Summertime is the perfect season for firing up the grill and cooking some delicious brats. What’s a good brat without a tasty side dish to accompany it? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving some comfort food on your own, there are plenty of easy sides to pair with your favorite sausage. From classic potato salad to zesty coleslaw and everything in between, here are some of the best side dishes that will take your barbecue to the next level.

The best part about this list of bratwurst sides is that they will pair well with all of your grilled favorites. This includes hot dogs, burgers, italian sausage, beer brats and kielbasa. Don’t forget an ice cold beer to go with it on those hot summer days.
What do I serve with brats?
Many people think only of traditional german sides to serve with brats like german potato salad and sauerkraut however we have rounded up over 50 delicious and filling side dish recipes for you to try! From potatoes and pasta salad to macaroni and cheese and roasted veggies plus everything in between. You are sure to find a recipe (or three) on this list to try!
50+ Best Sides for Brats
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
This classic homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is a classic side to pair with brats. This easy recipe is made with elbow pasta, cheddar cheese, butter, flour and milk. Kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy this recipe.
Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
This Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is super fast salad to put together. It is very refreshing and only requires a few ingredients! This delicious recipe can only be made better by using fresh homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers. If you have a home garden this recipe will become a summer staple!
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad loaded with meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables. A delicious side dish or main meal! Make this pasta salad for your next backyard bbq. For best results, this pasta salad should be made ahead of time so the flavors can marinate before eating.
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Baked Potatoes done right in the crock pot! No one will complain when these baked potatoes make an appearance on the dinner table. Top with your favorite baked potato toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese or bacon for a delicious side to your bratwurst sausage.
Bacon and Cheese Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These Bacon and Cheese Loaded Mashed Potatoes make a delicious side dish for any meal! This is one of my favorite ways to make potatoes because they are loaded with all of the goodness of baked potatoes with half of the work.
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Oven roasted corn on the cob is simple and delicious! Make a large batch or one ear of corn... it's up to you. This is one of the best ways to make corn for a crowd.
Gluten Free Dairy Free Corn Casserole
This Gluten Free Dairy Free Corn Casserole is a delicious side dish. It is easy to make, creamy, sweet and also makes for great leftovers! This gluten and dairy free version tastes just like the original.
Easy Oven Baked Zucchini Chips
These Baked Zucchini Chips are lighter than fried zucchini but still as delicious! They are breaded and baked until your desired crispiness and color. Serve them as an appetizer, snack or as a side to your main dish.
Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
This Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is the side dish you didn't know you needed! It is a delicious combination of warm brussels sprouts, garlicky caesar dressing, salty parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper.
Basil Parmesan Risotto
Basil Parmesan Risotto is creamy, easy to make and a perfect side dish or meal. Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil make give this recipe lots of delicious flavor.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan are an impressive but easy and delicious side dish to make! They are salty, crunchy and cheesy. If you love Brussels sprouts you are sure to love this recipe.
Mandarin Orange Quinoa Salad
Delicious and refreshing Almond and Mandarin Quinoa Salad is delicious served hot or cold!
Quinoa Pasta Salad
This delicious and simple to make quinoa pasta salad is vegan, dairy free and can easily be made gluten free if desired. Make this recipe to have for easy lunches during the week or as a side dish to a main meal.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash is a delicious and easy side dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. This recipe is low carb, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
Low-Carb Keto Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe
Low-Carb Keto Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries are sure to become your new favorite side dish! They're crispy and packed with flavor!
Air Fryer Green Bean Fries Recipe
This crispy air fryer green bean fries recipe is packed with flavor and crunch, and only takes 30 minutes to make. It’s a great appetizer or side dish, and there’s a gluten-free keto option as well!
Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
These Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges are crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. Healthy, easy to make, and ready in just 15 minutes.
How to Make Sauerkraut in a Crock (Easy!)
Make gut-healthy sauerkraut at home! This simple dish has been made for centuries and is so good for you.
German Potato Salad
German potato salad is a traditional hot potato salad. It's served warm with bacon and a sweet and sour vinegar dressing.
How To Cook Sauerkraut (4 Ways!)
If you're looking for different ways to cook sauerkraut, we've got you covered! Air Fryer, stove top, instant pot or slow cooker, this easy dish pairs perfectly with brats.
Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe
These roasted cauliflower mashed potatoes put a new spin on a traditional recipe favorite. Loaded with roasted heirloom garlic and fresh herbs, these easy mashed cauliflower potatoes are the absolute best.
Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Cheesy Béchamel
This brussels sprouts gratin with cheese sauce is based on Julia Child’s Choux de Bruxelles à la Mornay, Gratinés, and is a rich vegetable side dish made with homemade béchamel.
Avocado Pasta Salad
This Avocado Pasta Salad is one that'll be different than all the others on the cookout table. It's creamy, bright, packed full of (hidden) spinach, healthy pasta salad that just happens to be vegan friendly!
Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
These red skin mashed potatoes with sour cream are so creamy, rich and indulgent. But, the sour cream gives a slightly tangy twist that will keep you coming back for more!
Classic Macaroni Salad
This easy Classic Macaroni Salad recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and has everything you want in this cookout staple. This elbow macaroni salad has a creamy mayo dressing that's packed full of flavor thanks to a couple of our unique ingredients!
