Well, let me tell ya, when you’re fixin’ to eat some bratwurst, you gotta have somethin’ good on the side, right? Ya can’t just eat those sausages alone, that’s for sure! Now, there’s plenty of ways to fix up a meal with brats, and I’m gonna share with ya a few of my favorites. Trust me, this’ll make ya mouth water just thinkin’ about it!
1. Sauerkraut – A Classic Choice!
First off, you just can’t go wrong with sauerkraut. It’s tangy, it’s sour, and it pairs so nicely with those juicy brats. You might think it’s just for fancy folks, but we’ve been eatin’ it for years. Get a nice big ol’ pot of it, warm it up, and spoon it right next to your brat. It’s like peanut butter and jelly, but for sausages!
2. Mashed Potatoes – Who Can Say No?
Now, if you ask me, mashed potatoes go with just about anything. You can’t beat ‘em. You take them spuds, boil ‘em up good, mash ‘em with some butter, milk, and salt, and there ya go. A hearty side dish that fills ya right up. And you know what? You can even throw in a little gravy if you’re feelin’ fancy.
3. Colcannon – For a Little Irish Flavor
Ever heard of colcannon? That’s a fancy way of sayin’ mashed potatoes with cabbage in it. Now, I know it sounds a bit odd, but trust me, it’s a mighty fine side for bratwurst. You cook your potatoes just like normal, then toss in some cabbage that’s been sautéed with butter. It adds a bit of crunch and a whole lotta flavor!
4. Roasted Vegetables – A Healthy Touch
If ya want somethin’ a little healthier, how about roasted veggies? Ya can roast just about anything – carrots, potatoes, onions, even brussels sprouts. Just toss ‘em in some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast ‘em in the oven ‘til they’re nice and crispy. It’s a simple, yet tasty side that’s good for ya.
5. Sweet Potatoes – A Little Sweetness
Sweet potatoes are another great option. They’re a bit sweeter than regular potatoes, but they go real well with bratwurst. You can bake ‘em whole, mash ‘em up, or even fry ‘em in a pan. They add a nice, subtle sweetness that balances out the savory brats real nice.
6. Potato Salad – Bringin’ in the Comfort
Now, don’t forget about potato salad. You can’t have a cookout without it! This one’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Boil up some taters, chop ‘em up, and mix ‘em with mayo, mustard, and all the seasonings you like. It’s cold, creamy, and just what ya need next to a bratwurst.
7. Hard Rolls – Perfect for the Brat!
Sometimes, you just need a good ol’ roll to go with your brat. Hard rolls are great for this. Ya can stuff that brat right inside the roll, and it’ll hold up nice and firm while you eat. Plus, those rolls are great for moppin’ up any juices that spill out of your sausage.
8. Baked Beans – A Must-Have
Ya know what else goes real well with brats? Baked beans! Ain’t nothin’ like a big ol’ scoop of sweet and savory beans on the side. They’ve got that rich, smoky flavor that just complements the sausage so well. If ya make ’em from scratch, they’re even better, but ya can always get some from a can if you’re short on time.
9. Pickles – A Little Tangy Kick
If you’re like me, you love a good pickle on the side. It’s that tangy, crunchy bite that cuts through the richness of the bratwurst. Plus, pickles are real easy to have on hand. Whether you like dill or sweet, just throw a couple on the plate, and you’re set!
10. Salads – Keepin’ It Fresh
And if ya want somethin’ fresh, a nice salad can do the trick. Ya don’t have to get all fancy with it – just toss together some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and maybe a little vinaigrette. Keep it simple, and it’ll still taste great alongside that bratwurst.
So there ya go, folks! Plenty of sides to go with your bratwurst. Whether you want somethin’ tangy, sweet, or hearty, there’s a side dish here for everyone. Don’t let your brats go without the right fixin’s – it’ll make the meal that much better. Happy eatin’!
Tags:[bratwurst side dishes, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, colcannon, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, potato salad, hard rolls, baked beans, pickles, salads]