There’s something about cooking that makes us feel like real rock stars, isn’t there? We grab our ingredients, channel our inner chef, and hope for the best.
One staple that often gets pushed aside is sausage and cabbage. These two have so much potential together! While they might seem like the odd couple on the plate, they can totally pull off a delightful meal.
Picture this: sizzling sausage surrounded by tender cabbage, with flavors dancing everywhere. It’s a combo that deserves a spotlight.
Let’s spice things up a bit and chat about the best side dishes to pair with sausage and cabbage. We promise you’ll be ready to impress at your next dinner!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Sausage and Cabbage
Here are some delicious side dishes to turn your sausage and cabbage into a superstar meal:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Buttery Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, butter, cream | Creamy, savory | Easy | 30 mins |
| Roasted Carrots with Thyme | Carrots, thyme, olive oil | Sweet, herby | Easy | 25 mins |
| Creamy Polenta | Polenta, cream, cheese | Creamy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| German Potato Salad | Potatoes, bacon, vinegar, mustard | Tangy, savory | Medium | 35 mins |
| Garlic Sautéed Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, olive oil | Savory, garlicky | Easy | 15 mins |
| Apple Cider Braised Red Cabbage | Red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, apples | Tangy, sweet | Medium | 45 mins |
| Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes | Potatoes, cheese, cream | Cheesy, savory | Medium | 50 mins |
| Warm Lentil Salad | Lentils, onions, herbs | Earthy, savory | Medium | 35 mins |
| Rye Bread with Butter | Rye bread, butter | Savory, earthy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Dijon Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, Dijon mustard | Tangy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Caramelized Onions | Onions, butter, olive oil | Sweet, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Spaetzle | Flour, eggs, butter | Savory, rich | Medium | 30 mins |
| Baked Beans with Bacon | Beans, bacon, brown sugar | Sweet, smoky | Medium | 1 hr |
1 – Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Who knew potatoes could be our ultimate sidekick? Buttery mashed potatoes bring creaminess to the table. They complement sausage and cabbage like peanut butter and jelly.
We’re talking about smooth, velvety goodness that wraps around a fork perfectly. Add some garlic for flair, or keep it classic.
Don’t skimp on the butter; it’s a must. We can all appreciate a little indulgence, right? With a sprinkle of chives on top, they shine.
2 – Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Roasted carrots with thyme are like a bright, colorful shield on our dinner plate.
They bring sweetness and a hint of earthiness that ups the ante. We toss those orange beauties in olive oil and sprinkle thyme leaves like it’s our mission.
Slice them thick. Thicker pieces caramelize better and add texture. A little salt boosts flavor.
They take just 25 minutes in the oven and require minimal effort. These carrots sit perfectly with sausage and cabbage, creating a tasty trio.
3 – Creamy Polenta
Who knew polenta was so chill? It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s super versatile.
We can dress it up or down based on what we’re feeling. Need something silky? Butter and cheese do the trick.
A sprinkle of herbs takes it to another level. It pairs perfectly with that sausage and cabbage situation.
Just remember, the consistency matters. Good polenta should be creamy, not brick-like.
Let’s get cooking and make our plates look fine!
4 – German Potato Salad
What’s better than regular potato salad? German potato salad! It brings a warm twist with tangy dressing.
This dish features crispy bacon, which we can never resist. Mustard gives it a nice punch. It’s served warm or at room temperature, making it super versatile.
Skip the mayo; this one has vinegar and oil instead. We appreciate the brightness it brings to the plate. It pairs well with sausage, and suddenly dinner feels fancy.
5 – Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/230103-ButteryGarlicGreenBeans_59958-4242c90a4e384b7a9ac7f5024fca2bc4.jpg)
For those green beans, we get to jazz things up! Garlic sautéed green beans are a quick win. They bring crunch and flavor to our plates.
We sauté them in olive oil with minced garlic. The aroma? Incredible. We can tweak the garlic level to suit our vibe.
Add some slivered almonds for extra crunch if we’re feeling fancy. They cook fast too, just a few minutes on the heat. Perfect for last-minute dinners or as a show-off side.
6 – Apple Cider Braised Red Cabbage
Ever think cabbage could be a showstopper? This dish brings major flavor with apple cider and spices. We sauté the cabbage till it’s tender and tangy, showering it with a touch of sweet and sour.
It fits perfectly with sausage and cabbage. Want to impress? Add some bacon bits for a savory kick.
We can whip this up quickly, and it’s great even as a leftover. Let’s be honest, it tastes better the next day!
7 – Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
If we’re craving comfort, cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ticket. These layers of potato, cream, and cheese create a gooey masterpiece.
Cook them until golden. The crispy edges are everything. Fresh herbs add freshness and zing; we can totally switch up the cheese.
Feel like an experiment? Add some jalapeños for heat or swap in different potatoes.
Leftovers? They reheat like champs. We all appreciate a dish that gets better with time.
8 – Warm Lentil Salad
Who thought lentils could steal the show? This salad packs in nutrition and flavor. We toss cooked lentils with veggies and seasoning for a vibrant dish.
Texture is key; lentils should be soft but not mushy. A splash of lemon juice brightens things up. Sauté some garlic for an extra kick.
We can whip this up ahead of time. It’s fab as a leftover too! Lentils are budget-friendly and super filling. Perfect side for sausage and cabbage.
9 – Rye Bread with Butter
Who doesn’t appreciate a solid slice of rye? This bread brings a hearty crunch and rustic vibe to our meal. We spread soft butter on top for that melty goodness.
It’s perfect alongside sausage and cabbage. The flavours work together like a well-rehearsed band.
Looking for a twist? Add some fresh herbs into the butter. It’s a little upgrade that shines. Rye’s earthy notes create a comforting backdrop to our dinner.
10 – Dijon Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts can sometimes get a bad rap, but they’re worth the hype. These little green gems can be transformed easily with a Dijon mustard glaze. The tangy and slightly sweet kick really brightens things up.
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. A little caramelization goes a long way. Add some crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of yum.
We like to toss them with olive oil and sea salt. It’s simple and effective. Brussels sprouts are basically the VIPs of our dinner plate.
11 – Caramelized Onions
What’s that heavenly smell? Caramelized onions bring sweetness and depth. They’re basically the secret weapon for any meal, especially sausage and cabbage.
We slice them thin and cook low and slow. Patience is key; it can take a while but totally worth it. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end adds a nice twist.
Use them on sandwiches or throw them on burgers. They enhance almost any dish. The texture combines softness with a rich flavor, taking us to flavor town.
12 – Spaetzle
Spaetzle is like pasta’s fun cousin. These tiny dumplings are super simple to whip up. All we need is flour, eggs, and water.
They cook fast and soak up sauces nicely. Perfect for bouncing ideas off other dishes. We can jazz them up with herbs or cheese for extra flair.
Cooking them in butter adds a nice richness. Texturally, they’re soft with a slight chewy bite. They’re quick camaraderie with meats and veggies alike.
13 – Baked Beans with Bacon
Beans and bacon together make a classic combo. Baked beans are hearty and comforting. We simmer them with brown sugar, onion, and a splash of vinegar for a rich flavor.
Adding crispy bacon pulls it all together. These beans are the perfect side for sausage and cabbage. They can easily be made ahead for busy nights. Just warm them up before serving.
We can even spice it up with jalapeños for a kick. Total crowd-pleaser here!
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.