enhances the overall dining experience with its delightful contrast.

Baked Beans

recipe for spicy beans

Slow-cooked baked beans serve as a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to bratwurst, enhancing the meal with their rich and smoky taste.

These delicious baked beans are a side dish that pairs perfectly with bratwurst, offering a variety of textures and flavors.

Whether you prefer sweet and spicy, BBQ, or vegetarian versions, baked beans are a classic German side dish that completes any bratwurst feast.

Beer Cheese Dip

perfect party appetizer choice

After enjoying the rich and smoky flavors of baked beans, another delightful side dish worth exploring for your bratwurst is beer cheese dip. Serve this creamy and indulgent dish to add a savory element to your brats for dinner.

Perfect for dipping pretzels or bratwurst, this dip's flavorful combination of cheese and beer enhances the overall taste experience, making it a popular choice.

Deviled Eggs

easter brunch appetizer favorite

Deviled eggs offer a timeless, versatile appetizer that pairs exceptionally well with the savory flavors of bratwurst. This delicious side dish is easy to prepare, combining hard-boiled eggs with a creamy yolk mixture.

Perfect for any gathering, deviled eggs complement a fresh salad or stand alone as a crowd-pleaser. Customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients to enhance the taste further.

Roasted Potatoes

delicious side dish option

Roasted potatoes guarantee an excellent accompaniment to bratwurst, delivering a delightful combination of crispy exteriors and tender interiors. This classic side dish pairs well, especially when seasoned with herbs like rosemary or spices like paprika.

Whether using Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or fingerlings, roasting secures a golden, crunchy texture. Customize with toppings like Parmesan cheese or parsley for an extra delicious roasted experience.

Pickled Beets

sweet and tangy root vegetable

Why not enhance your bratwurst meal with the bold and tangy flavors of pickled beets?

This tangy and versatile side dish pairs well with savory brats, offering a unique flavor profile that includes a hint of sweetness and a invigorating kick.

Serve with brats to add a pop of color and a touch of acidity, elevating your meal effortlessly.

Summer Pasta Salad

refreshing summer pasta salad

When seeking a revitalizing and light side dish to complement bratwurst, Summer Pasta Salad stands out with its vibrant mix of colorful vegetables and tangy vinaigrette dressing.

This pasta salad recipe features cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all brought together with a tangy vinaigrette. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the flavors, making this summer pasta salad a perfect addition to your meal.

Cornbread

delicious cornbread recipe available

Cornbread, with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, serves as a classic Southern side dish that perfectly complements the savory flavors of bratwurst.

This versatile treat can be made in muffins or skillets, allowing for different presentations.

Additions like jalapenos or cheddar cheese can enhance its flavor, making cornbread a hearty, golden-crusted choice to accompany your grilled bratwurst on a bun.

Green Salad

healthy fresh leafy greens

A green salad, with its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and greens, provides an invigorating contrast to the hearty flavors of bratwurst.

This classic side dish, customizable with ingredients like strawberries or balsamic vinaigrette, adds color and texture to the meal.

Whether it's a Caesar, Caprese, or Greek salad, this healthy and revitalizing accompaniment balances the richness of bratwurst on a bun.