The 10 Best German Side Dishes for Bratwurst

Bratwurst, a succulent and flavorful German sausage, has become a popular choice for barbecues, picnics, and hearty meals all around the world.

But what are the best German side dishes to serve alongside this mouthwatering main?

What are the 10 best German side dishes for bratwurst? The best German side dishes for bratwurst combine the ideal mix of hearty vegetables, tangy flavors, and traditional German ingredients that perfectly complement the robust taste of the sausage.

Think potatoes, cabbage, and onions cooked in various delicious ways, and you’re on the right track!

But fear not, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the 10 best German side dishes that will elevate your bratwurst experience to the next level.

Let’s explore these tasty accompaniments and transport your taste buds straight to Germany!

Why Consider Serving A Side Dish With Bratwurst?

• Complements the Flavor: Bratwurst is a rich, savory sausage that can be quite filling on its own. Serving a side dish can help to balance out the flavors and textures of the meal. For example, a tangy sauerkraut or a fresh green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bratwurst.
• Adds Nutritional Value: While bratwurst is a delicious treat, it’s not exactly the healthiest food. Serving a side dish that’s packed with vitamins and nutrients can help to make the meal more well-rounded. Some great options include roasted vegetables, whole grain bread, or a quinoa salad.
• Provides Variety: Eating the same thing over and over again can get boring. Serving a side dish with bratwurst can help to keep things interesting and add some variety to your meals. There are countless side dish options to choose from, so you can mix and match depending on your preferences.
• Enhances the Dining Experience: Eating is not just about nourishing our bodies – it’s also about enjoying the experience. Serving a side dish with bratwurst can help to elevate the meal and make it feel more complete. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your food.

The 10 Best German Side Dishes for Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a beloved German dish, but the only way to make it complete is with the right side dishes.

Here are ten of the best German side dishes that will perfectly complement your bratwurst:

1. Sauerkraut

A beloved staple in German cuisine, sauerkraut is made by fermenting shredded cabbage in a brine of salt and water, resulting in a tangy, zesty accompaniment for bratwurst.

This traditional side dish delivers an appealing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the sausage, offering a delightful culinary balance.

Sauerkraut is also packed with probiotics and vitamins, promoting gut health and boosting the immune system.

Pairing bratwurst with sauerkraut not only adds depth to the meal but also provides a delicious taste experience rooted in German food culture.

2. German Potato Salad

German potato salad, or Kartoffelsalat, is a flavorful alternative to the more familiar American-style potato salad.

This authentic side dish features tender, sliced potatoes dressed in a warm vinaigrette made of bacon (or bacon fat), vinegar, sugar, and mustard.

Some regional variations may also include onion or cucumber, adding an extra layer of texture and taste.

Unlike its creamier American counterpart, German potato salad is served warm or at room temperature, making it a perfect companion for grilled bratwurst.

The tangy, savory flavors of this hearty salad complement the richness of the sausage, creating a satisfying and memorable meal.

3. Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

Rotkohl, a traditional German dish, consists of braised red cabbage slow-cooked with ingredients like apple, onion, vinegar, and spices.

This sweet-and-sour side dish is beautifully balanced, offering a pleasing and colorful accompaniment to the earthy flavors of bratwurst.

Tender and flavorful, the red cabbage is cooked until it develops a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the sweetness of the apple and the tang of the vinegar provide an irresistible contrast.

Pairing bratwurst with Rotkohl not only enhances the presentation of the meal but also showcases the incredible diversity and harmony of flavors found in German cuisine.

4. Spaetzle

Spaetzle, a traditional German side dish, consists of small, tender dumplings made from a mixture of eggs, flour, and water.

Originating in the southern regions of Germany, Spaetzle is an essential accompaniment to hearty meat dishes like bratwurst.

With their unique, toothsome texture and subtle, nutty flavor, Spaetzle is an ideal complement to the savory, rich flavors of bratwurst.

Dress these delectable dumplings with melted butter, grated cheese, or a creamy sauce to amplify their taste.

This classic German dish adds a scrumptious, comforting element to your bratwurst feast.

5. Pickled Cucumbers

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Pickled cucumbers, also known as German gherkins, are a zesty and refreshing side dish that pairs exceptionally well with bratwurst.

