Serve brats with sauerkraut, potato salad, grilled onions, soft buns, and mustard.
If you love brats but wonder what to eat with brats for a great meal, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested cookout menus for years and learned what works. This guide breaks down what to eat with brats in simple steps, from classic sides to healthy swaps. You’ll get chef-level tips, easy ideas, and real-life tricks that save time and taste great.
Classic sides that never fail
There’s a reason some sides show up at every brat cookout. They balance fat, add crunch, and bring heat or acid. These classics work with any brat style, from beer brats to smoked brats. When people ask what to eat with brats, I start here because they are proven crowd-pleasers.
- Sauerkraut: Tangy, salty, and loaded with probiotics. Warm it in a pan with a splash of beer.
- German potato salad: Warm, vinegary, and bacon-rich. The acid cuts the fat from the brats.
- American potato salad: Creamy, cool, and comforting. Add celery and dill for freshness.
- Grilled onions and peppers: Sweet, soft, and perfect on top or on the side.
- Soft pretzel buns: Chewy and salty. Brush with butter and toast for a golden crust.
- Mustard trio: Yellow for snap, Dijon for bite, whole-grain for texture.
Pro tip from the grill
I simmer brats in beer with sliced onions for 10 minutes, then finish on the grill. The onions become a sweet, ready-made topping, and the brats stay juicy.
Fresh salads and slaws for balance
Fresh sides make brats feel lighter. Crunch and acid lift the meal. If you’re asking what to eat with brats that keeps the plate bright, go for greens and slaws.
- Cabbage slaw: Shred green and red cabbage. Toss with apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey, and salt.
- Apple fennel slaw: Crisp, sweet, and herbal. Great with pork-based brats.
- Cucumber salad: Thin slices, dill, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Very refreshing.
- Tomato-corn salad: Sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, lime, and cilantro. Add feta if you like.
- Simple arugula salad: Lemon, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan. Peppery greens cut through richness.
Flavor note
Vinegar-based slaws hold well and don’t wilt fast. They also travel well for tailgates.
Hearty carbs and grains that satisfy
Sometimes you want a bigger plate. For what to eat with brats when you need more fuel, pick hearty carbs and grains. They soak up juices and add comfort.
- Buttered spaetzle: Little German dumplings with butter and parsley.
- Roasted potatoes: Toss with garlic, paprika, and salt. Roast until crisp.
- Mac and cheese: Creamy and mild. Add a breadcrumb top for crunch.
- Baked beans: Sweet, smoky, and rich. Stir in bacon for depth.
- Pretzel bites: Perfect for dipping in mustard or beer cheese.
- Rice pilaf: Light, savory, and friendly to many sauces.
Quick make-ahead trick
Roast potatoes early at 400°F until almost done. Reheat on a hot sheet pan for 5 minutes before serving.
Vegetables and seasonal sides
When clients ask what to eat with brats in spring, summer, fall, or winter, I match sides to the season. It keeps the menu fresh, and it saves money.
- Spring: Asparagus with lemon zest. New potatoes with herbs.
- Summer: Grilled zucchini and corn. Caprese salad with basil.
- Fall: Roasted Brussels sprouts with maple and mustard. Red cabbage braise.
- Winter: Creamed spinach. Roasted carrots with cumin and honey.
Smart pairings
Mustard and cabbage love each other. So do apples and pork. Use these pairs to guide your plate.
Sauces, toppings, and condiments
Toppings change the whole bite. If you wonder what to eat with brats to add layers of flavor, build a simple topping bar. It turns a basic meal into a custom one.
- Mustards: Yellow, Dijon, whole-grain, and spicy brown.
- Pickles: Dill chips, pickled jalapeños, and pickled red onions.
- Relishes: Sweet relish, corn relish, or giardiniera for heat.
- Sauerkraut and kimchi: One classic, one bold. Both add tang.
- Onions: Raw, grilled, or quick-pickled. Each gives a different snap.
- Sauces: Beer cheese, Carolina gold, creamy horseradish, or garlic aioli.
Personal favorite
Beer cheese on a toasted pretzel bun with grilled onions is my top pick. It wins at every tailgate.
