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    Home » Europe

    What To Serve with German Sausage

    Published on May 9, 2023 Modified: May 8, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Germany is arguably the sausage capital of the world! If you have found the perfect sausage recipe for dinner tonight but are looking for some sides to go with it, here are some of my favorites!

    Wooden cutting board topped with several variety of German sausages.
    Grilled sausages

    It’s no secret that Germany is known for its sausage. From bratwurst to frankfurters, you’re sure to find some sort of sausage available for sale on the streets of Germany, often served with classic sides like authentic German potato salad and cold beer. It’s the perfect combination. One of the best ways to experience Germany may be through a German bratwurst.

    Place a warm savory bratwurst in a crusty roll and top it with mustard and you’ve got a delicious, simple meal that is easy to enjoy on the go and a classic German food.

    If you are going through an effort to prepare authentic German sausages at home, you may want to add more to your meal than bread and condiments. That’s where these side dishes come in.

    What’s great about German sausages is there are literally hundreds of varieties. With so much variety you can easily find one to go with just about any side you are craving. Here I’m sharing ___ of my favorite side dishes to accompany a hot German sausage so you can find the perfect side dish to add to your dinner table!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Origins
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve With German Sausage
    • Recipes To Serve with German Sausage
    • German Potato Salad
    • Potato Pancakes
    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
    • Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts
    • Fries
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Sweet Potato Fritters
    • Instant Pot Pasta Salad
    • Gurkensalat
    • Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
    • Garlicky Roasted Potatoes
    • German Celery Root Salad
    • German Fried Cabbage with Bacon
    • German Dill Potato Salad
    • Homemade Potato Chips
    • Hot German Potato Salad
    • Rye Sourdough Spaetzle
    • Easy Sauerkraut Salad
    • Homemade German Spaetzle
    • Homemade German Pretzels
    • Authentic Bavarian Potato Salad with Bacon
    • Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
    • Speckbohnen
    • Bretkartoffeln
    • German Cauliflower Salad
    • Apple Fennel Salad
    • Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Lemon Dressing
    • Other meals + what to serve

    Recipe Origins

    Germany is, of course, the birthplace of German sausage. There are actually more than 1,500 varieties of sausage in Germany including bratwurst, beer sausage (bierwurst), blood sausage (blutwurst), red sausage (rote wurst), and even tea sausage (teewurst). 

    The German word “brat” actually means “chopped” while “braten” means “fry”. Thus “bratwurst” translates roughly to “fry sausage”. It is typically poached and then pan fried or grilled.

    It’s believed that sausage was first created by poor Germans who would save every scrap of meat and every piece of the animal to be made into bratwurst. They could be made any size and saved well, which made them perfect to get through long winters and tough times.

    As they became more popular, chefs began to make them for royalty, using only the finest cuts of meat. During royal celebrations, people in the streets would gather to make and share their own version of the beloved German dish.

    Over time sausage has become a German staple and the pride of German cuisine. There are even shops in Germany, called Wurstladen, that specialize in making many different varieties of sausage, each with its own delicious flavor. 

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    FAQs

    What Makes German Sausage Different?

    There are so many different kinds of German sausage, but what gives them all a uniquely German flavor are the spices used. Of course, there may be different spices used depending on the type of German sausage, but German sausages are usually made with a mixture of pork and veal seasoned with black pepper, marjoram, nutmeg, coriander, mustard seeds, thyme, and caraway. 

    While they may look similar in the grocery store, German sausages are different greatly from Italian sausages. Italian sausages are usually flavored with fennel, anise, and rosemary. Italian sausage is traditionally much sweeter than German sausages, which tend to be more savory.

    What Spices are in German Sausage?

    Traditional German sausages are seasoned with salt, marjoram, thyme, mustard seeds, caraway seeds, coriander, and nutmeg.

    What is the Difference Between German Sausage and Bratwurst?

    Bratwurst is a general term for German sausages. Often it is shortened to brat or brats. “Wurst” is the German word for “sausage” while “brat” means “ground or fried meat”. While there are more than 1,500 varieties of sausage in Germany, outside of Germany they are usually all referred to as Bratwurst.

    Do You Eat The Skin on German Sausage?

    Yes, casings used to make German sausages are edible and can be eaten. These casings help to hold the shape of the sausage and also trap in all the juice and flavor during cooking. 

    What is the Most Popular German Sausage?

    Bratwursts are the most popular German sausage, but you may also find beer sausage, weisswurst, blutwurst, leberwurst and frankfurter wurstchen for sale.

    How Do You Cook German Sausage?

    There are many different methods for cooking German sausages. The most popular option is to pan-fry them or grill them. You could also bake them in the oven, deep fry them or cook them in an air fryer or pressure cooker.
     
    While you can’t really go wrong with any of these methods, many chefs recommend boiling your sausages for a few minutes and then finishing them with pan frying or grilling. This method infuses the sausage with a little extra moisture to ensure they are moist and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

    How are German Sausages Served?

    German sausages that are sold by street vendors are usually sold on crusty bread, with mustard and possibly pickles. If enjoying them at home, they are usually served with German potato salad and mustard. 

