What Goes Good on Brats – 15 Best Bratwurst Toppings
Whenever I see bratwurst, I am reminded of my lovely grandma (God rest her soul) and all the wonderful memories we shared together. She made the best brats and would always make me choose the topping, saying;
“Toppings are the best part of the meal!”
I always chose sauerkraut or onions, but she challenged me to try something new each time.
Now that I have my own grill, I often host BBQs in my yard to keep my grandma’s memories alive. And I still love choosing the toppings for brats!
Most times, I choose unconventional toppings like mango salsa or guacamole just to honor grandma. However, there are still some traditionalists in the family who would go for sauerkraut or onions (or both!).
If you’re ever grilling bratwurst and wondering what to serve with them, read on for my list of delicious sides that will surely make your mouth water.
Best Bratwurst Toppings
- Kimchi
- Sriracha Coleslaw
- Pickled Peppers
- Basil and Pineapple Salsa
- Crushed Tortilla, Potato Chips, or Fritos
- French’s Onions
- Stone Ground Mustard
- Apple and Onion Chutney
- Ketchup
- Spicy Vinegar Coleslaw
- Pickle Relish
- Sauerkraut
- Basil and Pineapple Salsa
Kimchi
This was one of the risky choices I made for my grandma, and it ended up being one of her favorites.
I love kimchi because of its sour, spicy, and umami flavors. When paired with bratwurst, the kimchi provides a lovely crunch and freshness to cut through the richness of the sausage.
The most amazing thing about kimchi is that it’s so easy to make at home! If you’ve never made kimchi before, I highly recommend giving it a try. You can find the recipe online.
Finally, there is no need to be afraid of the fermentation process, kimchi is a very forgiving dish. So, go ahead, be brave and try something new!
Sriracha Coleslaw
This is another delightful dish because it has the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and acidity.
The Sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, while the coleslaw itself provides a lovely crunch and creaminess. The addition of carrots and onion gives it a touch of pungent-sweet and the vinegar cuts through the richness of the sausage.
I love this dish because it is so easy to make and can be made ahead of time. It also keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and have it on hand for your next BBQ.