Buns and creative serving styles
Buns matter. Texture can make or break the bite. If your question is what to eat with brats when you want a twist, try these serving styles.
- Classic bun: Soft, lightly toasted. Holds toppings well.
- Pretzel bun: Dense and salty. Great with mustard and beer cheese.
- No-bun bowl: Brats over slaw, kraut, and roasted potatoes.
- Brat board: Sliced brats with mustard, kraut, pickles, and cheeses.
- Brat sliders: Small buns, perfect for parties or kids.
Toasting tip
Brush the cut side of buns with butter. Toast on the grill for 30–60 seconds.
Drinks and pairings
What to eat with brats pairs well with what you drink. Drinks should refresh and match the flavors. Keep it simple.
- Beer: Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Märzen, or a light lager. These clean the palate.
- Cider: Dry apple or pear cider. Works well with pork brats.
- Wine: Riesling (off-dry) or Pinot Noir. Both are food-friendly.
- Non-alcoholic: Citrus seltzer, iced tea with lemon, or a tart lemonade.
Why these work
Crisp drinks cut fat. A touch of sweetness calms spice and salt.
Diet-friendly and allergy-aware options
Feeding a crowd means options. If someone asks what to eat with brats on a special diet, use these swaps. They taste great and keep everyone happy.
- Gluten-free: Use GF buns or serve brats over slaw or potatoes.
- Low-carb/keto: Skip buns. Add kraut, mustard, and grilled veggies.
- Dairy-free: Avoid creamy salads. Go with vinegar slaw and roasted veg.
- Vegetarian guests: Offer veggie brats, portobello caps, or marinated tofu.
- Low-sodium: Choose low-sodium sausages and build flavor with herbs, citrus, and vinegar.
Safety note
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Use clean tongs for raw and cooked items.
Regional and global twists
When friends ask what to eat with brats that feels fresh, I borrow ideas from around the world. It keeps the table fun and bold.
- German: Sauerkraut, warm potato salad, and a stein of lager.
- Midwestern BBQ: Baked beans, creamy slaw, and dill pickles.
- Mexican-inspired: Pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and corn salad with lime.
- Korean-inspired: Kimchi, gochujang mayo, and sesame slaw.
- Mediterranean: Tzatziki, tomato-cucumber salad, and olives.
Keep balance in mind
If toppings are spicy, pick cooling sides. If sides are rich, add acid.
Hosting tips and time-saving methods
Great brat nights are won with a simple plan. When planning what to eat with brats for a crowd, I prep in waves and keep heat steady.
- Par-cook brats in beer and onions. Finish on the grill to order.
- Pre-slice toppings. Keep them cold in clear containers.
- Make slaws and salads early. Dress just before serving.
- Toast buns right before eating to keep them crisp.
- Set up self-serve stations. Label sauces for quick grabs.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t pierce brats on the grill. Juices will run out. Don’t overload buns or they break.
Frequently Asked Questions of what to eat with brats
What are the best sides if I’m short on time?
Go with bagged slaw, jarred sauerkraut, and store potato salad. Add fresh herbs and lemon to make them pop.
What condiments should I put out for a brat bar?
Offer at least three mustards, pickles, and sauerkraut. Add one creamy sauce and one spicy sauce for range.
How do I keep brats juicy without overcooking?
Simmer in beer and onions, then finish on a hot grill. Aim for firm, not split casings.
What buns work best for brats?
Soft, sturdy buns that toast well work best. Pretzel buns are great for saucy toppings.
How can I make a lighter brat meal?
Skip the bun and serve over slaw with a vinegary dressing. Add grilled vegetables for volume and color.
What cheeses pair well with brats?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or provolone all work. Beer cheese sauce is great for parties.
Can I serve brats without pork?
Yes. Use chicken, turkey, or plant-based brats. Season and top the same way.
Conclusion
You now have a full playbook for what to eat with brats. Start with a classic base like kraut and potato salad. Add a fresh slaw, a bold sauce, and the right bun. Mix in a crisp drink, and you’re set. Try one new twist each time to keep it fun.
Fire up the grill this week and test a combo from this guide. Share your favorite pairing in the comments, and subscribe for more easy, trusted cookout ideas.