    Do You Have To Cook German Sausage?

    Yes. German sausages are typically made with raw meat and should be cooked before being eaten. You may find sausages for sale that have been smoked or pre-cooked, but in general, you should plan to cook your sausage.

    How Do You Know When German Sausage is Done Cooking?

    If you are grilling a bratwurst you should expect it to take much longer than American hot dogs. Grilling a bratwurst usually takes about 20 minutes. You’ll know it is done when it is mostly firm and crispy on the outside. 

    If you are still unsure if your brat is done, you can poke a small hole into the center with a metal rod, remove the metal rod and see if it feels hot to the touch to determine if your sausage is cooked through. 

    Be careful not to slice the brat open too soon as this will release the juice and could result in a dry sausage.

    Should You Poke Holes in Bratwursts Before Cooking?

    You do not need to (and should not) poke a hole in the casing of a sausage before cooking. That casing helps to seal in the fat and amazing flavor of the sausage, resulting in a sausage that is juicy and delicious.

    Do You Need Oil or Butter to Cook German Sausage?

    If you are pan frying your sausages they will eventually release their own grease as they cook, but you may need a tablespoon of oil in the pan to begin with to get the cooking process started. A little bit of bacon grease also makes for very flavorful sausages.

    Favorite Recipes

    • The most popular kind of German sausage is bratwurst and this recipe from The Daring Gourmet makes it easy to have homemade bratwurst at home.
    • If you don’t have the equipment to make German sausages in casings, this easy recipe from Quick German Recipes makes sausage-making much simpler by creating patties instead of links like a typical bratwurst sausage.
    • Beer sausages are a popular choice for Oktoberfest and this recipe from Culinary Ginger helps bring the celebration into your home.

    Expert Tips

    • Sausage in general is not considered a “healthy” food but when you make your own at home you get to control what goes into it.
    • Sausage making requires some special equipment so be sure and do your research before giving it a try.

    What to Serve With German Sausage

    There are so many ways to enjoy German sausage! Here are some of my favorites

    Toppings: Grainy mustard, relish, balsamic vinegar, sour cream, roasted yellow onions, sauteed peppers

    Traditional German Sides: sauerkraut, potato salad, potato pancakes, spaetzle, pretzels, sour red cabbage

    Other Sides: Mashed potatoes, green beans, baked beans, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, french fries, sweet potatoes, sweet potato fries, homemade applesauce, pasta salad, creamy cucumber salad, potato chips

    Drinks: Beer, apple juice

    Recipes To Serve with German Sausage

    German Potato Salad

    German Potato salad with red onions, fresh herbs, dressing, and golden potatoes.
    Potatoes are mixed with cut up onions, bacon, and herbs and then covered in a vinegar-based dressing. Serve this alongside sausage for a great German meal!
    Read More

    Potato Pancakes

    Potato Pancakes
    Potato Pancakes are common in Poland, Russia, and Belarus. They are made my grating potatoes with onion, an egg, and some seasonings and then frying in oil. Best enjoyed with sour cream or apple sauce, Potato Pancakes are great for any meal. 
    Read More

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Mashed Potatoes are a known classic, but making Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot is a new way to make this favorite side dish! The potatoes will be ready for mashing in just about 6 minutes, making this old favorite so much easier to make and enjoy!
    Read More

    Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes

    A pat of butter melting over a bowl of garlic redskin mashed potatoes with a spoon on the side.
    No holiday meal is complete without the perfect, creamy, mashed potatoes. This easy recipe is seasoned with garlic, green onions and loads of butter. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth delicious side dish!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

    Corn on the Cob in a basket
    This Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is an easy way to cook a classic summer favorite. The corn on the cob will be cooked beautifully and completely in under 10 minutes. Serve it up with butter and salt and you’re in for a summer treat from heaven! Enjoy!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts

    Brussels Sprouts with bacon and topped with parmesan cheese in a bowl.
    Make this as a Thanksgiving side or just for dinner any night. These Honey Dijon flavored Brussels Sprouts are bursting with flavor and begging to be eaten!
    Read More

    Fries

    Fries with Andalouse Dipping Sauce
    Belgian Frites are soft on the inside, impossibly crispy on the outside, and so crunchy you can hear each bite from across the room. There’s a secret to making fries this delicious!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    A baked sweet potato topped with pecans and cranberries with parsley on the side.
    This post will teach you How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot, one of the very best side dishes! These Sweet Potatoes are smooth and soft and the perfect hands-off recipe.
    Read More

    Sweet Potato Fritters

    Sweet potato fritters being dipped into a honey mayonnaise dip.
    This recipe for sweet potato fritters can be serve with Lemon Tahini Sauce or with a Cinnamon Honey Dip. Either way, making this recipe is a great way to experience the culture and flavor of Chad!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Pasta Salad

    Instant Pot Pasta Salad with rotini noodles, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, salami, and bell peppers.
    This Instant Pot Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is delightful! It has so much built-in flavor from the rotini being cooked in Italian Dressing. The pasta salad is then stocked full of salami, feta cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Did someone say picnic?!
    Read More

    Gurkensalat

    Gurkensalat topped with fresh dill and gold salad tongs.

