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What to Serve With Bratwursts: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your bratwurst experience with some delightful side dishes. Sauerkraut provides a zesty, digestive-friendly complement. German potato salad, with its warm, vinegar-based dressing and crunchy bacon bits, balances the richness of the bratwursts. Pretzel rolls offer a chewy, slightly salty pairing, ideal with mustard. Red cabbage slaw adds vibrant color and a crisp texture, while beer-braised onions bring a savory-sweet profile that enhances the meatiness. For added variety, try apple sauerkraut, caramelized onions, or pickled vegetables. These sides blend harmoniously with bratwursts, making your meal both enjoyable and memorable. Explore further for more delicious ideas.

Sauerkraut

fermented cabbage delicacy

Why is sauerkraut such a quintessential pairing with bratwursts? Besides its zesty flavor, sauerkraut offers notable health benefits like aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.

When made with a homemade recipe, it's even more delightful and nutritious. The tangy crunch of sauerkraut perfectly complements the savory taste of bratwursts, making it a classic and harmonious side dish.

German Potato Salad

warm tangy potato dish

German Potato Salad is a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to bratwursts. It features a warm, vinegar-based dressing that perfectly balances the richness of the bratwursts. The addition of bacon bits adds a savory crunch to the dish. This traditional side dish not only complements the main course but also brings a delightful blend of textures and flavors to the table.

Pretzel Rolls

delicious homemade pretzel rolls

Complementing the hearty tang of German Potato Salad, pretzel rolls bring a chewy texture and a slight saltiness that pairs perfectly with bratwursts.

Mastering pretzel rolls: baking techniques can be rewarding, involving boiling dough in a baking soda solution before baking.

For serving suggestions, slice them open, and fill with bratwursts, or serve them on the side with mustard for dipping.

Red Cabbage Slaw

healthy and colorful salad

Red cabbage slaw offers a vibrant and invigorating accompaniment to bratwursts, enhancing the meal with its crisp texture and revitalizing flavors.

Packed with nutritional benefits, this side dish is rich in vitamins A and C.

For preparation tips, finely shred the cabbage, and mix with a tangy dressing of apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a dash of salt.

Beer-Braised Onions

cooking onions in beer

Adding another layer of rich flavor to your bratwursts, beer-braised onions offer a savory and slightly sweet profile that pairs perfectly with the robust meat.

Using various onion varieties, such as yellow or red, enhances the dish's complexity. Cooking techniques involve simmering onions in beer until tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This side dish guarantees a delightful, mouth-watering experience.

Spaetzle

german egg noodle dish

Spaetzle, a traditional German egg noodle, provides a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to bratwursts.

Homemade spaetzle is easy to prepare and adds a comforting touch to any meal.

There are many spaetzle recipes available, from classic butter and herbs to cheesy versions that melt in your mouth.

The soft texture and rich flavor of spaetzle make it a perfect side dish for bratwursts.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber dish

For an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of spaetzle and bratwursts, cucumber salad offers a light and crisp option that complements the meal perfectly.

The cucumber dressing, often a mix of vinegar, sugar, and dill, enhances the rejuvenating taste.

Salad variations abound, from adding onions and tomatoes to incorporating a touch of yogurt, ensuring a delightful side dish.

Mustard Sauce

tender beef with mustard

A tangy mustard sauce is an essential accompaniment that enhances the savory flavor of bratwursts.

With various flavor variations like spicy, sweet, or honey mustard, you can easily find the perfect match for your taste.

Pairing tips suggest starting with a classic Dijon or whole grain mustard to complement the rich, juicy bratwurst, adding a delightful contrast to every bite.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious crispy green vegetable

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with bratwursts.

Tossed in a balsamic reduction and sprinkled with crispy bacon, these sprouts offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

The caramelized edges and tender centers make them a perfect complement to the hearty taste of bratwursts, enhancing your dining experience with every bite.

Mashed Potatoes

crispy on the outside

Complementing the savory depth of roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes offer a creamy and comforting side that pairs seamlessly with bratwursts.

Their smooth, creamy texture, enhanced by a hint of garlic flavor, brings a rich, delightful contrast to the juicy bratwursts.

This classic side dish not only satisfies but also enhances the overall dining experience, making every bite more enjoyable.

Grilled Corn

savory summer bbq delight

Why not elevate your bratwursts with the sweet, smoky flavors of grilled corn? Grilling techniques bring out the natural sweetness, while butter toppings add a rich, savory touch.

Simply brush the corn with melted butter, season with your favorite spices, and grill until slightly charred.

This combination not only complements bratwursts but also enhances your meal with a delightful, mouthwatering experience.

Apple Sauerkraut

fermented apple and cabbage

Apple sauerkraut offers a tangy-sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory richness of bratwursts. This delightful side dish combines the crisp bite of sweet apples with the bold, tangy flavor of sauerkraut.

The mix creates a harmonious blend that complements the flavors of bratwursts, adding an invigorating and lively twist to your meal. It's an easy yet flavorful enhancement.

Caramelized Onions

flavorful and sweet onions

Caramelized onions, with their deep, sweet flavor, provide an exquisite balance to the savory notes of bratwursts. Using different onion varieties like yellow or red can add subtle nuances.

For perfect caramelization, cook onions slowly over medium heat, stirring often, until they turn golden brown. This simple yet elegant side dish enhances the bratwurst experience, making each bite more delightful.

Pickled Vegetables

fermented vegetables in jars

Pickled vegetables offer a zesty contrast that complements the rich, savory flavor of bratwursts. Using various pickling techniques and vinegar varieties, you can create a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Classic options include pickled cucumbers, carrots, and beets. The acidity from the vinegar cuts through the fattiness of the bratwursts, providing an invigorating bite that enhances the overall dining experience.

Can the Same Side Dishes Work for Bratwursts and Lamb Loin Chops?

Yes, the best side dishes for lamb loin chops can work for bratwursts as well. Grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a side salad are versatile accompaniments that complement both types of meat. Their flavors and textures enhance the overall dining experience, making them suitable for a variety of main courses.

Potato Pancakes

fluffy crispy comfort food

Potato pancakes are a traditional and hearty side dish that pairs exceptionally well with bratwursts. Made from various potato varieties, these crispy delights add a comforting touch to your meal.

Popular pancake toppings include applesauce, sour cream, and chives, enhancing the flavors and textures.

Perfect for any occasion, potato pancakes bring warmth and satisfaction, making them a beloved choice alongside savory bratwursts.