What to Serve with Bratwurst – 15 Tasty Sides

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Wondering what to serve with bratwurst sausages? We have you covered with these 15 tasty side dishes perfect for serving with brats!

Ah, bratwurst sausages – they are undeniably delicious! Whether you’re grilling brats for a summer barbecue, cooking brats and sauerkraut, or simmering them in a pot of beer and onions, this savory sausage is a classic staple in many kitchens.

What is Bratwurst Sausage?

Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from ground pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with spices such as nutmeg, coriander, ginger, and caraway. It’s a beloved German dish that’s usually served hot and is bursting with juicy, rich flavor!

The great thing about bratwurst is how versatile it is. It really pairs well with just about anything you want to put on the dinner table, but if you’re looking for the perfect side dish for your family, check out the list below. 

What to Serve With Bratwurst Sausages

1. Roasted Potatoes

A delicious, crispy, and flavorful side that pairs perfectly with the bratwurst. These are a great side for making the meal heartier.

2. German Potato Pancakes

These traditional shredded potatoes are grated and fried golden for an irresistible crunch. You can even make these with sweet potatoes if you want to. Dip these in sour cream for even more delicious flavor.

3. Macaroni Salad

A bright and flavorful pasta salad with crunchy peppers, onions, and olives is perfect for a cookout if you’re grilling bratwurst sausages! 

4. Grilled Vegetables

If you want a healthy side dish for bratwurst, use a mix of squash, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers that add a smoky and savory flavor to your meal. Grill the German sausages right along with them for a really easy dinner. 

5. Mac and Cheese

If you want comfort food, you can’t beat pairing a savory and cheesy side like almost homemade baked mac and cheese with boxed mac with bratwurst sausages!

6. German Potato Dumplings

These pillowy pockets of potatoes, boiled or fried, have a savory center and are one of the classic sides you would find paired with bratwurst in German cuisine. 

7. Brats with Sauerkraut 

Another classic, this fermented cabbage adds a tangy and tart flavor to the dish and is probably the most common and best sides you can serve with bratwurst. It’s the perfect combination for your savory bratwurst meal. 

8. Sautéed Green Beans

Keep your meal light and flavorful with this easy side dish recipe using canned green beans. If you feel creative, try German style green beans with a mix of beans, garlic, and bacon.

9. Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

This side dish adds that signature German sweet and tangy flavor that will wake up your taste buds when sautéed with bacon, apples and onions. 

10. Pretzel Bread

Use this delicious chewy accompaniment that contrasts well with the spicy flavor of bratwurst if you’re cooking out to make bratwurst hot dogs!

11. German Potato Salad

Another classic dish and a great cookout side dish, authentic German potato salad is made with bacon, onions, and vinegar. 

If you don’t make your own, be sure to read our tips for making potato salad from the store taste better.

12. Roasted Apples

There’s something about sweet delicious side dishes that pair so well with the spicy flavor of a bratwurst sausage. Roasted sweet apples are a great pair for golden brown sausages and they’re super easy to make too. 

13. Beer Cheese Dip

Beer cheese dip is one of the best ways to enjoy German foods with a simple meal! From the pretzel bread to the sausages, this creamy dip made with beer and spices is perfect for dunking or even drizzling over your bratwurst hot dogs. 

14. Sweet Pickled Onions

This is another great sweet option to pair with bratwurst because it’s so easy!  These are great for topping a bratwurst hotdog or just serving a side of potatoes or regular potato salad.

15. Creamy Cucumber Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, cucumbers marinated in a salt-based seasoning, such as salt, sugar, or a vinegar-based dressing is a great addition to your bratwurst meal. Other vegetables, red onion, are often added to this salad.