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What to Serve With Ribs and Sauerkraut: 15 Best Side Dishes

Serving ribs and sauerkraut calls for delicious side dishes to create a complete, mouth-watering meal. Mashed potatoes offer creamy comfort, while the tangy crunch of coleslaw provides balance. Cornbread, with its golden crust and sweet interior, complements the savory main. Baked beans add rich, smoky flavors, and potato salad brings a tangy, creamy touch. You can also enjoy sweet potato fries, grilled corn, or applesauce for a unique twist. A crisp Caesar salad refreshes the palate. Pairing these sides enhances each bite, creating a harmonious dining experience. Curious about more tasty sides? Your perfect pairing awaits.

Mashed Potatoes

thanksgiving dinner comfort food

Mashed potatoes, frequently regarded as a classic comfort food, pair exceptionally well with ribs and sauerkraut due to their creamy texture and mild flavor.

The smooth consistency of mashed potatoes complements the robust flavors of ribs and sauerkraut. Additionally, flavor variations such as adding garlic, cheese, or herbs can elevate the dish, ensuring it remains both comforting and versatile.

Coleslaw

crunchy cabbage and carrots

Coleslaw, with its crisp texture and tangy flavor, serves as an excellent side dish to balance the richness of ribs and sauerkraut. This versatile dish offers various flavor variations, from creamy to vinegar-based, catering to different tastes.

Additionally, coleslaw provides health benefits due to its high fiber content and vitamins from cabbage and carrots, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Cornbread

sweet crumbly cornbread recipe

Cornbread, with its golden crust and slightly sweet interior, complements the savory flavors of ribs and sauerkraut perfectly. Originating from Native American cuisine, cornbread has a rich history and various delightful cornbread variations, such as jalapeño or honey butter cornbread, adding unique twists to the classic recipe.

This versatile side dish enhances the meal, offering a comforting, flavorful balance to the tangy sauerkraut and hearty ribs.

Baked Beans

comfort food on campfire

Baked beans, with their rich and savory sauce, provide a hearty addition to the traditional pairing of ribs and sauerkraut. Originating from Native American cuisine, baked beans history highlights their evolution into various delicious varieties.

From classic Boston-style to tangy barbecue versions, these beans offer a comforting and flavorful complement, enhancing the overall dining experience with their sweet and smoky notes.

Potato Salad

potato salad recipe details

Combining creamy texture with a tangy kick, potato salad serves as an ideal side dish to balance the robust flavors of ribs and sauerkraut.

Regional variations and diverse ingredient combinations—from dill and mustard in Germany to the classic mayonnaise-based version in the United States—offer a range of tastes to complement your meal.

This versatile dish caters to different palates, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food favorite dish

Another classic side dish that pairs exceptionally well with ribs and sauerkraut is macaroni and cheese, known for its creamy texture and rich flavors.

The dish's luscious, creamy texture is enhanced by a cheddar blend, creating a comforting contrast to the tangy sauerkraut and savory ribs.

This combination offers a delightful balance of flavors, making macaroni and cheese a beloved choice for many.

Green Beans

green beans are healthy

Green beans provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the hearty flavors of ribs and sauerkraut, making them an excellent side dish choice.

Sautéed green beans deliver a delightful crunch and vibrant color, while a green bean casserole offers creamy, comforting layers that complement the main dish.

Both options bring a balanced, nutritious element to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy colorful delicious dish

When paired with ribs and sauerkraut, roasted vegetables offer a savory and nutritious side dish that enhances the meal's depth and complexity.

A seasonal selection of root vegetables, like carrots and parsnips, can bring out the best flavors.

Simple seasoning tips include olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring the veggies complement the main dish without overpowering it, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Cucumber Salad

light and refreshing dish

A invigorating cucumber salad provides a crisp and light contrast to the hearty flavors of ribs and sauerkraut. This side dish offers rejuvenating flavors that cleanse the palate, making it a delightful companion to richer foods.

With quick preparation, it's easy to toss together sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and a sprinkle of dill, creating a simple yet flavorful addition to your meal.

Garlic Bread

tasty garlic bread recipe

Complementing the invigorating cucumber salad, garlic bread brings a savory and aromatic element to the table, enhancing the meal with its rich and buttery flavors.

The delightful butter spread seeps into the bread, creating a perfect balance of crisp and softness in texture.

Ideal for soaking up sauces, garlic bread pairs seamlessly with ribs and sauerkraut, offering a satisfying bite with every mouthful.

Pickles

tangy cucumber brine delight

Pickles add a zesty and revitalizing contrast to the rich flavors of ribs and sauerkraut. These fermented cucumbers, with their brine variety, offer a rejuvenating crunch that balances the heaviness of the main dishes.

Whether you choose dill, bread and butter, or spicy pickles, they enhance the overall meal, making each bite more enjoyable and satisfying for your taste buds.

Sweet Potato Fries

delicious and crispy treat

Sweet potato fries provide a delightful sweetness and crispy texture that pairs exceptionally well with the savory flavors of ribs and sauerkraut.

Their natural sweetness can be enhanced with a light honey drizzle, making them even more irresistible.

The contrast of the crispy texture against the tender ribs and tangy sauerkraut creates a balanced, flavorful experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

Grilled Corn

summer favorite barbecue side

Grilled corn adds a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of a meal featuring ribs and sauerkraut. The butter flavor melds beautifully with the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a delightful side dish.

There are various seasoning options, such as paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan, allowing for customization to suit everyone's palate.

Apple Sauce

homemade cinnamon apple sauce

Frequently served as a complementary side, apple sauce provides a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs excellently with the rich flavors of ribs and sauerkraut.

Using different apple varieties can greatly influence the taste and texture of the sauce.

Popular sauce recipes often include cinnamon and nutmeg, adding depth to the dish.

This versatile side dish offers a delightful balance to the hearty main course.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut Also be Served with Ribs and Sauerkraut?

When it comes to the best side dishes for hot dogs, sauerkraut is a classic choice. But can these same side dishes also be served with ribs and sauerkraut? Absolutely! The tangy flavor of sauerkraut complements both hot dogs and ribs, making it a versatile and tasty option for any BBQ spread.

Caesar Salad

creative salad recipe idea

A classic Caesar salad serves as an invigorating and crisp side dish that complements the robust flavors of ribs and sauerkraut.

The homemade dressing, rich with garlic and anchovies, adds depth, while the fresh romaine lettuce offers a satisfying crunch.

Crouton variations, such as garlic or herb-infused, provide additional texture and flavor, making this salad a delightful accompaniment to your meal.