Well, who wants to know about what to serve with brats? Nothing pairs better with a summer cookout than a plate of hot, juicy brats fresh off the grill. But just because they’re delicious on their own doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun when it comes to side dishes as well! If you’re looking for new and interesting ideas to try out with your next batch of brats, then look no further – we’ve got eleven unique ideas that are sure to liven up your menu. From crunchy salads and zesty slaws to creamy potatoes and succulent veggies, there’s something for everyone in this lineup.
So let’s go with me to find out the answer of the question what to serve with brats and 11 unique ideas to inspire your menu.
Traditional Brat Side Dishes
Before answering the question what to serve with brats, we will first learn about the common accompaniments of brats.
Brats are a popular quick dish offered by street sellers and are considered a pub snack. As a result, the bratwurst sides are simple, but they complement the main course nicely.
Traditional bratwurst sides in Germany are usually sauerkraut or German-style potato salad (with vinegar dressing). Some bakes are usually included in the account. Some of our favorites include rye-based country bread and classic pretzels.
Although not a side dish, the appropriate kind of das Bier (you got it – beer) is essential. Red beers and pale ales in a variety of flavors are excellent accompaniments to brats. Here is 11 unique ideas of what to serve with brats to inspire your menu.
#1. Hard Rolls
Hard rolls is the first dish mentioned in the series what to serve with brats. Don’t settle for soft buns that will become soggy in a matter of minutes if you want to serve bratwurst as an accompaniment to your meal. I beg you, do it a favor and don’t ruin it for me.
Choose the harder rolls as an alternative. Their crunch is an excellent complement to the meaty taste of the sausage.
#2. Sauerkraut
I’m not entirely sure, but I have a feeling that sauerkraut is the most iconic accompaniment to bratwurst. This duo is a tried-and-true combination that has stood the test of time and will appeal to purists.
In addition, here’s an interesting tidbit regarding the fermented cabbage dish: it has the same type of beneficial bacteria that is found in yogurt.
You can choose to make sauerkraut at home or get a jar of it from the supermarket. In either case, you won’t be disappointed by either of these options.
But the trick to giving your sauerkraut more oomph is to broil it for a few minutes until it caramelizes. This is the secret to giving your sauerkraut more vigor.
You could also prepare it in a cast-iron pan by sauteeing it in butter or oil. This is another option.
#3. Mustard
Mustard is an unforgettable side dish in this series what to serve with brats. Don’t forget to store the French’s mustard in the refrigerator!
Many purists consider spicy stone-ground mustard to be the only suitable condiment for the meaty mouthful because it brings out the best in bratwurst and makes the sausage sing.
If you want the most genuine taste of Germany, look for products made by companies like Plochman’s and Inglehoffer.
#4. Kartoffelsalat
Karto-what have we here? There’s no need to look it up on Google; all it is is German potato salad.
So, tell me, how is the standard potato salad different from the German potato salad? To begin, the German version calls for red potatoes that have not been peeled, rather than the russet potatoes that are skinned.
Second, instead of using mayonnaise, the dressing is created with vinegar and rendered bacon fat. The final step is to serve it hot, not cold.
Oh, and because it’s a mainstay in German cuisine, it only seems right to accompany it with bratwurst when you serve it.
#5. Corn on the Cob that Has Been Grilled
There is simply no comparison to the satisfyingly sugary and juicy crunch that you feel when you bite into a corn cob.
But if you pair it with a sausage that has the same level of succulent flavor, you’ll have the ideal mix.
Remember to spread some butter on that corn before you serve it! It is the deciding factor that determines everything.
#6. Red Cabbage with Sweet and Sour Sauce
This vivid and traditional dish, which is also known as rotkohl, is a healthy and hearty side dish that further enhances the meaty and savory flavor of the bratwurst.
In addition, you do not need to be a pro at German cooking in order to put it together. The red cabbage only needs to be braised with red wine vinegar, apples, sugar, and cloves, and it will be ready to serve.
#7. Cabbage slaw
When it comes to what to serve with brats, it’s impossible not to mention cabbage slaw. The deep and smokey aromas of the bratwurst are perfectly complemented by this spicy side dish.
In addition, making coleslaw requires very little effort. To make this acidic and vinegar-based dressing, you need only toss shredded carrots and cabbage in it.
#8. Onions that Have been Caramelized
Do you agree with me that onions are very fundamental? However, they reach new heights of deliciousness when placed atop a piping hot and flavorful bratwurst.
It doesn’t get much better than this throughout the summer. Brats can be served with raw or sautéed white or yellow onions, depending on your preference.
#9. Grilled Veggies
Since you are going to be using your grill anyway, you might as well toss some vegetables over the flames to make a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Skewer some of your favorite vegetables, and then grill them until they reach the desired level of doneness. These slightly browned vegetables with a smokey flavor go wonderfully with sausage.
#10. Bacon
Since bacon is both smoky and salty, just like bratwurst, it is only logical to combine the two types of meat together.
Either you may wrap your sausage in a piece of bacon or sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of it. Both options are delicious.
#11. Spaetzle
Spaetzle is the last dish in the series what to serve with brats. Another traditional dish from Germany, spaetzle resembles a chewier cross between egg noodles and dumplings.
Although you might not have heard of this dish before, there is no reason why you shouldn’t give it a shot when you get the chance to prepare it on your own.
There are only four components needed to make spaetzle: flour, eggs, milk, and salt.
These are traditional pantry items, most of which are most likely already stocked in your kitchen. After it is finished cooking, all that is required of you is to coat it in butter, and it is then ready to be served.
That’s all there is to know about what to serve with brats; let’s finish with a quick FAQs section.
FAQs
What is a typical side dish?
Dinner rolls or different types of bread. Steak fries or French fries? Beans in green. Greens. Salad with macaroni.
Do Germans eat ketchup with their bratwurst?
Although not every German or German-American will frown if you put ketchup and/or relish on a brat, mustard or sauerkraut has traditionally been the condiment or topping of choice.
How do you like your bratwurst?
Bratwurst can be served as a sandwich on a bun with mustard, onions, and/or sauerkraut on the side, or as a main course with German potato salad, sweet and sour cabbage, and sauerkraut on the side. An excellent German mustard goes well with bratwurst.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to serve with brats, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you try one of the unique sides from this list or stick to a classic like sauerkraut, remember to keep your guests’ tastes in mind. And if you want even more inspiration for your next cookout, be sure to check out Dixie’s Home Cookin’ for all the latest recipes. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon at dixieshomecookin.org!
