Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by Emma White
Few things can match the scrumptious flavors of juicy sausages in terms of pleasing our taste senses. Sausages have long played a vital role in our culinary traditions, whether you favor savory bratwursts, smoky chorizo, or traditional Italian links. But the sausage feast is only complete with the ideal side dishes to complement and enhance the main course.
Although sausages are delicious, adding carefully chosen side dishes to your dinner may elevate it to new levels. Side dishes provide a limitless variety of alternatives to explore, from substantial classics to refreshing salads.
Therefore, this blog article inspires you with various great side dishes that perfectly match your sausage options, whether you have a backyard barbecue, cook a cozy supper at home, or try to upgrade your usual meals.
1. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, has a tart flavor that balances the richness of the sausage. The fermenting process that the cabbage goes through gives it a distinctive flavor and improves its nutritional content by encouraging the growth of helpful microorganisms.
The sauerkraut offers a nice flavor and textural contrast when paired with sausage. Its citrus flavor and crisp texture add a light refreshment to the meal, counteracting the sausage’s savory and occasionally greasy character.
The flavors of sauerkraut and sausage merge harmoniously, with the acidic, bright sauerkraut enhancing the savory notes of the sausage. Sauerkraut is a versatile side dish that gives any sausage, whether a bratwurst, kielbasa, or another variety, flavor and complexity.
2. Mashed Potatoes
The creamy, buttery flavor of mashed potatoes delightfully offsets sausage’s tender and powerful flavor. This side dish gives your dinner a gratifying addition, whether you choose basic mashed potatoes cooked with russet potatoes, butter, and milk or add a twist using cheese, garlic, or herbs.
The mashed potatoes’ velvety texture makes for a delicious side dish that soaks up the flavors of the meat and any supplemental sauces or gravies. Savory sausages and delicate, fluffy potatoes combine to provide a savory dish with a pleasing harmony of flavors and textures.
3. Grilled Vegetables
The veggies magically change while the sausages sizzle, going from crisp exteriors to delicate innards with a delicious crunch.
The colorful grilled veggies and the juicy sausages come together to provide an aesthetically and deliciously attractive dish. The veggies’ natural flavors are enhanced by a little caramelization, which brings out their inborn sweetness and earthy overtones.
The bell peppers get slightly charred and smokey, the zucchini becomes delicate and luscious, and the onions caramelize to a beautiful golden color, giving the dish a subtle sweetness. Each bite is unique because of the lovely interaction between the grilled veggies and the meaty sausages’ different textures.
4. Baked Beans
The gratifying juices of any sausages combine well with the rich and robust texture of the beans, which are slow-cooked with a mix of ingredients, including brown sugar, molasses, onions, and bacon.
A delicious flavor combination is produced by the sweetness of the beans and the savory, somewhat burnt surface of the sausages. Serving sausages with a side of baked beans enhances the flavor and complexity of the dish, whether you grill the sausages outside or cook them inside on the stove.
The beans are hearty and nourishing, making them the perfect complement to sausages during outdoor events like picnics and barbecues and at homey family get-togethers. Their adaptability enables them to go well with various sausage varieties, including bratwurst, hot dogs, and smoky links.
5. Coleslaw
This light meal is often created with shredded carrots, cabbage, and a creamy dressing to give it a tangy and somewhat sweet flavor.
The crunch of the carrots and cabbage provides a pleasing counterpoint to the juicy, savory character of the sausages. Cutting through the depth of the sausage and bringing a smooth and energizing element to each mouthful, the chilled and creamy dressing functions as a palette cleanser.
The tangy, robust flavors of sausages are balanced with coleslaw, which comes in a variety of milder vinaigrette and conventional mayonnaise-based dressing varieties. Because of its adaptability, you can make the coleslaw your own by adding extra chopped apples, raisins, or a dash of mustard for a tangy edge.
6. Cornbread
Whether eating hot andouille, a smoky bratwurst, or a classic breakfast sausage, cornbread brings an inviting and fulfilling touch. Every mouthful of cornbread is a delectable pleasure because of the cornmeal’s golden exterior and delicate inside.
The cornmeal’s mild sweetness and the sausage’s savory flavors produce a pleasing balance of flavors. It’s like a culinary pairing made in heaven! Because of its adaptability, cornbread may be served in various shapes, including traditional squares, muffins, and even skillet-baked.
To further improve the cornbread’s flavors and textures, you may add extras like cheese, corn kernels, or jalapenos.
Conclusion
Many delectable side dishes go well with sausages. The alternatives are infinite, ranging from traditional staples like mashed potatoes and sauerkraut to more daring selections like grilled veggies and coleslaw.
These side dishes will improve the flavor of your sausage dish and turn it into a filling and pleasant supper, whether you want something robust and cozy or light and tangy.
So, the next time you eat sausages, remember to serve them with one of these delicious side dishes for an unforgettable eating experience.
