What to Serve with Bratwurst (14 Savory Side Dishes)

Wondering what to serve with bratwurst? From spaetzle to sauerkraut, I’ve rounded up the top 20 sides for brats.

Bratwurst is the cooler German cousin of the classic hot dog. They’re bursting with smoky, savory, and scrumptious flavors.

The recipe varies based on region. Typically, brats are a blend of pork and veal tinged with seasonings. Caraway, nutmeg, and coriander are all common.

Aside from traditional German sides, finding the right pairings can be perplexing. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

These side dishes for bratwurst will turn your barbecue into your own personal Oktoberfest!

Classic Bratwurst Sides

1. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a timeless side! It’s an oldie but a goodie that pairs particularly well with brats. 

You get creamy, tender pasta with little crunchy bits of veggies in one bite. In the other, you get savory, juicy meat. 

The two are the perfect pairing for a barbecue, potluck, or tailgate.

2. Sauerkraut

Is there a more iconic side to bratwurst than sauerkraut? I think not! This pair is a classic tandem that traditionalists will appreciate.

You can make your own sauerkraut or buy a jar at the store. Either way, they’re both equally satisfying choices.

Oh, and if you want more oomph, grill your sauerkraut for a few minutes

3. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a side everyone can get behind. The creamy cheese sauce and tender noodles are about as comforting as it gets. 

Pair it with brats and you have one gratifying meal. It may not be low-cal, but it’s an undeniably delicious duo. 

Boxed, homemade, or Kraft upgrade, you can’t go wrong.

4. German Potato Salad

German potato salad is high on the lists of must-have sides for brats.

Unlike potato salad, the German version uses unpeeled red potatoes. The dressing also includes vinegar and bacon grease. Lastly, you serve it warm, not cold.

Oh, and since it’s a German staple, it only makes sense to serve it with bratwurst!

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob

There’s nothing quite like the sweet and juicy crunch of biting into a corn cob.

But when you eat it with an equally succulent sausage, you’ll have a perfect combination. Especially when the brats are grilled.

Don’t forget to slather that corn with butter! It makes all the difference in the world.

6. Cabbage and Onions

Cabbage and onions are a simple go-to side for bratwursts. It’s easy, inexpensive, healthy, and quick. 

Like kraut and coleslaw, it’s an incredibly gratifying side. Except caramelizing the veggies and addings spices gives them extra depth.  

So they’re more savory and sweet. Perfect for pairing with some meaty brats on St. Patty’s Day, weeknights, or game days.

7. Coleslaw

My favorite thing to serve with brats is coleslaw. This zesty side balances out the rich and smoky flavors of the bratwurst. 

Plus, coleslaw is extremely easy to prepare. Just toss shredded carrots and cabbage in a tangy, vinegar-based dressing. 

If you like yours creamy, make it mayo-based. Both are equally delicious with brats.

8. Cucumber Salad

Tossing some brats on the grill? Fix up a cucumber salad while you’re at it. Crisp, creamy, and cooling, this side is perfect for summer. 

You get a nice juicy crunch from the cucumbers. Then there’s the sour cream and mayo dressing for a complementary contrast. 

Next to a smoky brat, summer doesn’t get any better than this!

9. Cheesy Potatoes

Got a hankering for comfort food? Serve your bratwurst with a side of cheesy spuds! 

Everyone knows that meat and potatoes are a match made in heaven. But this dish ups the satisfying factor to the nth degree.

Cheesy, creamy, savory, and carb-laden, it’s precisely what your brats are missing.

10. Sweet Potato Fries

There’s a reason fries often accompany meat. The two make one another complete!

Sweet potato fries are particularly scrumptious next to a succulent brat. They’re sweet yet savory, crunchy yet tender, and mouthwatering!

Grab a sheet pan and toss them both on. Oven-baked bratwurst and fries are an easy meal for any night of the week.

11. Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

Again, say what? Relax, it’s just potato pancakes.

This traditional German side is not much different from a hash brown. So it’s sure to satisfy. 

If you’re looking for easy bratwurst side dishes, it’s a must-try.

12. Spaetzle

Another traditional German staple, spaetzle is like a chewier hybrid of egg noodles and dumplings.

It only requires four ingredients – flour, eggs, milk, and salt.

These are classic staples you probably already have in your kitchen. Once it’s done, all you need to do is toss it in butter and it’s ready to serve.

13. Baked Beans

Baked beans go with any type of meat. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and yes, bratwurst. 

It’s one of those sides that easily feeds a crowd on the cheap. And yet, it’s absolutely mouthwatering. 

Smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy, baked beans have an incredible flavor. They’re a fantastic accompaniment, especially with smoked brats.

14. Potato Wedges

These thick, tender, and crispy potato wedges pair well with brats. 

They have a kick of chili powder and a sprinkle of parsley. Paired with the savoriness of the spuds, they’re a tasty companion. 

They’re also a great alternative to greasy fries. Since you air fry them, they contain less oil. So you can feel a little less guilty.

15. Buttered Noodles

For a family-friendly pairing, go with buttered noodles. It’s a simple dish that even gets those picky little tykes to eat. 

The rich, cheesy noodles complement the savoriness of the brats.

Sure, it’s a bit indulgent. But it’s a comforting meal that’s quick, effortless, and budget-friendly. Plus, it works with any pasta shape.

16. Tomato Salad

When I want something light, I pair brats with a garden-fresh tomato salad. 

Tangy, sweet, juicy, and garlicky, all the flavors enhance the meat. The bright acidity of the fruit also cuts right through the fat. 

Cookouts or light summer meals, a tomato salad is my go-to pairing for hot weather.

17. Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes

Another way you can pair spuds is with oven roasted baby potatoes. It’s a foolproof and crowd-pleasing dish. 

These tender beauties just melt in your mouth. The rosemary and garlic also plays on the seasonings in the brats. 

Together, they’re a scrumptious pairing. And one letting the oven do all the work.

18. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Feeding a large party? Whip up this mashed potato casserole. It’s a devour-worthy dish that serves a crowd.

Better yet, it’s a killer combo with brats. It’s loaded with classic baked potato toppings. Plus, you get the creamy consistency of mashed potatoes. 

And, and, and, it’s got bacon! So it amplifies delicious salty, fatty, smoky, meaty flavors.

19. BLT Pasta Salad

Here’s a bratwurst food pairing that meat lovers can get behind. Of all the pasta salads, it doesn’t get more complementary than this. 

It has a wide range of flavors and textures that fill in the gaps. Fresh, creamy, crunchy, fatty, and citrusy, this salad nails it. 

All you need now is a smoky brat on the side.

20. Soft Preztel Bites

I don’t know what’s more devour-worthy, juicy brats or these bites! It’s a winning combo you’d find in a biergarten. 

A little salty, wonderfully soft, and carb-laden, warm pretzel bites are ideal. It’s like throwing your brat on a bun, but better.

For a full German pairing, add a side of kraut and an ice cold pilsner. Yum!