Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is beloved for its juicy texture and rich flavor. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or cooked in beer, bratwurst is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. However, the right accompaniments can elevate your bratwurst experience to new heights. This comprehensive guide delves into what goes well with bratwurst, from classic side dishes to refreshing beverages, ensuring your next meal is both satisfying and memorable.
What Goes Well with Bratwurst?
Best Side Dishes for Bratwurst
Side dishes can complement and enhance the flavors of bratwurst, creating a well-rounded meal.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and slightly sour flavor, pairs perfectly with the savory taste of bratwurst.
Table 1: Sauerkraut and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sauerkraut | 1 cup |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Caraway Seeds | 1 tsp |
Potato Salad
Potato salad, whether German-style or American-style, adds a creamy and hearty texture to the meal.
Table 2: Potato Salad and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato Salad | 1 cup |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Chives | For garnish |
Pretzels
Soft pretzels provide a chewy and salty contrast to the juicy and flavorful bratwurst.
Table 3: Pretzels and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soft Pretzels | 2 |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Mustard | As needed |
Best Vegetables to Pair with Bratwurst
Vegetables add freshness and nutrition, balancing the rich flavor of bratwurst.
Grilled Onions and Peppers
Grilled onions and peppers add a smoky sweetness that complements the savory bratwurst.
Table 4: Grilled Onions and Peppers with Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 1 large |
| Bell Peppers | 2 |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy flavor, provides a refreshing contrast to bratwurst.
Table 5: Coleslaw and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coleslaw | 1 cup |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Dressing | As needed |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their nutty and slightly bitter flavor, pair well with the rich taste of bratwurst.
Table 6: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | 1 lb |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Best Breads to Pair with Bratwurst
Bread is a staple accompaniment that complements the texture and flavor of bratwurst.
Pretzel Rolls
Pretzel rolls, with their chewy texture and salty crust, are a perfect match for bratwurst.
Table 7: Pretzel Rolls and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pretzel Rolls | 2 |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Mustard | As needed |
Rye Bread
Rye bread, with its dense texture and slightly tangy flavor, complements bratwurst’s savory taste.
Table 8: Rye Bread and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rye Bread | 2 slices |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Butter | As needed |
Baguette
A crispy baguette provides a delightful crunch that pairs well with the juicy bratwurst.
Table 9: Baguette and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baguette | 1 loaf |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Garlic Butter | As needed |
Best Drinks to Pair with Bratwurst
Pairing bratwurst with the right drink can enhance the overall dining experience.
Beer
Beer, particularly German varieties, is a classic pairing for bratwurst.
Table 10: Beer and Bratwurst
| Beer Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lager | 1 bottle |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Hefeweizen | 1 bottle |
Hard Cider
Hard cider, with its crisp and slightly sweet flavor, complements the savory bratwurst.
Table 11: Hard Cider and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hard Cider | 1 bottle |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Apple Slices | For garnish |
Lemonade
Lemonade, with its refreshing and citrusy flavor, provides a nice contrast to the rich taste of bratwurst.
Table 12: Lemonade and Bratwurst
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | 2 cups |
| Bratwurst | 1 sausage |
| Mint Leaves | For garnish |
Creative Recipes with Bratwurst
Incorporating bratwurst into creative recipes can elevate your meal to new heights.
Bratwurst Skewers
Bratwurst skewers with vegetables make a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for grilling.
Table 13: Bratwurst Skewers Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bratwurst | 4 sausages |
| Bell Peppers | 2 |
| Red Onion | 1 |
| Zucchini | 2 |
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Casserole
A bratwurst and sauerkraut casserole combines the rich flavors of bratwurst with the tanginess of sauerkraut in a comforting dish.
Table 14: Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bratwurst | 4 sausages |
| Sauerkraut | 2 cups |
| Potatoes | 4 |
| Cheese | 1 cup |
Bratwurst Sliders
Bratwurst sliders are a fun and delicious way to enjoy bratwurst in a smaller, bite-sized format.
Table 15: Bratwurst Sliders Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bratwurst | 4 sausages |
| Slider Buns | 8 |
| Coleslaw | 1 cup |
| Mustard | As needed |
Seasonal Pairings with Bratwurst
Pairing bratwurst with seasonal foods ensures a fresh and delightful dining experience.
Spring Pairings
Light and fresh pairings that complement the awakening of spring flavors.
Table 16: Spring Pairings with Bratwurst
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Tender and green, pairs well with bratwurst |
| Strawberries | Sweet and tangy, provides a refreshing contrast |
| New Potatoes | Creamy and tender, complements the rich bratwurst |
Summer Pairings
Cool and refreshing pairings for hot summer days.
Table 17: Summer Pairings with Bratwurst
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Watermelon | Juicy and refreshing, contrasts with bratwurst’s flavor |
| Grilled Pineapple | Sweet and smoky, enhances the bratwurst’s flavor |
| Cucumber Salad | Crisp and light, balances the richness of bratwurst |
Fall Pairings
Warm and comforting pairings that evoke the cozy atmosphere of fall.
Table 18: Fall Pairings with Bratwurst
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | Sweet and nutty, complements bratwurst’s flavor |
| Apples | Crisp and sweet, pairs well with bratwurst |
| Brussel Sprouts | Roasted and savory, adds depth to the meal |
Winter Pairings
Rich and hearty pairings perfect for chilly winter nights.
Table 19: Winter Pairings with Bratwurst
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | Sweet and creamy, complements bratwurst’s richness |
| Cranberries | Tart and sweet, provides a refreshing contrast |
| Kale | Hearty and nutritious, balances the bratwurst’s flavor |
Conclusion
Bratwurst is a versatile and flavorful sausage that pairs well with a wide variety of foods and drinks. From classic side dishes like sauerkraut and potato salad to creative recipes like bratwurst skewers and sliders, there are endless possibilities to explore. By understanding what goes well with bratwurst, you can create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for any occasion.
FAQs
What side dishes pair well with bratwurst?
Side dishes like sauerkraut, potato salad, and pretzels complement and enhance the flavors of bratwurst, creating a well-rounded meal.
Can I serve bratwurst with vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like grilled onions and peppers, coleslaw, and roasted Brussels sprouts add freshness and nutrition, balancing the rich flavor of bratwurst.
What types of bread go well with bratwurst?
Breads like pretzel rolls, rye bread, and baguettes complement the texture and flavor of bratwurst, providing a satisfying base for the meal.
What drinks pair well with bratwurst?
Drinks like beer, hard cider, and lemonade can enhance the overall dining experience by providing refreshing and complementary flavors to the bratwurst.
Are there creative recipes using bratwurst?
Yes, creative recipes like bratwurst skewers, bratwurst and sauerkraut casserole, and bratwurst sliders offer delicious and unique ways to enjoy bratwurst in different formats.