These tangy, crunchy cucumbers are typically marinated in a vinegar-based brine infused with garlic, dill, and other spices.

The acidic, crisp bite of pickled cucumbers offers a delightful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of bratwurst.

Adding a vibrant burst of flavor to any meal, pickled cucumbers serve as both a palate cleanser and a delicious accompaniment to a hearty German dish.

6. Braised Green Beans

Braised green beans are a flavorful and appetizing side dish that pairs beautifully with bratwurst.

In this German-inspired preparation, fresh green beans are simmered with onions, garlic, and savory herbs until they reach a tender-crisp consistency.

The beans then absorb the flavors of the aromatic cooking liquid, transforming into a mouthwatering, savory side dish.

The braised green beans’ earthy undertones and tender texture make them an excellent counterpart to the robust flavors of bratwurst.

Combine these beans with other delicious German side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

7. Warm Pretzels

A quintessential German staple, warm soft pretzels serve as a delightful accompaniment to bratwurst.

Traditionally, these twisted treats are made with a simple dough that’s boiled in a baking soda solution before being baked to achieve their distinct chewy interior and crisp exterior.

The result is a scrumptious savory snack, often served with a variety of condiments such as mustard, cheese sauce, or even butter.

Pairing warm pretzels with bratwurst creates a comforting, satisfying meal that showcases the very essence of German cuisine.

8. Beer-Braised Onions

For a flavorful and aromatic addition to your bratwurst, look no further than beer-braised onions.

Slowly simmered in a mixture of beer, butter, and seasoning, these onions become tender and irresistibly delicious.

The rich, savory, and slightly sweet taste of beer-braised onions perfectly complements the juicy, meaty flavor of bratwurst.

Serve these onions piled atop your grilled sausages or as a side dish, adding a burst of flavor and depth to your German-inspired meal.

9. Creamy Potato Soup

As a classic German side dish, creamy potato soup provides warmth and comfort to any meal, pairing flawlessly with bratwurst.

This rich soup is typically made by simmering potatoes with onion, garlic, and broth, then pureeing the mixture to create a velvety-smooth, hearty dish.

Fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, add an earthy note while bacon or sausage crumbles can enhance the soup’s savory appeal.

The creamy, luscious texture of this potato soup creates a harmonious contrast to the tender, juicy bratwurst, resulting in a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

10. Beet and Apple Salad

A vibrant and refreshing option to accompany your bratwurst is a beet and apple salad.

This colorful side dish combines earthy, sweet beets with tart, crisp apples, creating a delightful pairing of flavors and textures.

Tossed with a tangy vinaigrette and garnished with fresh herbs or crumbled cheese, this salad provides a light, palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty, meaty bratwurst.

In addition to its refreshing taste, this beet and apple salad offers a visually stunning presentation, ensuring your German-inspired meal is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

FAQs

What is traditionally served with bratwurst?

Traditionally, bratwurst is served with sauerkraut, mustard, and a soft bread roll. In Germany, it’s also common to serve potato salad or roasted potatoes as a side dish.

What goes good with brats as a side?

There are many side dishes that go well with brats, including:

• Sauerkraut
• Grilled onions and peppers
• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw
• Roasted vegetables
• Green salad

What to serve with brats and hotdogs?

If you’re serving brats and hotdogs together, you can offer a variety of toppings and condiments so that everyone can customize their meal. Some popular options include:

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Onions
• Sauerkraut
• Cheese
• Chili

You can also serve a variety of side dishes to complement the flavors of the brats and hotdogs.

What to serve with Weißwurst?

Weißwurst is a traditional Bavarian sausage that is typically served with sweet mustard, pretzels, and a cold beer. It’s also common to serve a side of potato salad or sauerkraut with Weißwurst.

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving a side dish with bratwurst is an excellent way to balance out the flavors and textures of the meal, add nutritional value, provide variety, and enhance the dining experience.

Whether you prefer something tangy and refreshing like sauerkraut or a fresh green salad, or something more hearty like roasted vegetables or quinoa salad, there are countless options to choose from.

So the next time you’re enjoying some delicious bratwurst, don’t forget to add a side dish to make your meal even more enjoyable and satisfying.