So you've got some sausages. Maybe they're plump bratwursts, spicy Italian links, or classic breakfast patties. The sausage part is sorted. But then it hits you—the classic culinary conundrum. What on earth do you put next to them on the plate? It's a question I've stared into my fridge pondering more times than I'd like to admit. A lonely sausage is a sad sight. It needs friends. The right friends.
Choosing what side dishes to serve with sausage isn't just about filling space. It's about balance. A good side can cut through richness, add a fresh crunch, soak up glorious juices, or take your taste buds on a little trip to another country. Get it wrong, and the whole meal feels... off. Get it right, and you've got a plate that sings.
Short on time? Here's your quick-fire answer: You can't go wrong with classic, starchy comforts like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery potato salad, or warm sauerkraut. For something lighter, try a tangy apple slaw, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic, or a simple green bean salad. The best choice depends entirely on your sausage type and the occasion.
Let's be honest, the internet is full of lists that just throw 50 side dish names at you. Not super helpful when you're trying to decide what to make for Tuesday dinner. I want to give you more than a list. I want to give you a system. A way to think about pairing so you can confidently answer "what side dishes to serve with sausage?" for any link, any time.
Stop Guessing: The Logic Behind the Perfect Pairing
Before we dive into the specific dishes, let's talk about the "why." Why do some sides work and others don't? It comes down to a few key factors. Think of your sausage as the main character in a story. The side dishes are the supporting cast—they should complement, not compete.
Texture is a Big Deal. Sausage, especially when pan-fried or grilled, has a specific texture—a crisp casing giving way to a juicy, often coarse interior. Pairing it with something that has a contrasting texture creates a more interesting eating experience. Think: creamy, crunchy, soft, crisp.
Flavor Profiles Need to Talk to Each Other. Is your sausage smoky? Herby? Spicy? Sweet? Your side should either harmonize with those flavors or provide a pleasant counterpoint. A spicy andouille sausage might be tamed by sweet cornbread. A sage-heavy breakfast sausage finds a friend in sweet maple-roasted squash.
Consider the Occasion and Season. What side dishes to serve with sausage at a summer barbecue is a completely different question than for a cozy winter stew. Light, fresh, no-cook sides rule in July. Hearty, roasted, warming sides are king in January.
The Main Event: 15 Side Dishes Sorted by Vibe
Alright, let's get into the goods. I've broken these down into categories based on the feeling and function of the side. This should help you scan for what you're in the mood for.
The Classic, Can't-Go-Wrong Crew
These are the workhorses. The sides everyone expects and loves. They're familiar, comforting, and almost universally successful when you're figuring out what side dishes to serve with sausage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This is the ultimate comfort blanket for a sausage. It's all about texture contrast and sauce-soaking potential. Go for Yukon Golds for the best flavor and creaminess. A little garlic or whole-grain mustard mashed in doesn't hurt either.
German-Style Potato Salad: Not the mayo-heavy kind. I'm talking the warm, vinegar-based, bacon-flecked kind. It's tangy, savory, and cuts through fatty sausages like a dream. Perfect with bratwurst or weisswurst. The acidity is key here.
Sauerkraut: Don't knock it if you've only had the soggy stuff from a can. Properly cooked sauerkraut, maybe with a splash of white wine, a few juniper berries, and some caraway seeds, is a revelation. It's probiotic, tangy, and the classic pairing for reason.
Buttery Egg Noodles or Spaetzle: Simple, carb-y, and perfect for catching every bit of gravy or pan drippings. Spaetzle, those little German egg dumplings, are especially fun and soak up flavor like a sponge.
The Veggie-Forward, Feel-Good Bunch
When you want your plate to have some color and freshness, these are your champions.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic: Halve them, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until caramelized and crispy on the edges. A drizzle of thick balsamic glaze at the end adds a sweet-tart punch that loves pork. Charred bits are a feature, not a bug.
Apple & Red Cabbage Slaw: Forget the mayo-based slaw for a minute. A vinegar-based slaw with shredded red cabbage, crisp apple matchsticks, and maybe some carrots is crunchy, refreshing, and slightly sweet. It lightens up the whole plate.
Sautéed Peppers and Onions: A classic for Italian sausages for a reason. Cook them low and slow until they're meltingly soft and sweet. Throw them on a hoagie roll with your sausage, or pile them on the side. Easy and always a crowd-pleaser.
