What to eat with bratwurst! These delicious, quick side dishes will turn a basic brat and sauerkraut dinner into something spectacular!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, inviting friends over for the game, or planning an Oktoberfest-style meal, bratwurst are an easy crowd-pleaser. These German sausages have a distinct spice profile and can be prepared in many ways—simmered in beer, grilled over charcoal, sauteed in a skillet, or even cooked in an Instant Pot or slow cooker.
If you need to cook indoors, try sauteeing brats in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil, bacon fat, chicken broth or even apple cider. No matter the cooking method, the right sides will elevate a simple brat and sauerkraut plate into a memorable meal. Below is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow list of side dishes and accompaniments that pair beautifully with bratwurst.
What to Serve with Brats
1. Sauerkraut
The tangy, sour bite of sauerkraut is a classic match for bratwurst. It’s nutritious, full of beneficial bacteria for gut health, and readily available in jars if you don’t want to make it yourself.
2. German potato salad
Traditional German potato salad uses a warm, vinegar-based dressing and is often served warm—an ideal pairing for rich brats.
3. Spaetzle
These small German egg noodles tossed in butter are quick to make (under 15 minutes) and feel authentically hearty alongside bratwurst.
4. Homemade applesauce
The sweet acidity of applesauce balances the savory, fatty brat. Chunky homemade applesauce is simple to make with a handful of affordable ingredients.
5. Mashed potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are comfort food at its best with bratwurst. Basic russets with butter, milk, salt and pepper work perfectly, and you can customize as desired.
6. Corn on the cob
If you’re grilling brats, throw corn on the cob on the grill too. Its sweetness pairs nicely with the sausage for a classic summer vibe.
7. Coleslaw
Creamy, crunchy coleslaw is an easy make-ahead side. The cabbage element even echoes German flavors when served with brats.
8. Roasted root vegetables
Roasted carrots, parsnips, beets and turnips tossed with olive oil and rosemary make a wholesome, flavorful addition that’s simple to prepare on a sheet pan.
9. Baked beans
Baked beans are a barbecue staple. You can dress up canned beans and keep them warm in a slow cooker for convenience.
10. Potato wedges
Cut russets into wedges, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then bake or air-fry for a crispy, budget-friendly side.
11. German pasta salad (Nudelsalat)
A common German picnic dish, nudelsalat is a chilled pasta salad that works very well with bratwurst and sauerkraut.
12. Creamy cucumber salad
Light and refreshing, cucumber salad is great ahead-of-time prep and offers a cool contrast to richer flavors.
13. Bell peppers and onions
Sautéeing peppers and onions is an easy twist on kraut—bright, savory and perfect cooked alongside brats in a skillet.
14. German potato pancakes
Shredded potato pancakes are crispy and savory—an irresistible side with sausage.
15. Bean salad
Three-bean salads served cold in a vinegar dressing make a zesty, low-effort BBQ side.
16. Grilled mushroom kabobs
Marinated, skewered mushrooms grill quickly and add a savory, meaty vegetable option for your spread.
17. Macaroni salad
A classic barbecue side, macaroni salad is creamy, filling, and easy to prepare in advance.
18. Sweet potato fries
Baked or air-fried sweet potato fries add a slightly healthier twist and can be seasoned sweet or savory to suit your menu.
19. Green beans with tomatoes and onion
This preparation makes plain green beans much more flavorful and can be served warm or at room temperature.
20. Cheesy potatoes
Rich and comforting, cheesy potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and can be kept warm in a slow cooker.
21. Red cabbage
Sweet-and-sour red cabbage is another German classic—simple, tangy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
22. Cauliflower mash
For low-carb diners, mashed cauliflower is a lighter alternative to potatoes that still feels hearty and satisfying.
23. Onion rings
Crispy onion rings (homemade, air-fried, or frozen-baked) are a fun, indulgent side that pairs well with brats.
24. Fruit salad
A bright fruit salad refreshes the palate and can be customized with seasonal fruits.
25. Soft pretzels
A true German touch—soft pretzels are delicious with mustard and complement brats beautifully.
