What To Serve With Eisbein? 10 Best Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with eisbein?

Look no further! I’m sharing my favorite side dishes that go perfectly with this traditional German pork knuckle.

These scrumptious dishes showcase the best of German cuisine, from creamy mashed potatoes to a flavorful red cabbage-apple slaw.

Choose from warm sauerkraut or roasted zucchini and bell pepper salad – all perfect for adding an extra boost of flavor to your meal.

With these 10 flavorful sides, you’ll be able to create a feast sure to impress any crowd!

Serve them up with some dill pickles or Bavarian pretzels for even more classic German flavors.

Say “Guten TaG” as you sit down and enjoy your authentic Eisbein dinner!

Why Consider Serving Sides with Eisbein?

• Variety: Serving sides with eisbein can add variety to the meal, allowing diners to choose from a range of flavors and textures.
• Balance: Sides can help balance out the richness of eisbein by providing lighter options such as salads or vegetables.
• Complementary Flavors: Certain sides pair well with eisbein, such as sauerkraut which complements the pork flavor in the dish, or mashed potatoes which provide a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy skin on top of the meat.
• Presentation: Serving sides alongside eisbein can make for an attractive presentation when plated together on one plate or served family-style in separate dishes at the table.
• Nutrition: Adding sides to your meal helps ensure you are getting all of your essential nutrients and vitamins needed for a balanced diet, while also adding more fiber and other beneficial compounds like antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that may not be present in just eating eisbein alone.

What To Serve With Eisbein? 10 Best Side Dishes

Eisbein is a traditional German dish that is usually served with sides.

If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniments to serve with your eisbein, here are ten great side dishes that will make your meal complete:

1. Sauerkraut

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Sauerkraut is a classic German side for Eisbein and pork dishes.

Naturally fermented sauerkraut combines flavorful sourness with creamy richness from bacon fat, making it the perfect accompaniment to this hearty meal.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, pre-packaged kimchi or store-bought sauerkraut are great options.

Just heat up until softened and lightly browned before serving.

Otherwise, prepare the vinegary cabbage dish at home following traditional recipes​ –– its slightly crunchy texture will add interest and contrast to your plate!

2. Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

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Almost nothing pairs better with traditional German Eisbein than a side of homemade red cabbage, or Rotkohl.

This tender and sweet dish is made by simmering shredded cabbage in red wine, vinegar, apples and spices like cloves, nutmeg, and bay leaves.

Its mellow flavor is the perfect way to balance out the boldness of pork-based dishes like Eisbein.

It’s easy to make ahead – just let it sit overnight for the flavors to blend together until you’re ready to serve.

3. Roasted Potatoes

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Potato sides are typical accompaniments to dishes like Eisbein.

Roasted potatoes are one of the most popular ways to serve potatoes, as the roasting will bring out their natural sweetness and give them a crispy exterior.

Cut your potatoes into wedges and season with salt, pepper, and other herbs before roasting in olive oil for about 45 minutes at 425°F. They should be golden brown when finished!

Serve alongside pieces of your boiled pig’s knuckles for an authentic German meal.

4. Potato Salad

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Potato salads are a classic side for Eisbein, a traditional cooked ham hock from Germany.

Potato salad can be served hot or cold, and there are so many varieties that you’re sure to find one to love.

If you prefer something creamy and mild-tasting like dill potato salad, or go as extravagant as loaded baked potato salad with bacon bits; whichever recipe tickles your fancy is the right one!

With just the right balance of textures and flavors between the savory Eisbein pork dishes and tangy mustard vinaigrette dressings in each bite of potato salad, this side dish will transport you to a whole new culinary level.

5. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans are a scrumptious side to classic German Eisbein.

Lightly blanched, and then splashed with flavorful oil and garlic, these beans are as delicious as they are healthy.

Perfect for a date night dinner or an outdoor gathering!

These roasted green beans also make an amazing addition to salads and grain-based bowls.

Serve alongside your favorite cut of pork for the perfect main dish combination.

6. Carrot and Apple Slaw

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Make this delicious Carrot and Apple Slaw to serve alongside traditional German-style Eisbein.

This colorful side dish adds a tart, crunchy accompaniment that’s perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.

Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of apples but still packing a punch from freshly squeezed lemon juice, it’s refreshing to have on your plate as you dig into more robust dishes.

Try adding some shredded endive, radishes, or cabbage to make it even more special!

7. German Spaetzle with Mushroom Sauce

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For a side that ties all of your ingredients together, try German Spaetzle with Mushroom Sauce.

This traditional dish combines pan-fried egg noodles with a creamy mushroom sauce for a luxurious entrée or side.

This comforting pasta alternative takes just minutes to cook and can be customized to fit whatever sides you are serving.

Topped with crumbled bacon or chives, this dish pairs perfectly alongside Eisbein for an ultra-satisfying meal.

8. Rye Bread

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Rye bread is a traditional pumpernickel-style sourdough bread made with whole-grain rye flour.

It not only adds interesting texture and flavor, but also brings bundles of vitamins, minerals, and probiotic cultures to any dinner table.

Toast slices of rye bread for crunchy crostini or make an open-faced sandwich filled with grilled vegetables and cheese.

Use as the base for Swedish meatballs or top with cream cheese and smoked salmon for appetizers.

Serve it alongside hearty soups, stews, and salads to take your meal up a notch!

9. Pickled Beets

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Pickled beets are almost essential when it comes to Eisbein, a traditional German dish of roasted pork knuckles.

This sweet-and-sour vegetable side balances out the heaviness of the meat, lending both flavor and texture to each plate.

Jason used his grandmother’s tried-and-true recipe for pickling beets that calls for white vinegar and sugar, which gives them a pleasantly mild flavor after soaking overnight.

The colorful Red Globe beetroots are usually ready by dinner time, so all you have to do is reheat before serving alongside your Eisbein — simple as that!

10. Fleischsalat (German Meat Salad)

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Fleischsalat is a delicious, hearty German side dish composed of diced cold cuts and shredded vegetables bound together with a creamy, savory dressing.

Serving it alongside grilled seafood, poultry, or pork chops lends an unexpected dimension to everyday meals, making them uniquely special.

This traditional Old World fare tastes best when marinated in the refrigerator overnight as the flavors really get a chance to blend together and season every morsel beautifully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eisbein is a traditional German pork dish that is often served with a variety of side dishes.

The best sides to serve with Eisbein include sauerkraut, traditional German red cabbage (Rotkohl), roasted potatoes, potato salad, garlic Parmesan roasted green beans, carrot and apple slaw, German spaetzle with mushroom sauce, rye bread, pickled beets, and fleischsalat (German meat salad).

These sides are all delicious and easy to make, and will help take your Eisbein to the next level.

With these 10 sides, you can easily create an amazing Eisbein dinner that your guests will love.