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    Home » Blog » Sides

    What to Serve with Brats

    Published: Mar 12, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    What to Serve with Brats or bratwurst sausage shows you the perfect side dishes to serve with brats for dinner or any time you want a wonderful snack or meal. We make our smoked brats and air fryer brats and onions regularly and you will too!

    Bratwursts are a German sausage and a favorite all-American cookout staple, but once you have decided to serve them, the next question arises: What are side dishes for brats? Southern-style sides like collard greens and potato salad using red potatoes or your favorite potato salad recipe, green beans, sweet bell peppers, pasta salad or macaroni salad, as well as some more modern recipes, may come to mind.

    No matter which type of delicious side dish you choose to go with your easy air fryer brats, it's important that each flavor complements one another in a way that will leave everyone wanting seconds! In this post, we answer the question "what to serve with brats".

    Get ready for a delectable meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

    Collage of four delicious side dishes. The title "What to Serve with Brats" is in the center of the collage.

    What are brats?

    Bratwursts, or brats as they’re called in American English, are a type of sausage. They are usually made from pork, although some varieties can contain beef, turkey, or veal. The sausage is lightly smoked and seasoned with spices such as nutmeg and coriander before being served. Brats often come in a link shape, but they can also be found as patties.

    How do you cook brats?

    Bratwursts are typically cooked on the grill or stovetop. Grilling is the preferred cooking method as it gives the brats a smoky flavor and slightly crispy exterior. To cook them on the grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place brats onto the grates and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once browned and cooked through, the brats are ready to be served!

    What to serve with brats?

    Bratwursts pair best with sides that bring out their smoky flavor. To do this, think of side dishes that complement the spices used in the brats such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. Here are some classic sides that pair perfectly with brats:

    • Sauerkraut: This tangy German side dish is made from fermented cabbage and pairs great with brats! Serve it on the side of your cooked bratwursts for a delicious combination.
    • German Potato Salad: This creamy potato salad is a great side to serve with brats. It’s made with a sour cream dressing, bacon, and other seasonings that perfectly balance out the smoky flavor of the bratwurst.
    • Pretzels & Mustard: For an even more traditional German pairing, you can’t go wrong with pretzels and mustard. The salty crunchy texture of the pretzel combines perfectly with the tangy flavor of the mustard–a classic pairing that will have everyone wanting more!
    • Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw is a great side for brats. It adds just the right amount of crunch to each bite, and its slightly sweet flavor helps to balance out the smokiness of the brats.

    No matter what side you choose to serve with your bratwurst, it's sure to be a hit! Enjoy these classic sides with your next cookout and don’t forget the beer!

    What are some fancier things to serve with brats?

    Are you looking to step up your meal of brats? You can serve some classic sides, like a boiled egg or sour red cabbage or you can bring your meal up a bit with some fancier sides like potato pancakes, french fries or sweet potato fries.. Sides can make or break your main dish.

    Brats are easy comfort food. They are perfect for a busy weeknight, or lazy weekend. The following are some fancier things to answer the question "what to serve with brats".

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    This easy homemade sauerkraut recipe is super simple and so flavorful. Try this quick homemade sauerkraut recipe for yourself and you'll see!
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    Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar
    When it comes to making cucumber salad, my gran knew what she was doing. She taught me all about making old-fashioned cucumbers and onions in vinegar. That's why I lovingly sometimes call this dish, Grandma's Best Cucumber Salad. It's made with crispy slices of cucumber and onion in a simple dill vinegar dressing!
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    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
    Air fryer hasselback potatoes are a new way to enjoy classic comfort food. They're full of buttery flavor and always perfectly cooked.
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    Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans
    Air Fryer Parmesan green beans are so full of flavor, they beat the classic by a long shot! Crispy beans bursting with the flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, how could they not? If you're looking for a new way to prepare an all-time favorite side dish or appetizer, this recipe will do just that - and then some!
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    Quick Sweet and Sour Green Beans
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    Granny’s Easy Zucchini Casserole
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    Glazed Green Beans and Carrots
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    Bratwursts are a classic cookout meal that everyone loves. With so many sides to choose from, you can easily create the perfect meal for your next cookout. From traditional German sides like sauerkraut and German potato salad to more modern recipes, there are plenty of dishes that pair perfectly with brats. No matter what you choose to serve, you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy a delicious meal of brats and sides.

    Collage of four delicious side dishes. The title "What to Serve with Brats" is in the center of the collage.
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    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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