Green Bean Almondine: Simple, elegant, and takes 10 minutes. Blanch fresh green beans until bright green and crisp-tender, then sauté briefly with butter and toasted sliced almonds. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up.
The Global Flavor Tour
Sometimes your sausage wants to travel. These sides answer the question of what side dishes to serve with sausage by taking inspiration from around the world.
Spanish-Style Patatas Bravas: Crispy roasted potato cubes smothered in a smoky, slightly spicy tomato sauce and a garlic aioli. It's bold, it's messy, and it's incredibly delicious with a chorizo or other paprika-spiced sausage.
Italian White Beans with Rosemary: Warm, creamy cannellini beans simmered with garlic, fresh rosemary, and a good glug of olive oil. It's rustic, hearty, and the perfect earthy companion for a fennel or sweet Italian sausage.
Portuguese Tomato Rice: Not just plain rice. This is rice cooked with onion, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, absorbing all that flavor. It's vibrant, slightly tangy, and the ideal bed for a linguiça or chouriço.
The "I Have 20 Minutes" Quick Fixes
We've all been there. Hungry, short on time, and just need something good, fast. These sides save the day.
Quick-Pickled Onions: Thinly slice a red onion. Submerge it in a mix of equal parts hot water and vinegar (apple cider or white), a big pinch of salt and sugar. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes while you cook everything else. Instant tangy, crunchy topping.
Simple Arugula Salad: Toss arugula (aka rocket) with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a shaving of Parmesan. The peppery bite cuts through fat instantly. Done in 3 minutes.
Buttered Corn (Off the Cob): Frozen corn kernels are a pantry savior. Sauté them in butter with a little salt until hot and maybe slightly browned. Sweet, buttery, effortless.
Toasted Bread or a Crusty Roll: Never underestimate the power of good bread. It's a vehicle for mustard, a sopper of juices, and adds a satisfying chew. Sometimes the simplest answer to what side dishes to serve with sausage is right there in the bread basket.
Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Pairing by Sausage Type
Let's get specific. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you decide what side dishes to serve with sausage based on what's actually in your package.
| Sausage Type | Flavor Profile | Top Side Dish Matches | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bratwurst (German) | Mild, herbal, garlicky, juicy | Sauerkraut, German potato salad, pretzel rolls, braised red cabbage | Classic cultural pairings; acidity cuts richness. |
| Italian Sausage (Sweet/Hot) | Fennel, garlic, red pepper flakes (if hot) | Sautéed peppers & onions, polenta, white beans, ricotta-stuffed pasta shells | Mediterranean flavors complement the herbs; peppers add sweetness. |
| Breakfast Sausage (Links/Patties) | Sage, maple, black pepper, savory | Scrambled eggs, pancakes/waffles, hash browns, roasted apples | Breakfast harmony; sweet & savory balance. |
| Chorizo (Spanish/Mexican) | Smoky, paprika, garlic, often spicy | Patatas bravas, rice, black beans, grilled corn with cotija | Bold, smoky sides stand up to intense flavor. |
| Kielbasa (Polish) | Garlicky, smoky, robust | Pierogi (potato or sauerkraut), braised lentils, roasted root veggies, mustard sauce | Hearty, earthy sides match its substantial character. |
| Chicken/Turkey Sausage | Lighter, often with herbs or fruit (apple) | Quinoa salad, roasted sweet potatoes, massaged kale salad, couscous | Lighter, healthier sides keep the meal feeling fresh. |
By Occasion: What Side Dishes to Serve with Sausage When...
The Big Backyard Barbecue
This is where sides shine. You need stuff that can sit out, feed a crowd, and stand up to grilled flavors. Think make-ahead, sturdy, and bold.
My go-to barbecue spread always includes a creamy potato salad (the mayo-based kind is fine here, it's tradition), a big bowl of that vinegar-based apple slaw, and a tray of baked beans. Yes, baked beans. The sweet, molasses-y kind, preferably with some chopped-up sausage or bacon in them. It's a self-contained side that's also a nod to the main event. Corn on the cob, slathered in butter, is non-negotiable in season. For something green, a simple three-bean salad holds up beautifully without wilting.
The Cozy Weeknight Family Dinner
Here, simplicity and comfort rule. You probably have one sausage per person and need one, maybe two, reliable sides.
