Looking for the perfect side dish to serve with sauerkraut? Whether you’re enjoying it with sausages, pork, pierogies, or on its own, we’ve got 50+ delicious ideas to try!
Sauerkraut is a tangy, fermented cabbage dish with a unique flavour that pairs well with many foods. It’s something I absolutely love. We do make our own sometimes (try this recipe), but even store-bought in a jar is glorious, and I confess to sometimes just grabbing a fork full from the fridge as I pass. I love the crunch and tangy flavor.
But, that’s obviously not the best way to eat sauerkraut. To make the most of its delicious texture and flavour, it’s best to serve it as part of a yummy meal.
Whether you’re serving it with sausages, pork, pierogies, or even in soup, the right side dishes can balance the flavours and textures. This guide covers what to serve with sauerkraut, with a range of options to suit different meals and tastes.
Best Side Dishes for Sauerkraut
Whether you want healthy, hearty, or something in the middle, there are so many ways to eat sauerkraut!
What to Serve with Sauerkraut and Sausage
Sausage and sauerkraut are a classic combination and one of my favourites. Here are some sides to complement their bold flavours:
Mashed potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the tanginess of sauerkraut.
Buttered noodles – Soft, buttery egg noodles make a simple yet satisfying pairing.
Roasted root vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and turnips add sweetness that complements sauerkraut’s acidity.
German potato salad – A warm potato salad with bacon and mustard dressing works beautifully.
Pretzels – Soft or crunchy pretzels provide a fun, salty contrast.
Rye bread with mustard – A hearty, grainy bread with mustard enhances the flavours.
Fried onions – Caramelised onions add sweetness and depth to the meal.
Grilled mushrooms – The earthiness of mushrooms pairs well with the fermented taste of sauerkraut.
These options also work if you are serving sauerkraut with burgers.
What to Serve with Sauerkraut and Wieners/Hot Dogs
Adding sauerkraut to a hot dog or wiener makes for a delicious meal. Try these sides:
Crispy chips – They add crunch to balance the soft texture of a hot dog bun. Yes please!
Soft pretzel rolls – A chewy, salty bread that soaks up flavours.
Macaroni and cheese – The creamy cheese sauce pairs well with the acidity of sauerkraut. Perfect if you are looking for some comfort food.
Baked beans – A rich and slightly sweet side to round out the meal.
Corn on the cob – The natural sweetness of corn contrasts nicely with tangy sauerkraut.
Coleslaw – A fresh, crunchy slaw adds texture and balance.
Pickles – They add extra tang and crunch. We often serve both sauerkraut and gherkins with our burgers or hotdogs.
French fries – A simple, crispy side to complement the meal.
What to Serve with Sauerkraut and Pork
Pork and sauerkraut is a well-loved pairing. Try these sides (also great with chicken) for a complete meal:
Apple sauce – The sweetness of apples balances the sharpness of sauerkraut. My daughter would eat applesauce with absolutely everything!
Red cabbage slaw – A fresh, crunchy side with a hint of sweetness.
Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy, garlicky potatoes help mellow out sauerkraut’s acidity.
Roasted Brussels sprouts – The slightly bitter taste of sprouts contrasts nicely with sauerkraut.
Cheesy polenta – Soft, cheesy polenta adds a creamy contrast.
Baked sweet potatoes – The natural sweetness helps to balance out the tartness of sauerkraut.
Cabbage rolls – A hearty dish that complements sauerkraut’s flavours.
Green beans with almonds – Lightly toasted almonds add crunch and balance to the dish.
What to Serve with Sauerkraut Balls
Sauerkraut balls are crispy, deep-fried bites that need great dips and sides.
These options would also be great if you are serving sauerkraut as part of a tuna salad.
Spicy mustard dip – A bold mustard sauce enhances the flavours.
Garlic aioli – A rich, garlicky dip for added depth.
Ranch dressing – A creamy dip that softens sauerkraut’s tanginess.
Horseradish sauce – Brings a bit of heat and sharpness.
Sour cream and chive dip – A cooling contrast to crispy sauerkraut balls.
