Bratwurst, affectionately known as ‘brats,’ are a type of short sausage originating from a meat mixture that shares the same name. Typically made from a combination of beef, pork, and veal, these German sausages pack a punch with their bold flavors. While they can be enjoyed throughout the year, it’s easy to fall into the routine of serving them in the same way every time. However, bratwursts are incredibly versatile, pairing well with an astonishing array of side dishes and toppings.
Whether you’re looking for classic American or authentic German-style bratwursts, there are numerous options available. In this post, we’ll explore 17 mouth-watering side dish ideas to help you mix things up and create a unique experience. From now on, let’s discover some tasty combinations that will elevate your bratwurst game!
Potluck German Potato Salad
To begin with a satisfying German-inspired accompaniment, let’s dive into a quick and effortless potato salad recipe that combines the earthy sweetness of Yukon Gold potatoes with the savory richness of bacon, onions, celery, and an array of aromatic herbs and spices. This harmonious blend of flavors not only presents beautifully but also provides a filling and satisfying experience that will leave you feeling content without being overly full to enjoy your bratwurst or other main course.
Sweet Potato Fries
Why settle for ordinary bratwurst accompaniments when you can elevate your snacking game by whipping up a batch of sweet potato fries at home? The beauty of this side dish lies in its distinct departure from traditional French fries. While still boasting a satisfying salty flavor, these sweet spuds also burst forth with a hint of natural sweetness.
By carefully following the recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside treat that perfectly complements your bratwurst.
Hard Rolls
While traditional soft rolls are delicious with bratwurst, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one option. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating your own hard rolls, which offer a unique contrast in texture and flavor when paired with your sausage. One of the main advantages of using hard rolls is that they retain their crispiness for a longer period, preventing the bratwurst from becoming soggy too quickly.
The juxtaposition between the snappy sausage and the crunchy roll adds an exciting dimension to the overall dining experience.
Slow Cooker Barbecued Beans
When it comes to comforting side dishes, a slow cooker barbecued beans recipe from Betty Crocker is an unbeatable choice. The combination of hot, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors is nothing short of divine. What’s more, this barbecue bean side dish requires minimal effort, as all you need to do is combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it cook for just over three hours.
The key to its incredible taste lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients like crispy bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and mustard. With these simple yet effective components, you’ll be rewarded with a side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Sauerkraut
When it comes to pairing side dishes with bratwurst, one classic combination stands out from the rest – the harmonious union between the savory sausage and the tangy, fermented cabbage. This tried-and-true duo requires little effort on our part, as the natural balance of flavors does most of the work for us. The process is straightforward: simply prepare some fermented cabbage, allowing its beneficial bacteria to take center stage.
Interestingly, this type of cabbage shares a similar probiotic profile with yogurt, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Corn On The Cob
Savoring simplicity at its finest, grilled corn on the cob is an effortless side dish that’s sure to please. With a cooking time of mere minutes, this summer staple delivers a delightful crunch and juicy burst with each bite. Its natural charm makes it a perfect pairing for brats – think tender kernels exploding with flavor. To elevate the experience, consider topping your grilled corn with butter or chili salt for an added layer of indulgence.
Beer-Braised Brats And Onions
When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like a hearty sausage dish accompanied by a flavorful side that complements its rich aroma. One such recipe is a game-changer – it involves cooking brats with sautéed onions and beer, resulting in an unparalleled harmony of flavors. This side dish can be served alongside the cooked brats or simmered together in one pan for added depth.
The caramelized onions, infused with the sweetness of the beer, beautifully balance out the savory notes of the sausage, making this a must-try combination. Head to the recipe link to get started on this mouthwatering meal.
Pineapple Relish
While the combination of pineapple and bratwurst may raise eyebrows at first, this unexpected pairing surprisingly harmonizes. The aromatic relish infuses your brats with a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. As we see it, this sweet and tangy condiment is an ideal summer companion for hot dogs. What’s more, crafting this relish requires only fundamental ingredients: pineapple, onion, cilantro, yellow and red bell peppers, soy sauce, sugar, lime, and a hint of red pepper heat.
