Last updated: September 23, 2026
You already know the brats are going to be the star of the show, so let’s talk about what belongs next to them on the plate.
We rounded up sides for brats that come together fast, hold up well outside, and please picky eaters and adventurous ones alike.
Loaded Potato Salad
A good potato salad is the classic partner for grilled bratwurst, and a loaded version takes it even further.
Boil small red or yellow potatoes until they are just fork tender, then let them cool before cutting them into bite sized pieces.
Toss the potatoes with a creamy dressing built from mayonnaise, a spoonful of mustard, and a splash of pickle juice for tang.
Fold in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives so every bite feels like a loaded baked potato.
This side holds up well in a cooler, which makes it a smart choice for tailgates and backyard parties. If you want something a little different, a classic macaroni salad makes a great swap or addition to the spread.
Make it ahead the night before so the flavors have time to settle into the potatoes.
German-Style Warm Potato Salad
Since brats have German roots, a warm vinegar based potato salad feels right at home next to them.
Cook diced bacon in a skillet, then use the rendered fat to sauté sliced onion until soft and golden.
Whisk apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, and Dijon mustard into the pan to build a warm dressing.
Pour that dressing over sliced boiled potatoes and toss gently so they soak up the flavor while everything is still warm.
Serve this one right away for the best texture, since it is meant to be enjoyed warm rather than chilled.
It brings a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of grilled sausage.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
If you already have the grill going for the brats, grilled vegetables are an easy way to round out the meal.
Zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms all hold up beautifully on skewers over direct heat.
Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder before threading them onto skewers.
Grill for about eight to ten minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender with light char marks.
This side adds color to the plate and gives you a lighter option next to the richness of the sausage. Grilled corn on the cob is another great addition if you want to round out the vegetable side of the table.
It also cooks in roughly the same amount of time as the brats, so everything finishes together.
Creamy Coleslaw
A crisp, cold coleslaw is one of the easiest sides for brats because it needs no cooking at all.
Shred green cabbage, a little purple cabbage for color, and carrots, then toss them with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
Let the slaw rest in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
The cool, crunchy bite is a welcome contrast to a hot bratwurst fresh off the grill.
Coleslaw also works beautifully piled right on top of the brat in the bun, so consider setting some aside for that purpose too. For an even lighter option, a quick cucumber and onion salad delivers the same cool crunch with a brighter, vinegar-forward bite.
It travels well, which makes it another strong pick for potlucks and cookouts away from home.
Baked Beans with Brown Sugar
Sweet and smoky baked beans are a cookout staple that pairs naturally with grilled sausage.
Start with canned navy or pinto beans, then simmer them with brown sugar, ketchup, a splash of barbecue sauce, and chopped bacon.
Let everything simmer low and slow for about thirty minutes so the sauce thickens and coats every bean.
The sweetness balances the savory, salty flavor of the bratwurst in a way that feels effortless.
This side also reheats well, so leftovers make an easy lunch the next day.
You can make a big batch ahead of time and simply warm it up on the stove or in a slow cooker before guests arrive.
Soft Pretzel Bites
Since brats and pretzels share the same German inspired roots, pretzel bites are a fun addition to the spread.
Serve them warm with a side of mustard for dipping, and they double as an appetizer while the brats finish cooking.
You can bake a batch from scratch using a simple yeast dough, or pick up a bag of frozen pretzel bites for a shortcut.
Either way, brushing them with melted butter and a sprinkle of coarse salt right after baking makes a big difference.
Add a cheese sauce on the side if you want to turn this into more of a shareable appetizer table.
Guests tend to gravitate toward this one while they wait for the grill to finish.
Buns and Toppings Bar
The bun and toppings you choose can change the whole experience of eating a brat, so it deserves its own attention.
A sturdy bakery style hoagie roll or a classic hot dog bun both work, though many cooks prefer a roll with a bit more chew to stand up to a juicy sausage.
Set out a toppings bar with grilled onions and peppers, sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and ketchup so everyone can build their own. Quick pickled vegetables are also a great addition to the topping spread for anyone who wants extra tang.
Warming the buns briefly on the grill grates adds a little toasted flavor and keeps them from getting soggy.
Having a toppings bar also solves the problem of feeding a crowd with different tastes at one gathering.
It keeps you out of the kitchen and lets guests serve themselves while you focus on the grill.
Why Sides Matter for a Brat Cookout
A bratwurst is rich and savory on its own, so the sides you choose can either echo that flavor or balance it out.
Mixing a few classic, hearty options with something cool and crisp keeps the whole meal from feeling one note. A fresh watermelon feta salad is a good example, since its cool sweetness plays nicely against a hot, smoky brat.
Thinking about temperature and texture as you plan is just as important as thinking about flavor.
A warm, tangy potato salad next to a cold, crunchy slaw gives guests contrast on the plate, which makes the meal feel more complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most traditional side for bratwurst?
Warm German-style potato salad and sauerkraut are considered the most traditional pairings for bratwurst.
Both lean into the same tangy, savory flavors that define the sausage itself.
Can I prep sides for brats ahead of time?
Yes, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans can all be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Warm potato salad is best made closer to serving time so it can be enjoyed while it is still warm.
What vegetables go well with bratwurst?
Grilled zucchini, peppers, onions, and mushrooms all pair nicely with the smoky flavor of grilled sausage.
A simple green salad with a vinegar based dressing also works if you want something lighter.
Do I need sauerkraut with brats?
Sauerkraut is a classic topping rather than a requirement, so you can skip it if it is not to your taste.
Grilled onions or a spicy mustard make a great substitute if you want that same tangy contrast.
How many sides should I plan for a cookout?
Two to three sides usually feels right for a casual cookout, especially if you include one starch, one vegetable, and one cold salad.
For a larger gathering, adding a fourth option like pretzel bites gives guests more variety without much extra effort.
Bring It All Together
With a few of these sides for brats on the table, your next cookout will feel complete from the first bite to the last.
Pick two or three sides for brats that fit your crowd, prep what you can ahead of time, and let the grill do the rest of the work.
More sides to try: Sides to Go With Burgers
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