Marinara sauce – A warm, tangy tomato dip adds another layer of flavour.
Cheddar cheese sauce – Creamy, cheesy goodness balances the crunch.
Crispy onion rings – Extra crunch and a mild sweetness.
What to Serve with Sauerkraut and Brats
Bratwurst and sauerkraut make a delicious meal, best served with hearty sides:
German potato salad – A classic, warm, mustard-based potato salad. Brats, sauerkraut and potato salad is my dream combo!
Mustard-glazed carrots – These add a sweet and tangy side to complement brats.
Soft pretzels – Perfect for soaking up mustard and sauerkraut juices.
Roasted potatoes – Crispy, herby potatoes work well with bratwurst.
Warm rye bread – Hearty and full of flavour.
Sweetcorn fritters – A slightly sweet, crispy contrast to sauerkraut.
Dill pickles – Extra tang to match the sauerkraut.
Sautéed mushrooms – Earthy, rich, and delicious alongside bratwurst.
What to Serve with Sauerkraut and Pierogies
Sauerkraut and pierogies are a perfect match. Add these sides for an even better meal:
Sour cream and chives – Classic and creamy.
Caramelised onions – Sweet, soft onions add depth.
Crispy bacon bits – They add crunch and extra flavour.
Fried mushrooms – A rich, earthy side.
Green salad with vinaigrette – Light, fresh, and a good contrast to the richness.
Roasted peppers – They add sweetness and smokiness.
Grated cheese – Melts beautifully over warm pierogies.
Warm crusty bread – Great for scooping up extra sauerkraut.
What to Serve with Sauerkraut Soup
A bowl of sauerkraut soup is warming and delicious, but the right sides make it even better:
Crusty rye bread – A traditional and flavourful choice.
Buttered toast – A simple, comforting addition.
Cheddar biscuits – A cheesy, crumbly side.
Sliced avocado – Creamy and fresh.
Smoked sausage – It adds richness to the meal.
Potato pancakes – These are Crispy and filling.
Crackers with cheese – A light and crispy side.
Beetroot salad – A slightly sweet contrast to sauerkraut soup.
What to Serve with a Reuben Sandwich
Reuben sandwich is a classic deli favourite made with rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Its rich, tangy, and savoury flavours pair well with a variety of sides.
These options would also work well with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Crispy chips – They add crunch to balance the softness of the sandwich. Perfect with classic Reubens.
Dill pickles – The sharp tang of a pickle enhances the flavours of sauerkraut.
Potato salad – A creamy side that complements the sandwich’s bold taste.
Coleslaw – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the Reuben.
French fries – A simple, crispy side that always works well with a classic Reuben sandwich.
Tomato soup – A warm, comforting pairing.
German potato pancakes (Latkes) – Crispy, golden-brown potatoes work perfectly with sauerkraut.
Roasted Brussels sprouts – These add a slightly bitter contrast to the sandwich’s richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is good to serve with sauerkraut and sausage?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, German potato salad, and pretzels are great choices.
What do you serve with sauerkraut and pork?
Apple sauce, red cabbage slaw, garlic mashed potatoes, and baked sweet potatoes complement the dish.
What should I serve with sauerkraut balls?
Dips like spicy mustard, horseradish, or sour cream and chive sauce pair well.
How do you serve sauerkraut with brats?
Serve sauerkraut warm on top of bratwurst in a bun or alongside roasted potatoes and mustard.
Can you eat sauerkraut straight from the jar?
Yes! It’s great cold in salads or sandwiches, but you can also warm it up for a richer flavour.
Is sauerkraut best served hot or cold?
Both work well! Cold sauerkraut is great in salads, while hot sauerkraut pairs beautifully with meats and warm dishes.
How do you serve sauerkraut with pierogies?
Sauté sauerkraut with onions and butter, then serve it alongside pierogies with sour cream.
Final Thoughts
Sauerkraut is incredibly versatile, pairing well with everything from sausages to vegetarian dishes. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Try some of these side dish ideas and find your favourite way to serve sauerkraut!
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