What Goes With Brats: The Perfect Sides for Your Next Grill Out
When it comes to grilling out, brats are always a popular choice. But what sides should you serve with them?
We’ve got some ideas of what goes with brats! We’ve got something for everyone from classic sides like potato salad and baked beans to more unique options like grilled corn and fruit salad.
Bratwurst (often called brats) is a German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. The word “brat” means “young goat” in Old High German, so it’s likely that the dish originated from Germany.
They are often grilled and served with sides like sauerkraut, potato salad, baked beans, and more.
What part of the pig is Bratwurst?
It is made from various types of meat, but the most common type is pork. The pork can be from the shoulder, loin, or belly and is ground up with other ingredients to make the sausage.
What does a bratwurst taste like?
It has a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that is popular among grillers. The savory ones can be cooked in many different ways, but grilling is the most common way to prepare it.
How is Bratwurst different from sausage?
Grilling Bratwurst. Credit: canva
The main difference is the added spices. Bratwurst typically has more marjoram, nutmeg, and ginger than other sausages, which gives it its unique flavor.
Is a bratwurst a hot dog?
No, it is not a hot dog. A hot dog is made from beef and pork, while a bratwurst is made from pork or veal. It is typically cooked on the grill, while hot dogs are usually boiled or microwaved.
What Goes with Brats?
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut in a pan. Credit: canva
Now let’s talk about what goes with them.
What Side Dishes Go with Brats?
Potato salad with radish and cucumber. Credit: canva
Here are some of our favorite side dish options:
Potato Salad
A classic side that pairs perfectly! Our recipe is made with red potatoes, bacon, and green onions and will be a hit.
German Potato Salad
This unique potato salad is made with bacon, vinegar, and sugar for a delicious sweet and sour flavor.
Baked Beans
Another classic side that goes great! Our recipe is made with bacon, brown sugar, and molasses for a delicious sweet and smoky flavor.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut. Credit: canva
A must-have! Our sauerkraut is made with white wine, caraway seeds, and juniper berries for a delicious flavor.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is the perfect side for summer cookouts! Our recipe is grilled with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder for a smoky flavor.
Caramelized Onions
These caramelized onions are a great addition to any meal, especially for dinner. They have an amazing flavor that will complement and provide a nice contrast to their sweetness.
Green Beans
Grilled green beans are one of our favorite summertime treats, and they go great. This recipe uses fresh green beans, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for an easy side dish.
Roasted Vegetables
We love roasted vegetables as much as anyone else, and these veggies are as good with the bratwurst. They’re made with carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onion for a flavorful side dish.
Green Salad
Tossed green salad. Credit: canva
Our simple green salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. It’s made with romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and avocado for a light and healthy side dish.
Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad is made with sliced cucumbers, red onion, radishes, mint, and lime juice for a tasty side dish.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing and delicious side for your next grill out! Our fruit salad is made with various fresh fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.
What Main Dishes Go with Brats?
Bratwurst slider. Credit: canva
Here are some favorite main dishes that are commonly served with the sausages:
Grilled Brats with Sauerkraut and Potatoes
This easy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The sausages are grilled with sauerkraut and potatoes for a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Bratwurst Sliders
These slider burgers are made with ground beef, pork, and are topped with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. They’re perfect for a party or game day!
Bratwurst Casserole
This casserole is made with ground beef, pork, along with creamy Alfredo sauce and cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day!
What Beer Goes with Brats?
Grilled Brats with mustard sauce and cold beer. Credit: canva
When having a grilling out, usually cold beer is involved. What beer are the best pairings? Here is the list:
Pilsner Urquell
This Czech beer is an excellent pairing for the smoky flavor. It’s light and refreshing, with notes of malt and hops.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
This American lager is another excellent option. It has a malty sweetness.
Brooklyn Lager
This amber lager is made in Brooklyn, New York, and has a malty sweetness that pairs well with the smoky flavor.
Weissbier
This German beer is light and refreshing, with a slightly sweet taste.
Do you have a favorite beer? Let us know in the comments!
How to Cook Brats?
Outdoor Grilling Brats. Credit: canva
Now let’s talk about how to cook them. There are a few different ways to go about it, but grilling is the most popular way to prepare them.
How to Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the sausages.
Grill them for about 15 minutes, flipping once, until they are cooked through.
Alternatively, you can also saute it with butter or oil in a cast-iron skillet.
Serve with your favorite side dishes and a cold beer!
How to Make the Mustard Sauce
Bratwurst with mustard sauce. Credit: canva
If you’re looking for a delicious condiment, try this easy mustard sauce recipe:
Ingredients:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup yellow onion, diced
¼ cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon sugar
sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Combine the Dijon mustard, yellow onion, white wine vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook over medium-low heat until the onions are soft and the sauce has thickened.
Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!
FAQs
What do you eat with brats?
There are many different ways to enjoy, but grilling is the most common way to prepare them.
It is typically served with sauerkraut and potatoes but can also be paired with other sides like baked beans, fruit salad, or grilled corn. It’s also commonly served as a slider burger or casserole.
What pairs well with sausages?
Sausages are a very versatile dish and can be paired with many different types of food. For example, grilled ones go well with sauerkraut and potatoes, while Italian sausage goes well with pasta dishes.
What is the best way to cook Johnsonville brats?
You can cook it on the grill. They can also be boiled or microwaved, but grilling gives them the best flavor.
What seasoning is good on brats?
Many different seasonings can be used, but some of our favorites include smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
Related Topics
How Long Do You Boil Brats?
In general, you should boil for about 10 minutes. It depends on a lot of factors, such as the type of bratwurst, the size of the sausages, and how many you are cooking at once.
Can Dogs Eat Bratwurst?
Yes, dogs can eat it. However, it is important to remove the casing before giving it to your dog. The casing is made of the tough intestine and sometime is difficult for dogs to digest.
What Sides Go with Hamburgers?
There are a lot of great sides that go with hamburgers. Some popular choices include french fries, onion rings, potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw.
What is Traditionally Served with Bratwurst?
There are a few different things. Some of these include sauerkraut, mustard, and bread.
How Long Do You Cook Italian Sausage on the Grill?
Italian sausage should be grilled for about 10 minutes. However, it is important to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Serve with Johnsonville Brats?
There are a few different things that go well. Some of these include sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob.
Why is Bratwurst White?
It is traditionally made with pork. However, some manufacturers also add veal to the mix. This can give the sausage a slightly lighter color.