26. Brussels sprouts salad
Shaved Brussels sprout salad with apples, feta and pomegranate offers a tangy, crunchy contrast to sausage.
27. Bratkartoffeln
Pan-fried potatoes with bacon, onions and herbs are a traditional German side that’s rich and satisfying.
28. Cornbread
Sweet, crumbly cornbread adds comfort and pairs nicely with smoky or grilled bratwurst.
29. Bacon pea salad
Peas with bacon, cheese and red onion in a light dressing make a bright, savory summer side.
30. American potato salad
Creamy potato salad is a barbecue classic—familiar, comforting, and a safe crowd-pleaser.
31. Green salad
A simple tossed salad or composed green bowl balances the plate and is appreciated by most guests.
32. French fries
Hot, crispy fries are practically guaranteed to please, especially with bratwurst served on a bun.
33. Corn salad
Fresh corn salad is bright, inexpensive, and a great make-ahead summer side.
34. Macaroni and cheese
Rich, creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort side that complements bratwurst well.
35. Grilled vegetables
Seasonal vegetables on the grill (or roasted) are nutritious, colorful, and simple to prepare.
36. Potato chips
A bag of chips is an easy crunchy option—serve them as-is or offer homemade chips for a special touch.
37. Squash
Sautéd or grilled yellow squash is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare without heating the whole kitchen.
38. Spinach strawberry salad
Spinach with fresh strawberries creates a bright, juicy side that’s surprisingly popular and seasonal.
39. Roasted red potatoes
Garlic-herb roasted red potatoes are simple, flavorful, and an excellent match for bratwurst.
40. Buns
Many guests prefer brats on a bun. Choose sturdy, top-sliced rolls such as sub rolls, pretzel buns, brioche, potato rolls, or classic hot dog buns to hold the sausage and toppings.
- Classic sub or Italian bun
- Pretzel bun
- Brioche roll
- Hot dog buns
- Potato bun
- Hawaiian hot dog bun
- Johnsonville brat bun
41. Hot dogs
Keep a package of hot dogs on hand for guests who prefer a milder-flavored option—easy and convenient when you already have buns and condiments.
42. Cold beer
A cold beer completes the experience. Offer a variety—lager, pilsner, or an IPA—so guests can pair a favorite style with their brat.
Condiments and toppings for bratwurst
Set out a selection of toppings so guests can customize their brat. Popular choices include:
- Sauerkraut
- Stone ground mustard
- Ketchup
- Grilled onions
- Relish
- Cheese
- Coleslaw
- Jalapeños
Ready to serve brats for dinner?
Pick one to three sides from this list, prepare them ahead if possible, and you’ll have a balanced, crowd-pleasing bratwurst meal. These side dishes suit a casual backyard cookout, an Oktoberfest menu, or a cozy family dinner—your guests will be impressed and satisfied.
What to Serve with Brats
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What to eat with bratwurst! These delicious, quick side dishes will turn a basic brat and sauerkraut dinner into something spectacular!
Ingredients
- Sauerkraut
- German potato salad
- Spaetzle
- Homemade applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Root vegetables
- Baked beans
- Potato wedges
- German pasta salad
- Creamy cucumber salad
- Bell peppers and onions
- German potato pancakes
- Bean salad
- Grilled mushroom kabobs
- Macaroni salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Green beans with tomatoes and onions
- Cheesy potatoes
- Red sweet and sour cabbage
- Cauliflower mash
- Onion rings
- Fruit salad
- Soft pretzels
- Brussels sprout salad
- Bratkartoffeln
- Cornbread
- Bacon pea salad
- American potato salad
- Green salad
- French fries
- Corn salad
- Macaroni and cheese
- Grilled veggies
- Potato chips
- Squash
- Spinach strawberry salad
- Red potatoes
- Buns
- Hot dogs
- Cold beer
- Condiments and toppings: sauerkraut, stone ground mustard, ketchup, grilled onions, relish, cheese, coleslaw, jalapeños
Instructions
- Choose one to three side dishes that suit your occasion and guests.
- Gather and prepare ingredients; many sides can be made ahead.
- Cook the bratwurst using your preferred method and serve with chosen sides and condiments.
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