What To Serve With Sauerbraten? 10 Best Side Dishes

Sauerbraten, a popular German dish, is a deliciously tender and flavorful pot roast marinated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, making it a true comfort food that warms our hearts and souls.

But what are the perfect side dishes to serve with this hearty, mouthwatering main course?

What should you serve with sauerbraten? The best side dishes for sauerbraten include classic German accompaniments like potato dumplings, spaetzle, braised red cabbage, or sauerkraut, as well as other options like mashed potatoes, green beans, or even roasted vegetables.

To help you create the ultimate sauerbraten dinner, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best side dishes that will perfectly complement this delightful German classic.

So, let’s dive into the world of delicious sauerbraten accompaniments and discover the perfect pairings to elevate your dining experience!

Why Consider Serving A Side Dish With Sauerbraten?

• Balancing Flavors: Sauerbraten is a tangy, sour dish that is usually served with a sweet side dish to balance out the flavors. The sweetness of the side dish helps to cut through the sourness of the Sauerbraten, making it more enjoyable to eat.
• Nutritional Value: A side dish can add nutritional value to the meal. Sauerbraten is a rich, heavy dish that is high in calories, fat, and protein. A side dish can help to balance out the nutritional content of the meal by providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Variety: Serving a side dish with Sauerbraten can add variety to the meal. Sauerbraten is a traditional German dish that is usually served with potatoes or dumplings. By serving a different side dish, you can add some variety to the meal and make it more interesting.
• Texture: A side dish can add texture to the meal. Sauerbraten is a soft, tender meat dish that is usually served with soft, starchy sides. Adding a crunchy or crispy side dish can add some texture to the meal and make it more enjoyable to eat.
• Presentation: Serving a side dish can improve the presentation of the meal. Sauerbraten is a rich, dark dish that can look unappetizing on its own. Adding a colorful side dish can improve the overall appearance of the meal and make it more appealing to eat.

What To Serve With Sauerbraten? 10 Best Side Dishes

Sauerbraten is a traditional German dish, usually made with beef. The rich and flavorful combination of spices and vinegar creates an incredible flavor that needs to be complemented by the right side dishes.

Here are ten side dishes that will perfectly accompany sauerbraten and bring out the best in this classic German meal:

1. Potato Dumplings

Potato dumplings, also known as Kartoffelklöße in Germany, make a delicious and hearty side dish when served with sauerbraten.

These fluffy, pillow-like dumplings are made from a blend of mashed potatoes, flour, eggs, and sometimes breadcrumbs, providing a comforting and filling addition to any meal.

Their starchy consistency and subtle flavor perfectly complement the boldness of sauerbraten’s tangy gravy and tender marinated meat.

Serve the potato dumplings alongside sauerbraten, generously drizzled with the delectable sauce, to create a satisfying and traditional dining experience that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Germany.

2. German Spaetzle

This delightful German noodle dish, known as spaetzle, is another fantastic option to serve with sauerbraten.

Made from a simple mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and salt, spaetzle is formed into small, irregularly shaped noodles that are boiled until tender and then pan-fried until golden brown.

With its tender texture and slightly chewy consistency, spaetzle effortlessly soaks up the robust flavors of sauerbraten’s gravy, creating a harmonious pairing that delights the palate.

Top the warm spaetzle with a sprinkling of fresh herbs or grated cheese to enhance the dish’s savory notes and elevate your sauerbraten meal to new culinary heights.

3. Braised Red Cabbage

Braised red cabbage, or Rotkohl, is a quintessential German side dish that pairs beautifully with sauerbraten.

This vibrant dish features thinly sliced red cabbage slowly cooked in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, resulting in a sweet and sour flavor profile that balances sauerbraten’s bold, tangy taste.

The tender, slightly crunchy texture of the braised red cabbage adds a pleasant contrast to the tender meat and velvety sauce of the sauerbraten.