This is the domain of the one-pan wonder. Toss some chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions with oil and herbs, throw the sausages on top, and roast the whole thing together. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Alternatively, a quick pan of boxed mac and cheese (dress it up with extra shredded cheddar and a breadcrumb topping) is a kid-pleaser that adults won't turn down either. A bag of steamed broccoli florets with a squeeze of lemon completes the plate in under 20 minutes.
Honestly, on a tired Tuesday, the best answer to what side dishes to serve with sausage might be "whatever vegetable is in the freezer and some microwave rice." No shame in that.
The Fancy(ish) Brunch
Sausage at brunch is a star player. The sides need to be brunchy.
This is where you can get a little decadent. Creamy cheesy grits or polenta under a couple of split, grilled sausages is a stunning plate. Roasted asparagus or hash browns made from shredded potatoes pan-fried until golden are perfect. Don't forget the condiments—a spicy maple syrup or a whole-grain mustard cream sauce can bridge the sausage and sides beautifully.
Leveling Up: Sauces & Condiments Are Secret Sides
Never underestimate the power of a good sauce. A dollop of the right condiment can transform your plate and solve your what-side-dishes-to-serve-with-sausage dilemma by adding a new flavor dimension.
Mustard, Obviously: But go beyond yellow. Whole-grain mustard with its pop of seeds, spicy brown mustard, or a sweet-hot beer mustard. Each pairs differently.
Chutneys & Relishes: A sharp apple chutney, a sweet onion relish, or a tangy tomato chutney add complexity and sweetness that plays beautifully against savory sausage.
Flavored Aiolis & Creamy Sauces: Garlic aioli, smoked paprika mayo, or a sauce of sour cream mixed with horseradish and chives. These add richness and a cooling element, especially for spicy sausages.
I always have at least two condiment options on the table. It lets people customize and makes the meal feel more interactive and complete.
Answering Your Burning Questions (FAQ)
Over the years, I've gotten the same questions from friends and family about this very topic. Here are the real-world answers.
What is the most traditional side for sausage?
It depends on the sausage's origin, but in a broad European tradition, you can't get more traditional than some form of cabbage (sauerkraut, braised) and potatoes (mashed, boiled, roasted). In the UK, "bangers and mash" (sausages and mashed potatoes with onion gravy) is the national comfort food answer.
What are some good low-carb or keto side dishes for sausage?
Great question. Cauliflower is your best friend here. Cauliflower mash (steam and blend it with cream cheese and butter) is a fantastic potato substitute. Roasted cauliflower florets, a big salad with a vinaigrette, sautéed spinach or kale, or zucchini noodles (zoodles) sautéed in the sausage pan drippings are all excellent choices.
Can I serve pasta as a side with sausage?
Absolutely, but think strategically. A simple pasta like orzo or small shells tossed with olive oil, Parmesan, and peas makes a great side. Avoid heavy, saucy pasta dishes that will compete for the main attraction. Pasta salad, especially one with a vinaigrette base and lots of veggies, is a classic barbecue side that pairs well.
What goes with smoked sausage?
Smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille) has a strong, distinct flavor. It pairs wonderfully with earthy, hearty sides that can stand up to it: braised lentils or beans, roasted root vegetables (parsnips, carrots, potatoes), cabbage in any form, or creamy polenta. The smokiness also loves sweet partners like baked beans or caramelized onions.
How do I balance a plate with multiple sausages?
If you're doing a sausage sampler, keep the sides simple and neutral. A big pile of buttery egg noodles or a simple green salad acts as a palate cleanser between different sausage flavors. Also, offer a variety of mustards so each sausage can be customized.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut (Pun Intended)
At the end of the day, figuring out what side dishes to serve with sausage should be fun, not stressful. It's about creating a meal that makes you happy.
Start with the classics if you're unsure—you really can't beat mashed potatoes. Then, branch out. Try that Brussels sprouts recipe. Whip up a quick pickle. The best pairings often come from a bit of experimentation.
Remember, the perfect side dish is the one that makes you and whoever you're feeding go, "Wow, that works perfectly." It completes the picture, satisfies the craving, and turns a simple sausage into a memorable meal.
So next time you're at the store staring at the sausage case, you'll know exactly what to grab to go with it. Happy pairing!
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