21 Best Sides to Serve with Bratwurst Sausage
When bratwurst is on the menu, the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into a hearty feast. Wondering what to serve with bratwurst? From classic German sides like sauerkraut and spaetzle to flavorful options like mustard mashed potatoes or roasted vegetable salad, there are plenty of delicious choices to round out your plate. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or enjoying a cozy dinner, these pairings bring out the best in this savory sausage.
German Sauerkraut
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Tangy, flavorful sauerkraut is a classic German side dish that pairs beautifully with bratwurst or any hearty meal. It’s braised low and slow to perfection with a few other ingredients.
Get The Recipe: German Sauerkraut
Brats on a Bun
My recipe for bratwurst cooks the brats and braises the sauerkraut at the same time; I love making this and serving it with buns. Everyone loves this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Bratwurst Sausage And Sauerkraut
German Potato Salad
Warm and savory, this traditional potato salad features a flavorful dressing and crispy bacon for a comforting side. This is an authentic Bavarian recipe for this popular potato salad.
Get The Recipe: German Potato Salad
Smoked Onions
Smoked onions that are caramelized to golden brown perfection are probably as perfect as braised sauerkraut. Serve these on the side or on the bun too, it’s amazing!
Get The Recipe: Smoked Caramelized Onions
Cheese Tortellini Alfredo
Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce coats tender cheese tortellini for a decadent, satisfying pasta dish. This recipe is straightforward, and the sauce is entirely from scratch but so simple. Bratwurst turns this into a satisfying and hearty dinner.
Get The Recipe: Cheese Tortellini Alfredo
German Potato Dumplings Kartoffelklöße
Soft and tender potato dumplings are a traditional side dish that soaks up gravy or sauces beautifully. This recipe makes them light, fluffy, and tender.
Get The Recipe: German Potato Dumplings Kartoffelklöße
German Bread Dumplings Semmelknödel
These hearty bread dumplings are the ideal accompaniment to saucy dishes, offering texture and flavor.
Get The Recipe: German Bread Dumplings (Semmelknödel)
Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce Jägersoße
If you make the potato or bread dumplings for your brats — make this incredible sauce to go along with it.
Get The Recipe: Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce (Jägersoße)
German Spaetzle Noodles
These soft, egg-based noodles are a versatile side that complement rich German dishes, especially pork recipes.
Get The Recipe: Authentic German Spaetzle
German Cheese Spaetzle: Käsespätzle
The ultimate German comfort food is Cheesy, gooey spaetzle noodles layered with caramelized onions. Think of like German mac and cheese —but better. This can also be a meal in and of itself!
Get The Recipe: Käsespätzle
Creamed Cabbage
Delicately cooked cabbage in a creamy sauce, this side dish is simple yet satisfying. This versatile side dish pairs perfectly with all sorts of pork dishes and different varieties of sausage.
Get The Recipe: Creamed Cabbage Recipe
German Cucumber Salad
Refreshing and tangy, this creamy cucumber salad balances heavier meat dishes with its crisp texture and flavor.
Get The Recipe: German Cucumber Salad
German Rotkohl Braised Red Cabbage Recipe
Slow-braised red cabbage with a sweet and sour flavor adds a vibrant side to any meal.
Get The Recipe: Rotkohl
Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Layered with savory flavors, this baked cabbage dish is hearty and comforting. The crisp topping takes it out of this world.
Get The Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
Soft, chewy, and perfectly salted, these gluten-free pretzels are a delicious and allergen-friendly snack.
Get The Recipe: Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
Mustard Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with just the right amount of mustard elevate this classic side to something interesting and new. The combination of mustard and creamy potatoes is absolute heaven with brats.
Get The Recipe: The Best Mustard Mashed Potatoes
German Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Crispy bacon adds a savory twist to tender fried cabbage for a simple yet flavorful dish. This is one of my favorite sides to make for any meal, it’s just so simple.
Get The Recipe: German Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad
Perfectly roasted vegetables come together in a warm and satisfying salad full of earthy flavors. The homamde dressing is a family-favorite that everyone always loves. This recipe is versatile — use the vegetables and greens you have on hand!
Get The Recipe: Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad
Blitva
A classic side from Croatia that I grew up eating: smashed garlicky potatoes and sauteed Swiss chard. Can be served hot or room temperature like a potato salad.
Get The Recipe: Blitva
Easy Vegan Broccoli Soup With Potato
Creamy, comforting, and full of wholesome flavor, this vegan soup is a satisfying starter or side. You can even add sliced bratwurst sausage directly into the soup if you wish! Won’t be vegan anymore, but it will still taste great.
Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Broccoli Soup With Potato
Oven Roasted Rutabaga Fries
Golden and crispy, these roasted rutabaga fries are a delicious, savory alternative to potatoes.
Get The Recipe: Oven Roasted Rutabaga Fries