Enhance the flavor of this side dish by adding a touch of apple or caraway seeds for an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Serving sauerbraten with braised red cabbage creates a colorful and flavorful meal that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

4. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut, a traditional German side dish made from fermented cabbage, pairs exceptionally well with Sauerbraten.

The tangy, slightly sour flavor of sauerkraut provides a fantastic contrast to the rich, savory taste of the braised meat.

In addition to being delicious, sauerkraut is packed with gut-friendly probiotics and vitamins, making it a wholesome choice for your meal.

To elevate the dish, you can add various spices, such as caraway seeds, juniper berries, or even a touch of apple for added sweetness.

Serving sauerkraut alongside Sauerbraten ensures a delightful culinary experience while honoring the dish’s German heritage.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that beautifully complements the hearty flavors of Sauerbraten.

Their creamy, buttery texture serves as the perfect base for the rich, tangy gravy that typically accompanies the dish, creating a deliciously satisfying combination.

To prepare this side, simply boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste.

For a more decadent twist, you can add roasted garlic, chives, or grated cheese to the mix.

Pairing mashed potatoes with Sauerbraten provides a warm, comforting addition to your meal, ensuring every bite is both delicious and satisfying.

6. Green Beans

Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, make a delightful side dish for Sauerbraten, offering a bright, crisp contrast to the dish’s deep flavors.

These nutrient-dense vegetables provide an array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber while adding a vibrant pop of color to your plate.

To prepare, simply blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes, then sauté them with garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon juice for added zest.

Top with slivered almonds or crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.

Serving green beans alongside Sauerbraten not only brings a fresh element to your meal but also enhances the overall dining experience with their delightful texture and flavor.

7. Roasted Vegetables

A colorful medley of roasted vegetables is the perfect accompaniment to the rich, tangy flavors of Sauerbraten.

Root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips, can be roasted until tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Season the vegetables with a blend of herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil to further intensify their flavors.

The crisp-edged, succulent vegetables will provide a delightful contrast to the tender, savory Sauerbraten, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

8. Warm German Potato Salad

A classic side dish to serve with Sauerbraten is warm German potato salad.

This hearty, tangy salad is made with tender boiled potatoes, crispy bacon, and a warm, vinegar-based dressing.

The salad’s zesty flavors complement the rich, slow-cooked meat while providing a contrasting texture.

Garnish the potato salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor.

This traditional side dish will transport your taste buds to the heart of Germany.

9. Buttered Noodles

Another excellent side dish to serve with Sauerbraten is buttered noodles.

This simple, comforting dish is made by tossing cooked egg noodles with melted butter and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

The noodles’ mild flavor and tender, silky texture provide the perfect backdrop for the bold, tangy Sauerbraten.

You can also add a touch of parsley or grated cheese, such as Parmesan, to enhance the flavors and presentation.

The buttered noodles will effortlessly soak up the flavorful gravy, uniting all the elements on your plate.

10. Beet Salad

A refreshing and vibrant beet salad is a delightful side dish to pair with the rich, hearty flavors of Sauerbraten.

The earthy, sweet taste of beets complements the tangy, savory meat, while the salad’s crisp, fresh textures offer a contrast to the tender Sauerbraten.

You can prepare the beet salad with a mix of red and golden beets, adding other ingredients like goat cheese, arugula, and toasted walnuts for a symphony of flavors.

Drizzle the salad with a light vinaigrette to tie everything together, creating a well-rounded and dynamic dining experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving a side dish with Sauerbraten is a great way to enhance the overall dining experience.

The right side dish can balance out the flavors, add nutritional value, provide variety, add texture, and improve the presentation of the meal.

Whether it’s a sweet and tangy red cabbage salad, a crispy potato pancake, or a fresh green salad, the right side dish can complement the rich and savory flavors of Sauerbraten and make the meal more enjoyable.

So, next time you prepare Sauerbraten, consider serving it with a delicious side dish to take your meal to the next level.