German fried potatoes - with bacon and onions
Use up your leftover boiled potatoes to make these German-inspired fried potatoes with bacon and onion. With crispy golden edges and soft creamy insides, these potatoes make the perfect side dish to serve alongside schnitzels, sausages, steaks or burgers.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
This macaroni salad is easy to make and customize to your own tastes! It's simple, delicious, and the perfect side dish to all your favorite summer meals.
Sweet & Sour Cabbage
Classic German Sweet and Sour Cabbage with vinegar, apple and cinnamon is such a delicious side dish that will compliment any meal. Packed with flavor!
Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
With a creamy, rich umami flavor, this Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad is delicious, versatile and loaded with nutrition. Quick and easy with pre-cut veggies or chopped in a food processor.
Classic Carrot Raisin Salad
Crunchy and flavorful with a hint of sweet, carrot raisin salad is a family pleasing classic. It's even quick if you choose pre-cut carrots!
Spicy Roasted Vegetables
These spicy roasted veggies are seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of cayenne for heat. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine, combining to make a delicious caramelized side packed with flavor.
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
This Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms recipe is an easy way to add deeply savory, sweet, rich flavor to your bratwurst! The key is patience and a bit of olive oil for a delicious, soft, craveable result.
Sauerkraut Salad {Sweet & Tangy}
Tangy and sweet! This delicious salad recipe has crisp veggies, sauerkraut tossed in a sweet dressing. Delish!
Egg Free Potato Pancakes - GF/DF, Vegan, Top 8 Free
The combination of crispy egg free potato pancakes and juicy bratwurst creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures when paired together. Egg free potato pancakes are a gluten and top allergen friendly adaptation of a traditional German family recipe.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
This southern cabbage casserole is pure comfort food and is full of wonderful flavor. It's budget friendly, comes together in minutes, and feeds a small crowd.
Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad
You will love this Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad during the warmer months. This light and healthy salad mixes spiralized zucchini noodles with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, green onions and parsley and is topped with a light Greek dressing. This would be great for a bbq, potluck or summer celebration!
Gurkensalat (Creamy German Cucumber Salad)
Creamy German Cucumber Salad (aka Gurkensalat)! This refreshing and simple side dish pairs perfectly with brats. It features thinly sliced cucumbers in the most delicious sour cream dressing. SO GOOD!
Roasted Red Potato Salad
Roasted potatoes are the secret to a rich and flavorful potato salad, and this red potato salad has flavor in spades. Cook it once and serve it twice by having roasted red potatoes for dinner and using the leftovers in this super easy potato salad.
Green Bean Potato Salad
This fabulous green bean potato salad is bright and fresh and giving us life this summer! It's made with yukon golds, green beans, hard-boiled eggs and herbs and a light mayo, olive oil and Dijon dressing. You're going to want to serve it next to your favorite grilled meats or on a table with a big summer potluck spread, I promise.
Warm Mustard & Herb German Style Potato Salad
Potato salad is a Southern staple, but just like your wardrobe- it’s a dish that needs to be updated for the season. This Warm Mustard & Herb German Style Potato Salad is a cold weather ‘must-have’, seasonal side dish.
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy air fryer potato wedges are a delicious side dish for anything that pairs well with thick french fries or roasted potatoes. With a crisp, crunchy exterior and a pillowy interior, this recipe creates a restaurant style wedge right at home.
German Spaetzle
German Spaetzle, or Spätzle, is an easy, homemade egg noodle that is delicious with any German cuisine, or a side for any protein of your choice!
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (with Honey Mustard Sauce!)
Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries: crispy, crunchy, and sweet fries without all the oil or fat! This delicious side dish is ready in under 15 minutes & the honey mustard dip is to die for.
Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
Instant Pot baby potatoes: garlicky parmesan potatoes that are easy to make, tender, and an all-around delicious side dish!
Smoked Baked Beans (With Optional Bourbon)
Every barbecue needs a big helping of these smoked baked beans. They’re great for serving a crowd, and they’re so much more flavorful than any store-bought beans.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
For the perfect cook-out side dish, you can’t beat this smoked mac and cheese. You’ll just love how the smoker gives this macaroni a depth of flavor, and it’s always a crowd favorite.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe
Loaded baked potato salad is a side dish that combines classic potato salad ingredients with enjoyable loaded potato toppings, such as bacon, cheese, onions, and sour cream. It is typically served cold and is a great addition to any summertime picnic or barbecue.
Fried Potatoes and Onions (Lyonnaise Potatoes)
Lyonnaise potatoes are a classic French side dish made simply with golden seared potatoes, lots of buttery onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley! It's a simple, rustic comfort food that is perfect to pair with bratwurst.
Easy Pickled Mustard Seeds
Pickled mustard seeds make for a fun and tangy condiment for charcuterie boards, sandwiches, brats and more!
Fried Corn and Onions
If you love sautéed fried onions and corn, this is a simple side dish you can whip up in less than 10 minutes!
Roasted Asparagus and Carrots
Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with goat cheese and hot honey is the perfect side dish. It is easy to make and very delicious!
Crispy Garlic Lemon Herb Potatoes
These crispy potatoes are served with a delicious garlic lemon herb sauce. They are easy to make in the air fryer and will be a crowd favorite!
Roasted Zucchini
This delicious Roasted Zucchini makes the perfect side dish. It’s full of flavor and cooked to absolute perfection- crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and never soggy.
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