12 Best Sides For Brats You'll Enjoy

Summertime means cookouts! And what’s a cookout without brats? But what sides should you serve with your brats?

The perfect sides for brats are usually just as savory and flavorful as the brats themselves. That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite sides for your next cookout!

These side dishes are literally the best sides that go well with brats that I’ve found after scouring the internet for recipes. I’ve included a mix of classic sides as well as some unique sides that will really elevate your next cookout!

So without further ado, here are my top sides for brats:

Sides For Brats

Applesauce
German Spaetzle
Potato Pancakes
Bacon Wraps
Grilled Veggies
Caramelized Onions
Southern Style Coleslaw
Sweet And Sour Red Cabbage
Grilled Corn On The Cob
Mustard Sauce
Swabian Kartoffelsalat
Classic Sauerkraut

Applesauce

There are many cases where applesauce can be used as a delicious side dish for brats. One of the benefits of using applesauce is that it helps to cut down on the fat content of the meal.

Additionally, applesauce provides a sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavor of the bratwurst. In terms of recipes, applesauce can be used as a topping for grilled brats or as an ingredient in a braised bratwurst dish.

Compared to other side dishes, applesauce offers a unique flavor profile that will please any palate.

Moreover, applesauce is a relatively healthy option compared to potato salad or macaroni and cheese.

German Spaetzle

Spaetzle is a type of German egg noodle that is traditionally served as a side dish. While it can be made with either wheat or rye flour, the dough is typically made with eggs, milk, and water.

In terms of texture, spaetzle is somewhere between pasta and a dumpling. The dough is extruded through a special spaetzle press or grater into boiling water. Once cooked, the noodles can be sauteed in butter or served with a variety of sauces.

While spaetzle is traditionally served as a side dish, it can also be used in main dishes such as casseroles and gratins.

When pairing German spaetzle with other dishes, it is important to consider the overall flavor profile. For example, recipes that are heavy on cheese or cream may benefit from a lighter side dish like spaetzle.

Conversely, heartier fare like grilled meats may be balanced by a richer side dish such as spaetzle sauteed in butter. Ultimately, there is no wrong way to enjoy German spaetzle.

Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes make an excellent side dish for brats. There are many benefits to using this side dish. Potato pancakes help to absorb the fat from the brats, and they also add a lovely crunch to each bite.

In addition, potato pancakes are very versatile and can be used with many different recipes. For example, they can be served with ketchup, mustard, or even sour cream.

They also pair well with other side dishes such as coleslaw or baked beans. However, potato pancakes are most commonly served with sauerkraut. This classic combination is sure to please any guest.

Bacon Wraps

When most people think of bacon, they think of breakfast. But bacon is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of dishes, including as a side dish for brats.

There are several benefits to using bacon as a side dish for brats. First, it adds flavor. Bacon has a rich, smoky flavor that compliments the flavor of brats perfectly.

Second, it adds texture since the crispness of bacon pairs well with the juiciness of brats.

Finally, it adds visual appeal as the contrast of the white bun and the red onions against the brown of the bacon is visually appealing and will make your brats stand out from the crowd.

Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables are a fantastic option for a summertime BBQ side dish. They are healthy, cook quickly, and can be easily customized to your liking. Plus, they are the perfect complement to grilled brats.

When choosing vegetables for grilling, opt for sturdy ones that will hold up well to the heat, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.

Additionally, they are also easy to prepare. All you have to do is cut them into thick slices or large chunks so they don’t fall through the grill grates. After which, season them with a little olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices. Then, grill them over medium-high heat until they are slightly charred and tender.

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions make a flavorful and versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. When cooked slowly over low heat, the onions become sweet and golden brown, adding a touch of sweetness to savory dishes.

Caramelized onions can be used as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables, mixed into mashed potatoes or rice, or even added to omelets or quiches. They are also a delicious way to top off a bratwurst sandwich.

When choosing a recipe to pair with caramelized onions, keep in mind that their sweetness will complement savory flavors well.

