Grilled sausages are great, right? (typically ground pork or a mix of meats encased in natural or synthetic casings) They hit that sweet spot of being both delicious and super easy to make.
We can't be the only ones who would eat them every day if we could.
But, what's the deal with sides? Sometimes we need something a little extra to balance out that meaty goodness.
The right sides can level up our sausage game. We've got ideas that'll surprise your palate and make you the grill master of the summer.
From crunchy salads to creamy dips, we've got options for everyone.
So grab a fork and let's get into what to serve with grilled sausages-it's going to be tasty!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Grilled Sausages
Here are some of our favorite side dishes to pair with grilled sausages:
1 - German Potato Salad
Who knew potatoes could be dressed up like this? German potato salad is a hot take on the classic side dish.
It swaps out the mayo for a zesty vinegar dressing (using a warm bacon-vinegar dressing with a 2:1 vinegar-to-sugar ratio). We get a nice tang that livens things up.
This salad is often mixed with bacon. The crispy bits add a satisfying crunch.
Versatility is a big plus; it's also one of the sides that pair with sweet potato soup.
Using fresh herbs improves the flavor. It's a great way to use up leftover potatoes, too.
2 - Beer-Braised Sauerkraut
We all know sauerkraut can be a little. pungent. Beer-braising changes the game.
It softens that bite and adds a deep flavor.
Choose a lager for something light and crisp (pilsner or Helles). It brings out the natural sweetness in the cabbage.
We can toss in some bacon for a smoky twist.
Serving it warm is a must. It's the ideal pairing for sausages.
We can't resist that combo.
Simple, hearty, and absolutely satisfying.
3 - Grilled Peppers and Onions
Grilled peppers and onions bring sweetness and a bit of char, and are a great choice among liver and onions side pairings.
These two are best friends on the grill. They complement our sausages beautifully.
Slice them into strips for even cooking (about ½-inch thick). Keep an eye on them so they don't turn to mush.
Tossing in olive oil and seasoning adds a great touch. Use salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of garlic.
They're quick and make everything look pretty on the plate.
4 - Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasting garlic takes the bite out and adds a rich depth of flavor, similar to the notes you get with roasted vegetables side pairings.
We prefer using Yukon Golds for their buttery texture (thin-skinned, medium-starch tubers). Add cream for richness and beat those spuds until smooth.
A sprinkle of chives on top adds a nice pop of colour.
Pairing these potatoes with sausages is a no-brainer. These are the delicious blanket that soaks up all the juice.
5 - Pretzel Rolls
Who knew bread could be so fun? Pretzel rolls have that chewy crust and soft inside we crave (with a browned, slightly malty crust and tender crumb).
Dunking them in mustard or cheese sauce is definitely a game plan, much like pizza rolls side pairings where dips shine.
Pulling apart those rolls is entertaining. It's also the perfect excuse for smearing extra butter.
We can whip these up with minimal effort. Store-bought options are always available, too.
Keeping some in the fridge means we can pull them out for last-minute pairings. Enjoy them warm for the best bites.
6 - Baked Beans with Bacon
They offer a sassy kick to our grilled sausages and are one of the baked beans side ideas for BBQs.
These beans are filling and full of flavor. We usually prefer the ones with bacon for that smoky vibe (thick-cut smoked bacon).
The sauce gives it a sweet touch. Cooking them until bubbly enhances their richness.
We can whip them up on the stove or let them simmer in the oven.
For added fun, we can toss in extra spices or hot sauce. Baked beans are simple but deliver a total flavor boost!
7 - Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Cheddar jalapeño cornbread? Sign us up!
This bread is a saucy delight. It's got that cheesy goodness, and the jalapeños bring some heat (medium heat unless you include seeds).
We bake it until it's golden and crisp. Pairing it with grilled sausages adds flair.
It's easy to whip together and grabs attention at the table.
Experiment with toppings like butter or honey. This combo is sure to impress.
Keep some leftovers for breakfast-it's a win-win.
8 - Creamy Coleslaw
Who doesn't appreciate a good coleslaw on the side? This creamy treat adds crunch, which is a refreshing contrast to sausages.
We can mix cabbage with a zesty dressing for the right balance. A little bit of sugar tones down the tanginess nicely.
Using fresh veggies makes all the difference. Think carrots and green onions for color and texture.
Homemade dressing is totally doable. It requires just mayo, vinegar, and a pinch of seasoning (try a 2:1 mayo-to-vinegar ratio).
Feel free to spice it up. Adding jalapeños gives coleslaw a nice kick that surprises.
9 - Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Cucumber and red onion salad? Crunchy freshness for the win!
It's simple and packs a nice crunch. We mix crispy cucumbers with grilled red onions for flavor.
The dressing? A splash of vinegar, a dash of sugar, and a sprinkle of salt (rice vinegar works well).
Keep it light and zesty. Refreshing notes balance the heaviness of sausages.
Slicing the cucumbers thin helps. Thin slices soak up the dressing well.
We can whip this up in no time, making it a go-to for summer BBQs.
10 - Creamed Spinach
We can't overlook creamed spinach. It's a classic side that gives us all the feels.
This dish combines tender spinach with a rich, creamy sauce.
A hint of nutmeg adds warmth. We use fresh spinach for best results, but frozen works too (prefer tender baby spinach leaves).
Cooking it down is important to avoid a soggy mess.
Mixing in some garlic gives it a kick. It's all about that creamy goodness on our plates.
We can even sprinkle parmesan on top for extra flavor. Can't go wrong here!
11 - Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms might seem basic, but they bring so much flavor to the table. The umami kick is real.
One pan, a splash of oil, and some heat will do wonders.
We can toss in garlic for extra fun. It makes everything better.
Using a mix of mushrooms gives depth (cremini, shiitake, or oyster work well).
Don't skimp on salt-it really brings out their natural sweetness. We prefer a good sear for that golden brown finish.
These mushrooms work on anything, from steak to pasta. They'll add a touch of gourmet to our dishes.
12 - BBQ Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are the cool cousin of regular fries. They're slightly crispy on the outside and tender inside.
The natural sweetness brings a fun twist.
Seasoning is key here. A sprinkle of smoked paprika amps up the flavor (adds smoky, slightly sweet notes).
Toss them in with a bit of oil before baking for that nice crisp.
We think they go great with dipping sauces. Try ranch or chipotle mayo for an extra kick.
These fries are a tasty way to switch it up!
13 - Apple and Fennel Slaw
Crispy, crunchy apple and fennel slaw? Now that's a combo we didn't see coming.
This slaw brings freshness to our plate. The sweet and crisp apples pair nicely with the licorice-like flavor of fennel (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices).
Chop them up, toss in a tangy dressing, and we're golden. It complements heavier dishes without stealing the spotlight.
Use a mix of colours for a visual boost. Adding nuts gives a nice crunch.
This side is quick to whip up, making busy days easier.

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.


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