What’s a wiener schnitzel without its trusty sidekicks? We know, sounds risky. But trust us, we’ve got the goods.
Forget plain old fries – think more along the lines of vibrant salads, crispy potato dishes, or even some surprising veggies.
In our quest for the best, we taste-tested, nibbled, and devoured our way to the top ten sidekicks for your schnitzel.
Ready to upgrade your meal? Let’s get crunchin’!
Top 10 Side Dishes for Wiener Schnitzel
Here are our picks for the best side dishes to serve with wiener schnitzel:
Side Dish | Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Buttered Egg Noodles | Egg noodles, butter, salt, pepper | Buttery, comforting | Easy | 15 mins |
Warm German Potato Salad | Potatoes, onion, vinegar, mustard, bacon | Tangy, savory | Moderate | 45 mins |
Braised Red Cabbage | Red cabbage, onion, vinegar, sugar, spices | Sweet, sour | Moderate | 1 hour |
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream | Cucumbers, sour cream, dill, vinegar, salt | Cool, creamy, herbal | Easy | 20 mins |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, pepper | Nutty, caramelized | Easy | 30 mins |
Spaetzle (German Egg Noodles) | Flour, eggs, milk, salt | Tender, eggy | Moderate | 30 mins |
Cranberry Sauce | Cranberries, sugar, orange juice | Sweet, tart | Easy | 20 mins |
Sautéed Mushrooms | Mushrooms, butter, garlic, thyme | Earthy, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, salt, pepper | Fresh, bright | Easy | 20 mins |
Creamy Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, milk, butter, salt, pepper | Rich, comforting | Moderate | 45 mins |
1 – Buttered Egg Noodles
Buttered Egg Noodles have a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with schnitzel’s crispy texture. We love how the noodles soak up the extra sauce. It’s our go-to side. The simplicity of butter and noodles is unbeatable.
Egg noodles are tender and perfectly complement the schnitzel. We’ve eaten them countless times. They remind us of cozy family dinners. They’re quick and versatile. Adding herbs or cheese is a game-changer.
2 – Warm German Potato Salad
Butter, vinegar, bacon, and a touch of sugar. That’s warm German potato salad for us.
The blend is magical, tangy, and slightly sweet. We love it because it has bacon — need we say more?
Warm potatoes soak up the zesty dressing, and bacon adds a smoky crunch. It stands out next to schnitzel every time.
Once, we had it with some chives sprinkled on top. Absolutely delicious!
3 – Braised Red Cabbage
We absolutely love braised red cabbage. It’s tangy and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice. The texture is tender yet slightly crunchy.
The blend of vinegar, sugar, and allspice adds depth. We often find ourselves reaching for seconds.
Why does it pair so well with schnitzel? The acidity cuts through the rich breading, creating a balanced bite.
We’ve tried it countless times and it’s always a hit. Once, we added some apple slices and it elevated the dish.
4 – Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Oh, cucumber salad with sour cream! We love this combination. Crisp cucumbers paired with tangy sour cream is a refreshing side dish that elevates any meal. The cucumbers bring a cool crunch, while the sour cream adds a creamy, tangy bite. It’s light, yet satisfying.
This salad is super easy to make. Throw in some dill and vinegar, and you’ve got a hit. We sometimes add a pinch of sugar for a slight sweetness. It’s always a crowd-pleaser at our gatherings.
5 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are our jam. Tender inside and crispy outside, they hit the sweet spot every time. We toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They get this caramelized vibe that’s to die for.
Brussels sprouts have a slight bitterness which pairs perfectly with wiener schnitzel’s richness. We sometimes sprinkle parmesan or drizzle balsamic. It’s a simple side that never fails.
6 – Spaetzle (German Egg Noodles)
Spaetzle are tender, chewy egg noodles with a satisfying, buttery flavor. We coat them in butter and sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or cheese. These noodles absorb sauces and gravy perfectly. There’s this perfect bite that we love—soft but firm.
Cooking spaetzle is pretty straightforward. Flour, eggs, and salt combined, then dropped into boiling water. Simple, delicious, and a family favorite.
7 – Cranberry Sauce
We’re all about cranberry sauce. It’s a tangy, sweet splash of flavor that compliments schnitzel beautifully.
Cranberries make it vibrant and zesty. We love how the tartness balances the fried richness of schnitzel. The best part? It’s so simple to whip up. Fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water.
Our secret? A bit of orange zest for that extra zing. Absolutely divine!
8 – Sautéed Mushrooms
We absolutely love sautéed mushrooms. They have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with schnitzel’s crispy texture. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile, easy to cook, and delicious.
We sauté them in butter with garlic and fresh herbs. They soak up these flavors beautifully. The result is a delicious side dish. The earthy taste and savory blend are simply irresistible.
9 – Roasted Asparagus
Let’s get straight to the point – roasted asparagus rocks. We toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Preheated oven at 400°F. Easy.
Roasted asparagus offers a crispy outside with a tender inside. The flavor? Mildly sweet, slightly nutty. All while being deliciously fresh.
We’ve tried adding lemon zest for extra zing. Tossing with Parmesan is also a win. These guys never disappoint our schnitzel nights.
10 – Creamy Mashed Potatoes
We’re all about creamy mashed potatoes. They’re smooth, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. Soft potatoes blend seamlessly with rich cream. A touch of salt and pepper balances everything out.
We love adding roasted garlic for an extra flavor kick. Once, we tried a sprinkle of chives on top and it was fantastic.
The texture? Perfectly velvety. They complement schnitzel’s crispiness wonderfully. Simple to make and always a hit at dinner.
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.