Bratwurst, often served with a tall glass of beer and whole grain mustard, is an iconic dish that has been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it continues to remain a popular meal choice as it's incredibly versatile and can be cooked in various ways to make an enjoyable meal.
The important thing when cooking brats is choosing accompaniments that will enhance their juicy texture and bring out complementary flavors. In this blog post, we’ll explore what side dishes can go well with brats so you can create a truly delectable meal!
Here are 27 of some of the best side dishes that will make it easy to round out your menu with brats as the centerpiece. These will always get your summer cookouts jumping. The only thing missing from this list is a cold beer and potato chips.
All 27 Bratwurst sides
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Green Beans
Lemon Pepper Green Beans
Are you looking for an easy side dish to add a zesty bite to your meal? Look no further than these Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Green Beans. These crunchy fresh green beans are the perfect combination of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds!
Brazilian Blackeyed Peas and Rice (Baião de dois)
Brazilian Blackeyed Peas and Rice
If you’re looking to make a unique, flavorful dish, Brazilian Blackeyed Peas and Rice might be just the recipe for you. This classic dish is made with simple ingredients like black-eyed peas, onions, garlic, cilantro, and rice – but it packs in an abundance of flavor. Whether you serve it as side dish or as the main event of your meal all will be delighted by its taste!
Jamaican Rice and Peas
Jamaican Rice and Peas
If your taste buds could use a vacation, then Jamaican Rice and Peas is the dish for you! This traditional Jamaican side dish will have your mouth watering from the moment it's presented on your plate. Using coconut milk and thyme as key ingredients, this recipe captures the bold flavor and scent of the Caribbean Islands. Whether you're looking for something special to bring to an event or are just hungry for some comfort food, Jamaican Rice and Peas provides a delicious fusion of flavors that won't disappoint.
Cream Style Corn
Are you looking for an easy-to-prepare meal with delicious flavor that the whole family will love? Look no further than Cream Style Corn! Not only is it bursting with flavor and texture, but this classic dish can be cooked in all sorts of different ways, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. From traditional stove top methods to creative oven-baked versions, there’s something here for everyone—so get ready to enjoy some amazing cream style corn!
Cream Style Corn
Are you looking for an easy-to-prepare meal with delicious flavor that the whole family will love? Look no further than Cream Style Corn! Not only is it bursting with flavor and texture, but this classic dish can be cooked in all sorts of different ways, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.
Pomegranate Glazed Wedge Salad With Blue Cheese
Pomegranate Glazed Wedge Salad
Pomegranate glazed wedge salad with blue cheese is the perfect way to ignite your taste buds! This signature salad combines savory and sweet flavors for an unbeatable combination. Creamy tangy blue cheese, crunchy iceberg lettuce, and bursts of sweetness from a simple pomegranate glaze create a dish that’s sure to have you reaching for seconds.
Southern Lima Beans
Southern Lima Beans
Southern Lima Beans have always been comfort food. With their delicious taste and high nutritional value, it's no wonder why this beloved legume is a staple among Southerners. But what makes them so special? Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Southern Lima Beans -- from their origins to this incredible recipe that showcase their unique flavor!
Crispy Roasted Okra
Crispy Roasted Okra
Looking for a new, exciting veggie dish to try this week? Look no further than Crispy Roasted Okra! This flavorful side dish is an incredibly easy and tasty way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Not only is it delicious, but roasting okra in the oven gives it delightful crispiness that takes your taste buds on a flavor adventure. It’s time to satisfy your cravings with this simple yet scrumptious veggie recipe — let’s get cooking!
Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a favorite dish for many foodies, due to its rich flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with just about anything. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to liven up your dinner party or an easy snack for movie night, creamed spinach makes a scrumptious addition to any menu. With the proper ingredients and few steps of preparation, you can make this delicious comfot food in no time – so grab your skillet and get ready for some seriously tasty treats!
Sweet and Savory Fried Sweet Plantains
Sweet and Savory Fried Sweet Plantains
Fried sweet plantains are a flavorful and comforting addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking up something savory or sweet, the combination of the rich sweetness from this tropical fruit can really take your dish to the next level. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these delicious bites pair perfectly with rice dishes, salads or even cooked vegetables like squash.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea Salad
Feeling ready to break out of your everyday routine and add something extra delicious and nutritious to lunch? Look no further than this tasty Chickpea Salad recipe! With just a few quick steps and simple ingredients, you can make this dish in no time at all - talk about an easy and delicious way to elevate any meal! And the vinegar-based dressing puts it over the top.
Easy Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Easy Black-Eyed Pea Salad
A delicious and nutritious salad that is full of flavor and color, black-eyed pea salad is an easy dish to whip up as a side or light lunch. This salad has a vibrant kick from the addition of classic favorites like onion, celery, bell pepper and fresh herbs.
Brazilian Collard Greens
Brazilian Collard Greens
This amazing dish is an easy-to-make side that combines the robust flavor of collard greens with elements of classic Brazilian cuisine. The result is a flavorful, nutritious addition that’s sure to please any foodie’s palate. With its unique mix of flavors, textures and aromas, Brazilian Collard Greens are guaranteed to be a hit in your kitchen!
Southern Collard Greens With Smoked Turkey
Southern Collard Greens With Smoked Turkey
Are you a fan of Southern cuisine? If so, you’re in for a treat with this delicious recipe. Collard greens cooked up with smoky smoked turkey provide the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing! This classic soul food dish is simple to make yet incredibly flavorful too. So let's get cooking - it’s time to prepare some soul-driven goodness!
Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice
Are you a foodie looking for the perfect combination of flavor and spice? Jollof rice is a traditional African dish that’s sure to give your taste buds something to savor! Originating in West Africa, this savory rice offers an array of herbs and spices mingled with dried fruits, veggies and aromatic seasonings.
Israeli Couscous Salad with Asparagus and Cranberries
Have you ever wanted to add an exotic and flavorful flair to your next meal? Israeli couscous is the perfect way to do just that! With its nutty flavor, Israeli couscous takes regular salads to a whole new level. This delicious Israeli Couscous Salad with Asparagus and Cranberries will tantalize your taste buds with a combination of sweet and savory ingredients.
Air Fryer Asparagus w/ Cheese Sauce
Love asparagus but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Get ready for a culinary masterpiece in just 10 minutes that won’t require you to stand over a hot stove! This Air Fryer Asparagus w/ Cheese Sauce is bursting with bold flavor, quick and easy prep, and guaranteed deliciousness. Savory roasted asparagus topped off with creamy cheese sauce brings this dish together like nothing else – treat your tastebuds tonight!
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Try this delicious smashed cucumber salad – it's easy to prepare and bursting with a mix of freshly tantalizing ingredients. Lightly salted and dressed with an acidic dressing, this dish is sure to bring out your taste buds delight as soon as it hits the table! With its vibrant colors and unique flavor combinations, you won't want to pass up on this delightful recipe!
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Let's explore tropical flavors and vibrant colors as we dive into Jamaican cuisine—more specifically, steamed cabbage! This traditional side dish is a mainstay at many family gatherings in Jamaica. It is easy-to-make yet packed with flavor! If you're looking for an exciting way to transform your next dinner party menu, this savory veggie dish is definitely worth exploring. From its beautiful visual presentation to its flawlessly balanced taste, Jamaican Steamed Cabbage will have your guests raving about your culinary prowess!
Stewed Okra
Stewed Okra
We all love a good bowl of comfort food, and for those of us who are drawn to the flavors and aromas of Southern cooking, there's nothing better than a warm stew of okra. This often overlooked vegetable is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition that make it an excellent addition to any meal.
Braised Cabbage
Braised Cabbage
Whether you are looking for an easy side to accompany your favorite entree or want to enjoy a cozy meal on its own, braised cabbage delivers in terms of both flavor and ease of preparation. In this post, we’ll show you how to make a delicious braised cabbage using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen!
Corn On The Cob
Corn On The Cob
If you're looking for a quick, easy and delicious side to add to your meal tonight, look no further than microwave corn on the cob! The thought of heard-cooked corn on the cob can be intimidating, however this recipe is simple and makes it so that dinner is ready in minutes.
Southern Fried Cabbage
It’s time to get your taste buds jumping with a delicious Southern treat! Fried cabbage is an underrated side dish that packs a punch of flavor. With this easy-to-make recipe, you can bring the classic tastes of the South right into your own kitchen.
Cuban Avocado Salad
Cuban Avocado Salad
Cuban Avocado Salad - an indulgent and delicious salad recipe from the tropical island paradise of Cuba. Combining both savory and sweet flavors, this avocado-based salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This tasty dish will make all your summertime party dreams come true!
Southern Mashed Potatoes
Southern Mashed Potatoes
If you love Southern comfort food then get ready to have your taste buds dancing with this delicious recipe for homemade mashed potatoes! It features buttery Yukon golds, a hint of garlic, and plenty of herbs that give it an authentic Southern flavor. After one bite, you'll understand why so many people return again and again to enjoy this classic side dish - it's truly divine!
Yuca Fries
Yuca Fries
Tired of the same old French fries at your favorite restaurant? Looking to try something new and exciting in the snack department? Yuca fries is one of my favorite ways to enjoy bratwurst sausage. They are an amazing alternative that offers a distinct flavor, with enough crunch and texture to satisfy any snacking desire. Originating from South and Central America, yuca fries have quickly become a hugely popular part of many Latin American food cultures around the world.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complete your meal? You've come to the right place! Grilled sweet potatoes are a delicious and easy way to add flavor to any meal. From novice cooks all the way to pros in the kitchen, grilling up sweet potatoes is an ideal choice for summertime cookouts or year-round dinners alike – not just because of their great taste but also their ease of preparation.
Roasted Mini Potatoes in Chili Lime Sauce
Roasted Mini Potatoes in Chili Lime Sauce
If you're looking for an easy, delicious side dish to accompany any meal, look no further than these roasted mini potatoes in chili lime sauce! These bite-sized morsels are packed full of flavor, with a punchy combination of chilis and limes that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfectly cooked with crispy edges and pillowy soft centers, these potatoes make the perfect addition to lunch or dinner.
Tips For Cooking Brats
These are some of the best best sides to serve with brats With so many delicious options, it’s hard to go wrong. Give them a try the next time you fire up the grill! Do you have a favorite side dish to serve with brats? Let us know in the comments below.
I'd be remised if I didn't share a few tips for making a delicious meal of bratwurst and great sides.
Types of meat matter. Start with a solid brand like Johnsonville brats.
Marinate your brats in beer to make beer brats. The beer marinade infuses the brats with even more flavor. Pale ales or a good lager are great options for beer types.
Dress your brats with a good mustard or mustard sauce. I like dijon mustard, golden brown, or spicy stone-ground mustard. Grainy mustards add a bit of texture in addition to the amazing flavor.
Toast your hot dog buns. I prefer soft buns with a crisp exterior so I don't toast them too long.
I won't tell you how to dress your savory bratwurst. BBQ sauce, pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, etc. are all winners.