Bratwursts are those delightful sausages that just scream BBQ and good times. But what’s a brat without a solid sidekick? We’re here to chat about the best dishes to serve alongside these tasty links.
Think about that summer cookout where the grill is sizzling and the smell of bratwurst fills the air. We can all agree that you don’t want to be stuck serving just chips.
Let’s kick things up a notch and get creative! From refreshing salads to hearty sides, we’ve got you covered with ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
So, let’s dig into the best foods to make your bratwurst experience unforgettable!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Bratwursts
Here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with bratwursts:
1 – German Potato Salad
German potato salad is a tangy twist on your average spud dish. It often features a vinaigrette dressing instead of mayo, giving it a zesty kick.
We love the crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs mixed in. The warm potatoes soak up all that flavor, creating a hearty side that pairs perfectly with bratwursts.
2 – Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage is our go-to side dish for bratwursts. It’s tangy, sweet, and pairs beautifully with those juicy sausages.
The slow cooking process softens the cabbage and develops rich flavors. We love the touch of apple cider vinegar for that zesty lift. It’s like getting a tasty hug with every bite.
3 – Pretzel Bites with Mustard Dip
Pretzel bites with mustard dip are like the cool kids at the BBQ party.
They bring a fun, salty crunch that complements bratwursts perfectly.
The warm, chewy pretzels paired with zesty mustard create an exciting flavour combo.
We remember devouring these at summer cookouts, with mustard smeared all over our fingers.
The deep, rich taste of the mustard enhances every bite, making it hard to stop munching.
4 – Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut adds a zesty crunch that sings alongside bratwursts. Its tanginess gives a refreshing contrast to the savory sausages.
We can’t resist the way its slightly sweet and sour flavor elevates our meal. Nothing beats the feel of loading the plate with this crunchy goodness.
In terms of texture, sauerkraut is crisp and crunchy, perfectly complementing the juicy bite of bratwurst. The combination? A classic that never gets old.
5 – Beer Cheese Soup
Beer cheese soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a hint of bitterness from the beer. The flavor combines rich cheddar with smooth textures.
We can’t resist dipping our pretzel bites in this liquid gold.
Every spoonful brings warmth, perfect for those chilly nights. This soup’s savory kick elevates our bratwurst game.
6 – Spaetzle
Spaetzle is like a warm hug in a bowl of carbs. These little noodles are soft and chewy, perfect for soaking up sauces.
They bring a buttery richness that can elevate any dish.
Compared to pasta, spaetzle is light, fluffy, and has a subtle sourness. It’s so versatile, pairing well with meats or veggies. We can’t get enough of the satisfying texture!
7 – Cucumber-Dill Salad
We love cucumber-dill salad for its refreshing crunch and zesty kick. It’s light, vibrant, and pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of bratwursts.
The coolness of cucumbers combined with tangy dill creates a bright contrast. This salad isn’t just a side; it’s a palate cleanser.
8 – Roasted Beets
Roasted beets are surprisingly sweet and earthy. They bring a rich depth to any meal.
The flavors are bold and vibrant. We enjoy them for their tender texture and slight crunch.
Tossing them with olive oil and seasoning brings out their natural sweetness. They can elevate salads or pair beautifully with meats.
9 – Apple Slaw
Apple slaw is a crunchy, tangy treat that brings a fresh vibe to our meals. The sweet and tart flavors of apples meld with a zesty dressing, creating a bright contrast.
It pairs beautifully with bratwursts, cutting through richness and elevating the dish. The crisp texture adds a fun crunch and keeps everything interesting. A must-have for simply tasty BBQs!
10 – Caramelized Onions
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Stirring20Caramelized20Onions20Photo20by20Marina20Delio20650x465-0e3a2b284da54616a69da878c52b3489.jpg)
Caramelized onions bring a sweet, rich flavor that enhances any dish. We love how their deep, gold-brown hue signals something special. They add a smoky, slightly tangy bite that complements bratwursts perfectly.
Unlike raw onions, the slow cooking transforms them into a mellow treat. The sweetness balances savory meats like bratwursts, creating a satisfying contrast with every bite. They’re not just a topping; they elevate any meal with effortless flair.
11 – Garlic Butter Green Beans
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/230103-ButteryGarlicGreenBeans_59958-4242c90a4e384b7a9ac7f5024fca2bc4.jpg)
We love garlic butter green beans for their simple yet bold flavor. The garlic adds a savory kick that complements the fresh green beans beautifully.
These beans are tender-crisp, bringing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The butter creates a rich finish that enhances their natural sweetness.
12 – Warm Lentil Salad
Warm lentil salad is a hearty side that’s full of flavor. These lentils are earthy and nutty, making them a satisfying addition to any meal.
They hold up well with bratwursts, offering a great texture contrast. The salad can include fresh herbs and tangy vinaigrette for a vibrant finish.
Its filling nature makes it a fantastic alternative to heavy sides. We love how lentils soak up flavors while keeping everything balanced. They add bulk without being overwhelming.
13 – Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions are the tangy sidekick every bratwurst needs. They bring a vinegar zing that cuts through the richness of grilled sausages.
The crunch and acidity elevate the dish.
We love the vibrant pink colour and slightly sweet finish.
They’re easy to toss together and add that pop of flavour to every bite.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.