Pairing sauerkraut and kielbasa with the right side dishes can make your meal special. Creamy mashed potatoes offer a smooth and comforting complement. Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crispy, nutritious counterpoint. A tangy German potato salad with bacon bits adds delightful flavors. Buttered egg noodles introduce a comforting texture, while a fresh garden salad brings a crisp, invigorating contrast. Each option enhances the savory notes of the main dish, creating a satisfying dining experience. If you're looking for even more delicious ideas, there are plenty to explore that will make your meal unforgettable.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Accompanying sauerkraut and kielbasa with creamy mashed potatoes enhances the meal's comfort and richness.
Selecting the right potato varieties, such as Yukon Gold or Russet, guarantees a smooth, velvety texture.
Additionally, exploring different gravy options, from classic brown gravy to herb-infused white gravies, can elevate the dish further.
This combination provides a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful and nutritious counterpoint to the rich flavors of sauerkraut and kielbasa. Rich in vitamins and fiber, these little green gems boast numerous health benefits.
To achieve a crispy and caramelized finish, use simple cooking techniques like tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting at a high temperature. Serve them hot for maximum enjoyment.
German Potato Salad
A classic German potato salad, with its tangy vinegar dressing and hearty potatoes, complements the savory notes of sauerkraut and kielbasa perfectly.
The addition of crispy bacon bits adds a delightful crunch and a smoky flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
This combination creates a well-rounded, flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling content.
Buttered Egg Noodles
Buttered egg noodles offer a simple yet satisfying side dish that pairs excellently with the robust flavors of sauerkraut and kielbasa. The soft, rich noodles provide a delightful texture contrast to the tangy sauerkraut and hearty kielbasa, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
Quick to prepare, they enhance the overall meal experience, making it both comforting and delicious.
Fresh Garden Salad
Fresh garden salad provides a crisp and rejuvenating contrast to the rich and savory flavors of sauerkraut and kielbasa.
Consider various vinaigrette options to enhance the rejuvenation, such as balsamic or lemon.
Salad toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots add both color and crunch.
This side dish not only balances the meal but also introduces a revitalizing element to your plate.
Baked Beans
Offering a hearty and flavorful addition to your meal, baked beans complement the savory notes of sauerkraut and kielbasa with their rich, smoky undertones.
As a vegetarian option, they provide a perfect balance, enhancing the overall flavor combinations.
The beans' sweetness and smokiness create a delightful contrast, making them an ideal side dish to round out your delicious spread.
Caramelized Onions
Enhancing the savory depth of sauerkraut and kielbasa, caramelized onions add a sweet and rich flavor that elevates the dish.
The slow-cooked onions bring a touch of French onion soup's charm without overpowering the main ingredients.
For a twist, consider crispy onion rings as an alternative. Both options provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste, making your meal more enjoyable.
Spaetzle
Complementing the sweetness of caramelized onions, spaetzle introduces a hearty and tender texture to the plate, making it an ideal side dish for sauerkraut and kielbasa.
Homemade spaetzle, with its slightly chewy consistency, pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors. There are numerous spaetzle variations you can try, from buttery and simple to herbed and cheesy, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Rye Bread
Rye bread, with its robust flavor and dense texture, serves as an excellent accompaniment to sauerkraut and kielbasa.
Toasting techniques can enhance its crispiness, making it perfect for dipping or as a base for a hearty sandwich spread.
The earthy taste of rye complements the tangy sauerkraut and savory kielbasa, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Red cabbage slaw provides an invigorating and colorful contrast to the rich flavors of sauerkraut and kielbasa. The vibrant purple cabbage, mixed with a tangy vinegar dressing, adds a revitalizing crunch factor that perfectly complements the main dish.
This side not only enhances the overall meal with its texture and taste but also introduces an appealing visual element to your plate.
Pierogies
Pierogies, with their tender dough and savory fillings, serve as a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to sauerkraut and kielbasa.
Homemade pierogies, filled with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, or even mushrooms, bring a comforting touch to your meal.
The variety in pierogi fillings allows for a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them an ideal side dish to complement the robust flavors of kielbasa.
Pickled Vegetables
Frequently adding a zesty contrast to rich dishes, pickled vegetables provide a revitalizing and crunchy complement to sauerkraut and kielbasa.
Fermented carrots bring a tangy sweetness, while pickled cucumbers offer a crisp, invigorating bite.
These vibrant sides enhance the flavors, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Their bright acidity cuts through the richness, ensuring each bite remains delightful and well-rounded.
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce serves as a classic and harmonious side dish that complements the savory flavors of sauerkraut and kielbasa.
Cinnamon applesauce adds a warm, spiced note, enhancing the meal's overall taste.
Chunky applesauce, with its delightful texture, provides a pleasing contrast to the tender kielbasa and tangy sauerkraut.
This combination creates a balanced and enjoyable dining experience, perfect for any occasion.
Cornbread
Complementing the robust flavors of sauerkraut and kielbasa, cornbread offers a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that balances the meal perfectly.
Buttermilk cornbread brings a tangy richness that pairs exceptionally well, while jalapeno cornbread adds a spicy kick, making it an exciting choice.
Both variations provide a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the main dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Sausage and Sauerkraut the Same as for Kielbasa and Sauerkraut?
When it comes to the best side dishes for sausage and sauerkraut, the options are quite similar whether you’re serving it with kielbasa or regular sausage. Classics like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and roasted vegetables complement the savory flavors of the dish perfectly. Other great choices include potato salad and rye bread.
Garlic Green Beans
With their vibrant color and crisp texture, garlic green beans provide a fresh and flavorful contrast to the hearty sauerkraut and kielbasa. Sautéed with garlic, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and crunchy toasted almonds, these green beans offer a delightful blend of tastes and textures.
This side dish not only enhances your meal but also adds a nutritious and delicious element.