Bratwurst offers a rich, savory flavor that shines when paired with the right sides. The natural spiciness and juiciness of this classic sausage invites bold, complementary dishes. Crisp, tangy sauerkraut enhances the taste with a lively, acidic bite, while soft, buttery pretzels add a comforting, chewy texture.
Freshly grilled vegetables bring color, crunch, and lightness to balance the meat’s richness. Hearty potato salads, whether creamy or vinegary, provide a satisfying, traditional accompaniment.
Sweet caramelized onions or roasted peppers introduce subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with smoky flavors. Mustards, from classic yellow to sharp Dijon, elevate every bite with their piquant notes. Pairing bratwurst with seasonal fruits, such as apples or pears, adds a refreshing contrast that surprises the palate.
Drinks like crisp lager or sparkling apple cider finish the meal with effervescence, creating a complete experience that highlights every flavor in harmony.
What to Eat with Bratwurst?
Bratwurst is a German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It is soft, juicy, and full of spices. Cooking methods include grilling, pan-frying, or baking. Bratwurst has a savory taste, so pairing it with the right foods makes the meal balanced and flavorful.
Traditional German meals often serve bratwurst with vegetables, potatoes, and breads, but modern options include salads, sauces, and even rice or pasta. This article explores all the foods that match bratwurst perfectly.
Classic Sides for Bratwurst
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage with a sour taste. It contains probiotics that help digestion. Serving ½ cup of sauerkraut with bratwurst is common in Germany. It contrasts the sausage’s richness and reduces the feeling of heaviness.
Adding caraway seeds or a small amount of apple slices enhances the flavor. Warm sauerkraut works better with grilled bratwurst, while cold sauerkraut is refreshing for sandwiches.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are soft, creamy, and easy to eat with bratwurst. Use about 1 cup of mashed potatoes per sausage. Butter and milk create a smooth texture.
Salt enhances flavor, and a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley makes it aromatic. Mashed potatoes also absorb sauces like mustard or beer cheese, improving the taste experience.
Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions roast well. Cut them into 1-inch pieces, toss with 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Roasting caramelizes natural sugars in vegetables, giving sweetness that balances the salty bratwurst. Roasted veggies also add fiber, vitamins, and color to the plate.
Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a traditional German side. A medium-sized pretzel contains about 150–200 calories and adds chewy texture. Salted pretzels enhance flavor and work well with mustard or sauerkraut. Small pretzel bites can serve as appetizers alongside bratwurst.
Fresh and Light Sides
Green Salad
A green salad lightens the meal. Use lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. One serving has around 50 calories, which is much lighter than mashed potatoes or pretzels. Dress with a small amount of olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice. The salad adds crunch and freshness, balancing the meat’s richness.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw combines shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing. Use ¼ cup of mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing for health. A typical serving has 100–150 calories and adds crunch, color, and mild flavor. Coleslaw pairs well with grilled or pan-fried bratwurst.
Pickles
Pickles are tangy and slightly sour, making them perfect with fatty sausage. Dill pickles provide a sharp taste, while sweet pickles give mild sweetness. One or two small pickles per serving is enough. Pickles are low in calories but high in flavor and work as a side or sandwich topping.
Sauces and Condiments
Mustard
Mustard is the classic condiment for bratwurst. Dijon, yellow, and spicy brown mustard each give different flavors. Dijon is sharp and smooth, yellow is mild and sweet, and spicy mustard adds heat. Use 1–2 teaspoons per sausage. Mustard also has a small amount of antioxidants and no fat.
Ketchup
Ketchup is sweet and tangy. It works for people who prefer mild taste. One tablespoon has about 15 calories. Combining ketchup with mustard can create a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Beer Cheese Sauce
Beer cheese sauce is a rich, creamy option. Mix ½ cup of cheddar cheese with ¼ cup of light beer and heat gently until melted. This sauce adds 150–200 calories per serving and provides a smooth, savory taste. The slight bitterness from beer pairs well with bratwurst spices.
Bread and Buns
Bratwurst in a Bun
Soft buns are easy to use and hold toppings like sauerkraut, onions, or mustard. A regular bun adds 120–150 calories. Buns make bratwurst portable and fun to eat, especially for outdoor meals or parties.
Rye or Pumpernickel Bread
Dark breads like rye or pumpernickel add earthy flavor. Slice thick pieces and place bratwurst on top. These breads are denser and more filling than buns, adding fiber and nutrients to the meal.
Drinks That Pair Well
Beer
Beer is traditional with bratwurst. Light beers are crisp, while dark beers are rich and malty. One 12 oz (355 ml) beer has about 150 calories. Beer complements the sausage’s spices and enhances flavor.
Lemonade
Lemonade is sweet and refreshing. The acidity cuts through the fat of the sausage. A glass of 8 oz (240 ml) lemonade has about 100 calories. It is a good choice for non-alcoholic pairing.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water helps cleanse the palate. Bubbles refresh between bites and prevent flavors from blending too much. It is calorie-free and works with any side dish.
Extra Tips
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Serve bratwurst immediately after cooking. Sausages lose juiciness if left to sit.
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Slice sausages to mix with vegetables or rice for variety.
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Use a mix of sweet, sour, and savory sides to balance flavors.
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Avoid heavy or overpowering sauces that mask the bratwurst taste.
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Pair with small portions of sides to prevent overeating.
FAQs
What is the best vegetable to serve with bratwurst?
Carrots, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Roast or steam them for best taste.
Can I serve bratwurst with rice?
Yes. White, brown, or flavored rice works. Rice absorbs sauces and makes the meal filling.
Does bratwurst go with pasta?
Yes, penne, macaroni, or spaghetti with a light sauce is fine. Avoid heavy cream sauces.
Which mustard is best for bratwurst?
Dijon or spicy mustard is ideal. Yellow mustard is good for mild taste.
How many sides should I serve with bratwurst?
Two to three sides are enough. One vegetable, one starch like potatoes or bread, and one condiment usually balance the meal.
Conclusion
Bratwurst is versatile. Pair it with classic sides like sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, or pretzels. Light sides like salad, coleslaw, or pickles add freshness. Use sauces like mustard, ketchup, or beer cheese for extra flavor.
Serve with buns, rye bread, or dark bread to make the meal filling. Drinks like beer, lemonade, or sparkling water complete the meal. Balancing flavors, textures, and colors makes eating bratwurst enjoyable.