The culmination of these flavors – sweet, savory, meaty, tangy, and spicy – is truly exceptional.
Broccoli Salad With Bacon And Cheese
For those who appreciate a satisfying crunch in their bratwurst accompaniments, this salad is sure to delight. Its abundant nutrients aren’t its only drawcard – the combination of creamy flavors and varied textures makes for a truly compelling package.
The broccoli adds a delightful snap, while the salty bacon provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy cheese perfectly. The addition of red onion and cider vinegar lends a tangy depth to the salad, elevating it to new heights.
Coleslaw
In just a few minutes, you can whip up a tasty coleslaw side dish using only 11 everyday ingredients. The majority of these staples are likely already stocked in your kitchen pantry. This recipe serves as a masterclass on how to craft a KFC-inspired coleslaw that embodies the chain’s signature blend of zesty, smoky, and rich flavors. By following this simple formula, you’ll be able to replicate the beloved condiment at home.
Mushroom Kabobs
Looking for a nutritious side dish that’s low in carbs and calories? The Mushroom Council has got you covered! Their mushroom kabob recipe is packed with whole mushrooms, grape tomatoes, onion, and pepper. Not only does it deliver on flavor, but it also boasts an impressive array of nutrients and vitamins. And the best part? It comes with a simple marinade recipe to elevate the dish even further.
Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
Imagine a refreshing salad that’s as popular as it is delicious – this chilled, creamy treat fits the bill perfectly. By marrying the spicy essence of jalapeno poppers with the natural sweetness of corn, the recipe achieves a perfect harmony of flavors. The base of the salad, comprising mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pepper Jack cheese, and cream cheese, yields a silky smooth sauce that’s elevated by the pungent notes of onion, chili powder, and garlic.
With each bite, the bold combination will leave you wanting more.
Grilled Veggies
Indulge in the simplicity and nutritional benefits of grilled veggies, a side dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor and versatility. With this recipe, you can easily customize your vegetable selection to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Simply season your chosen vegetables, fire up the grill, and let the magic happen.
Applesauce
In a pinch and in need of a side dish solution? Don’t worry, serving brats with homemade or store-bought applesauce is a tried-and-true method that pairs perfectly with the hearty flavor of sausages. While it may not be the most adventurous option, this classic combination provides a reliable and satisfying accompaniment to your meal. And if you’re really short on time, simply use a pre-made sauce or follow this simple recipe to whip up a batch of sweet applesauce in no time.
Bacon Beer Cheese Brats
When it comes to pairing with bratwurst, few combinations are as satisfying as a blend of rich cheese, hoppy beer, and crispy bacon bits. Rather than serving as a side dish, this beer-infused cheese sauce can be poured directly over the brats themselves, elevating the classic combination to new heights.
The recipe combines creamy cheddar and cream cheeses with a medley of flavors including garlic powder, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and – of course – beer, resulting in a truly magnificent beer-cheese hybrid. To finish the dish, simply pour the cheese mixture over the brats and top with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.
Easy Fruit Salad
Fruit is an incredibly refreshing and versatile side dish option, especially when paired with bratwurst. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a crowd-pleaser. While this recipe combines red grapes, mango, pineapple, strawberries, and more, feel free to experiment with any fruits you like. That being said, we highly suggest opting for tropical fruits, as they bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Final Thoughts
With this diverse array of 17 scrumptious side dishes, it’s clear that the possibilities are truly boundless. The options presented have showcased a vast range of flavors and textures, providing ample opportunities for you to discover your new favorite accompaniment to brats. Now that you’ve been introduced to these delectable alternatives, all that remains is to choose which one piques your interest first.
And, with the convenience of many side dishes requiring minimal preparation time, there’s no excuse not to indulge in a trio or quartet of flavors, allowing you to experience multiple delights at once.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.