What is the best side dish for sausage?

Introduction

Sausages are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. However, the right side dish can elevate your meal from good to great. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or frying sausages, pairing them with complementary sides enhances the flavors and creates a balanced meal. This guide explores a variety of side dishes, from classic potatoes to light salads, that perfectly complement sausages. Whether you prefer traditional pairings or are looking to try something new, this article provides all the inspiration you need. Let’s explore the best side dishes for sausage.

1. Classic Potato-Based Sides

Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with sausage. Their creamy texture contrasts with the savory, juicy sausage, creating a harmonious balance. For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream. The richness of the mashed potatoes complements the sausage’s flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether served with gravy or simply with butter, mashed potatoes remain a timeless favorite.

Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes offer a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them an excellent side dish for sausage. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes while adding a satisfying crunch. Season the potatoes with rosemary, thyme, or paprika to enhance their flavor. Roasted potatoes are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. They pair well with various types of sausages, from spicy to mild.

Potato Salad
Potato salad is a refreshing side dish that provides a cool contrast to hot sausage. This dish is particularly popular in summer barbecues and picnics. There are several variations of potato salad, including creamy mayonnaise-based versions and lighter, vinegar-based ones. For a traditional touch, try adding hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and fresh dill. Potato salad’s creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled sausages.

2. Vegetable-Based Sides

Sautéed Peppers and Onions
Sautéed peppers and onions are a classic pairing with grilled sausages, especially in Italian and American cuisines. The sweetness of the caramelized onions and the vibrant flavor of the peppers enhance the sausage’s taste. This combination adds color and a slight sweetness to your meal, making it more visually appealing and flavorful. For added depth, you can include garlic or balsamic vinegar in the sauté.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slightly bitter taste that contrasts well with the richness of sausage. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a crispy texture. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they’re golden brown. You can also add bacon or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This vegetable side dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus adds a fresh, light element to your sausage meal. The natural flavor of asparagus pairs well with the smoky taste of grilled sausages. Simply toss the asparagus in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. You can finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Grilled asparagus is an easy and healthy side that complements the richness of sausage.

Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage slaw is a crunchy, tangy side dish that works well with sausages. Whether you prefer a creamy coleslaw or a vinegar-based slaw, this side adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. The acidity in the slaw cuts through the sausage’s fat, balancing the flavors. You can add carrots, apples, or even jalapeños to the slaw for added texture and flavor. This side is especially good for barbecues and casual gatherings.

3. Bread and Grain Sides

Crusty Bread or Rolls

Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up the savory juices from sausages. Whether you serve a warm baguette, sourdough, or a soft dinner roll, bread adds a comforting element to the meal. The crusty exterior and soft interior of the bread provide a satisfying contrast to the sausage’s texture. Bread is especially good when served with saucy sausages, as it helps mop up every last bit of flavor.

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a flavorful side dish that complements sausage beautifully. In particular, this dish typically includes rice cooked in broth with onions, garlic, and sometimes vegetables or nuts. Additionally, the light, fluffy texture of rice pilaf contrasts with the hearty sausage, creating a balanced meal. Furthermore, you can customize the pilaf by adding herbs like parsley or thyme, or by incorporating ingredients like mushrooms or almonds. Overall, rice pilaf is versatile and pairs well with many types of sausages.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a healthy, grain-based side dish that pairs nicely with sausage. Quinoa’s nutty flavor and light texture make it an excellent base for a variety of ingredients. Mix cooked quinoa with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette to create a refreshing salad. This side dish is not only nutritious but also adds a bright, fresh element to your meal. It’s particularly good with grilled or spicy sausages.

Polenta

Polenta is a comforting side dish that can be served creamy or grilled. Creamy polenta, made with cornmeal, water, and butter, provides a smooth, rich contrast to the sausage. Grilled polenta, on the other hand, offers a slightly crispy texture that pairs well with the savory sausage. You can enhance the flavor of polenta by adding cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil. Polenta is a versatile side that works with both mild and spicy sausages.

4. Salads and Light Sides

Green Salad
A green salad is a light and refreshing side dish that balances the richness of sausage. A mix of fresh greens, like arugula, spinach, or romaine, provides a crisp contrast to the sausage’s savory flavor. Add a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for a zesty dressing. You can also include toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or nuts to add texture and flavor. A green salad is a versatile side that complements any type of sausage.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Tomato and cucumber salad is a juicy, tangy side dish that pairs well with sausage. Specifically, the freshness of the tomatoes and cucumbers provides a cooling effect that balances the sausage’s richness. Moreover, for added flavor, toss the salad with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs like basil or dill. As a result, this simple yet flavorful salad is perfect for summer barbecues or light meals. Additionally, it’s a quick and easy side dish that adds color and freshness to your plate.

Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a sweet and refreshing side dish that complements the savory flavors of sausage. A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus provides a bright, vibrant contrast to the meal. You can add a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness. Fruit salad is a great choice for breakfast or brunch, especially when paired with breakfast sausages. It’s a healthy and delicious way to balance your meal.

5. Sauces and Condiments

Mustard

Mustard is a classic condiment that pairs perfectly with sausage. Its tangy, slightly spicy flavor enhances the sausage’s savory taste. There are many varieties of mustard to choose from, including Dijon, whole grain, and honey mustard. Each type offers a different flavor profile, allowing you to customize your meal. Mustard is especially good with grilled sausages, where its sharpness cuts through the rich, smoky flavors. It’s a simple but effective way to elevate your sausage dish.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that complements the smoky flavors of grilled sausages. There are many regional variations of barbecue sauce, from the sweet Kansas City style to the tangy North Carolina vinegar-based sauce. Barbecue sauce adds a rich, caramelized flavor to sausages, making it a popular choice for summer barbecues. You can use it as a dipping sauce or brush it onto the sausage while grilling for added flavor.

Relish

Relish adds a tangy crunch to sausage dishes, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory meat. There are two main types of relish: sweet and dill. Sweet relish, made with pickled cucumbers and sugar, pairs well with mild sausages. Dill relish, on the other hand, has a more acidic, tangy flavor that works well with spicier sausages. Relish is a common topping for hot dogs and bratwursts, but it also adds flavor to any grilled sausage.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce adds heat and depth of flavor to sausage dishes. Whether you prefer a mild heat or something more intense, there’s a hot sauce for every taste. Popular choices include Tabasco, Sriracha, and Cholula, each offering a different level of spiciness and flavor. Hot sauce pairs particularly well with spicy sausages, enhancing their bold flavors. A dash of hot sauce can transform a simple sausage into a fiery, flavorful dish.

6. International Side Dishes

German Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a traditional German side dish made from fermented cabbage. Its tangy, slightly sour flavor pairs perfectly with rich, hearty sausages like bratwurst. Sauerkraut’s acidity cuts through the sausage’s fat, creating a balanced, satisfying meal. You can serve sauerkraut warm or cold, either on the side or piled on top of the sausage. This classic pairing is a must-try for anyone who loves German cuisine.

Italian Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a light and fresh Italian side dish that pairs beautifully with sausage. Specifically, it is made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, offering a bright, vibrant flavor that contrasts with the sausage’s savory taste. Additionally, drizzle the salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for added depth. As a result, Caprese salad is a great choice for summer meals, providing a refreshing complement to grilled sausages.

French Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew that pairs well with sausage. Made with a mix of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers, ratatouille offers a rich, flavorful side dish that enhances the sausage’s taste. The vegetables are cooked slowly with garlic and herbs, creating a tender, aromatic stew. Ratatouille’s complex flavors and hearty texture make it a satisfying side dish for sausage, especially during the cooler months.

7. Comfort Food Pairings

Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a rich, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with sausage. In particular, the gooey, cheesy pasta provides a comforting contrast to the savory sausage, making it a favorite comfort food combination. Furthermore, you can enhance the mac and cheese by adding ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture. This dish is particularly good with smoked or spicy sausages, where the cheese helps balance the heat.

Baked Beans

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular side dish for sausage?
Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular side dishes for sausage. In addition, their creamy texture and mild flavor complement a wide variety of sausages, making them a classic choice.

Can I serve multiple side dishes with sausage?
Yes, you can serve multiple side dishes with sausage. For example, pairing sausage with a combination of potatoes, vegetables, and a salad provides a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

What are healthy side dishes to serve with sausage?
Healthy side dishes for sausage include grilled vegetables, quinoa salad, and green salad. These options add nutritional value to your meal while balancing the sausage’s richness.

Are there vegetarian sides that go well with sausage?
Yes, vegetarian sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, cabbage slaw, and fruit salad pair well with sausage. These sides add flavor, texture, and freshness to the meal.

What drinks pair well with sausage and its sides?
Beer, particularly lagers and ales, pairs well with sausage and its sides. Wine, such as a light red or a crisp white, also complements the meal.

Conclusion

Sausage is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer classic mashed potatoes or are looking to try something new like ratatouille, there’s a perfect side dish for every type of sausage. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. With the right sides, you can create a balanced and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy exploring these side dish options and elevate your next sausage meal!