You may pair them with ingredients like Gruyere cheese, bacon, or thyme and you can also experiment with different types of onions to vary the flavor.

In relation to that, white onions will give the dish a more subtle flavor, while red onions will add a bit of acidity.

Southern Style Coleslaw

Southern Style Coleslaw is a great side dish for brats. There are many benefits to using coleslaw as a side dish, including the fact that it is a healthy and delicious option. coleslaw is also a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal.

When choosing a recipe for your meal, consider what other dishes you will be serving. For example, if you are serving bratwurst, you may want to try a recipe that includes apples and onions in the coleslaw.

If you are looking for a healthier option, you can try using Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise in your coleslaw. You can also add in some extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery.

Sweet And Sour Red Cabbage

There are many cases where sweet and sour red cabbage is a suitable side dish. It is an excellent side dish for brats, as it contrasts well with the richness of the sausage. It is also a good choice for lighter fare, such as roasted chicken or fish.

The sweetness of the cabbage pairs well with the delicate flavor of these dishes. In addition, the acidity of the vinegar helps to cut through any fat in the dish, making it a refreshing and healthy choice.

Many recipes are suitable for sweet and sour red cabbage. It can be served as a simple slaw or used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. It can also be cooked down into a jam or chutney, which makes an excellent accompaniment to meats and cheeses.

When choosing a recipe, it is important to consider how the sweet and sour cabbage will pair with the other flavors in the dish. For example, if you are serving it with a richly flavored sausage, you may want to tone down the sweetness of the cabbage by using less sugar.

Alternatively, if you are pairing it with a light fish dish, you may want to increase the sweetness to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is an excellent side dish for brats. There are many benefits to using grilled corn on the cob as a side dish for brats.

One benefit is that it is a healthy side dish. It is also a very flavorful side dish. Another benefit of using grilled corn on the cob as a side dish for brats is that it is easy to make. For these reasons, grilled corn on the cob makes an excellent side dish for brats.

When choosing a recipe to pair with grilled corn on the cob, there are many great recipes to choose from. Some of my favorite recipes to pair with grilled corn on the cob are roasted potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and green beans.

I think that grilled corn on the cob pairs well with these recipes because they are all very flavorful. I also think that they are all very easy to make.

Finally, when it comes to side dishes, I think that grilled corn on the cob is one of the best options out there. It is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a gluten-free side dish.

Mustard Sauce

There are many cases in which mustard sauce can be used as a side dish for brats. Mustard sauce is a great way to add flavor to your brats without overpowering the taste of the meat.

Additionally, the mustard sauce can help to keep your brats moist and prevent them from drying out.

When choosing a mustard sauce to use as a side dish for your brats, be sure to select one that is high quality and full of flavor. Some great options include dijon mustard, honey mustard, or whole grain mustard.

The mustard sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for your brats. Simply pair it with a flavorful pretzel or crusty baguette and enjoy.

Swabian Kartoffelsalat

Swabian Kartoffelsalat is a type of potato salad that is popular in the southwestern region of Germany. It is typically made with boiled potatoes, vinegar, bacon, and onion, and it can be served either warm or cold.

This dish is a great option as a side dish for brats because it is flavorful and pairs well with the rich flavor of the sausage. Additionally, the Kartoffelsalat helps to balance out the heaviness of the meal and provides some much-needed veggies.

The Kartoffelsalat will also add some needed complexity to the dish without overwhelming the palate. However, this dish is also versatile enough to pair with a variety of other recipes.

Classic Sauerkraut

Classic Sauerkraut is a great side dish for Brats. It is full of flavor and pairs well with the savory taste of the sausage. Plus, it is a healthy option that is low in calories and fat.

There are many other benefits to choosing Classic Sauerkraut as your side dish. For example, it is a good source of fiber and antioxidants. It also contains probiotics, which can help to improve gut health.

Plus, it is versatile and can be used in many different recipes.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many great side dishes for brats. Each option has unique benefits that make it a great choice for your next meal.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect pairing for your bratwurst.

Enjoy!