    Creamy German Cucumber Salad (aka Gurkensalat)! This refreshing and simple side dish recipe is a family favorite. It features thinly sliced cucumbers in the most delicious sour cream dressing. SO GOOD!

    Read More

    Red Cabbage Sauerkraut

    Spoon tucked into a mason jar of red cabbage sauerkraut.

    If you love the tangy flavor from fermented foods you are going to love this homemade red cabbage sauerkraut.

    Read More

    Garlicky Roasted Potatoes

    Garlicky roast potatoes in a bowl.

    These garlicky roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re easy to make and delicious. These potatoes pair well with a wide variety of main courses and make a great side dish for the holidays.

    Read More

    German Celery Root Salad

    German celery root salad in a bowl.

    German celery root salad is a perfect balance of earthy and nutty celery roots, tossed in a simple tangy dressing. It’s a light and healthy side dish to complement any meal.

    Read More

    German Fried Cabbage with Bacon

    German fried cabbage cooked with bacon in a cast iron pan and a wooden spoon resting in it.

    Sweet, sour and salty, this German fried cabbage recipe is made even better with bacon! Simple to make, it’s a great side for Oktoberfest or any weeknight dinner.

    Read More

    German Dill Potato Salad

    German dill potato salad.

    Packed with fresh dill and made with a flavorful, tangy vinegar make this German Dill Potato Salad a bright, fresh summer potato salad that’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for all outdoor gatherings!

    Read More

    Homemade Potato Chips

    Homemade potato chips.

    Making your own Homemade Potato Chips from scratch is easier than you think and so rewarding. It may take a little bit of time, but once you know how to make your own potato chips, you’ll know it’s worth the extra work!

    Read More

    Hot German Potato Salad

    Hot German potato salad in a serving bowl.

    This Bavarian-style Hot German Potato Salad is a scrumptious blend of sweet, tangy, bacony goodness. Tried-and-true heirloom recipe; serve warm or cold.

    Read More

    Rye Sourdough Spaetzle

    Rye sourdough Spaetzle on a plate with greens and cooked red onions garnished over it.

    This amazing Sourdough Spaetzle with caramelized cipollini, sauteed mushrooms, and tabasco shallots is a delicious, uptown side dish for any German feast.

    Read More

    Easy Sauerkraut Salad

    Easy sauerkraut salad in a bowl and a serving spoon resting in it.

    This Sauerkraut Salad is quick and easy to make! Served cold, this salad is your classic sauerkraut with the addition of carrots, onions, diced apple, and just a little bit of oil and some common spices – plus caraway seeds!

    Read More

    Homemade German Spaetzle

    Homemade German spaetizle/

    Homemade German Spaetzle is part noodles, part dumplings, and they go with practically anything! Saute them in butter, add cheese, or cover them in the sauce! This is one of my favorite traditional German recipes!

    Read More

    Homemade German Pretzels

    Homemade big German pretzels stacked together with coarse sea salt on top.

    In only two hours you can make these authentic German Pretzels. Enjoy them with Obatzda (German cheese dip) and a cold beer.

    Read More

    Authentic Bavarian Potato Salad with Bacon

    Bavarian potato salad served in a bowl with fennel and red onions.

    This traditional Bavarian Potato Salad is a delicious side with warm potatoes, crisp bacon, and a rich, bright bacon dressing with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and vinegar. Serve it with traditional German mains for dinner or at your next gathering!

    Read More

    Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

    Wooden serving spoon holding up caramelized onions and mushrooms.

    This Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms recipe is an easy way to add deeply savory, sweet, rich flavor to everything from burgers to soups to breakfast dishes. The key is patience and a bit of olive oil for a delicious, soft, craveable result.

    Read More

    Speckbohnen

    Small oval container of speckbohnen served with chopped bacon on top.

    You’d be surprised how much a couple of simple additions brighten up plain beans, but that’s exactly the case with these speckbohnen, German green beans. They make a tasty side for Oktoberfest or any meal.

    Read More

    Bretkartoffeln

    Top view of a bowl of bratkartoffeln.

    Bratkartoffeln, or baked potatoes with bacon and onion, is a German potato dish. This easy one-pot recipe is amazing as a lunch or a simple dinner.

    Read More

    German Cauliflower Salad

    German cauliflower salad served on a plate.

    With all the sweet, tang, and bacon goodness that’s in its traditional counterpart, this German Cauliflower Salad is crunchy, delicious, and packed with flavor!

    Read More

    Apple Fennel Salad

    Plate of apple fennel salad with a fork resting on the side.

    A delicious and refreshing recipe, this apple fennel salad is the perfect mix of light and crispy with sweet and peppery for the ultimate side salad.

    Read More

    Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Lemon Dressing

    Roasted carrots and asparagus on an oval platter.

    This Roasted Carrots and Asparagus recipe is an easy side dish to take you from winter to spring. This easy healthy side dish is made with caramelized carrots and fresh crisp asparagus drizzled with a tangy lemon dressing.

    Read More

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