From baked beans to grilled vegetables, these sides are sure-fire BBQ crowd-pleasers. Pair your sausage with these irresistible side dishes for the heartiest, most appetizing dinner. Sausage may not be the fanciest looking food there is, but when it comes to flavor, it reigns supreme. Bursting with smoky and savory flavors, it’s definitely one of the most popular meats out there, especially during grilling season. And you know what else is great about sausage? The side dishes that go with it! We all know that sausage alone doesn’t make a complete meal, and that’s where sides come in. Sides are what transform sausages from simple to superb! And today, I’m sharing with you 10 delectable sides for sausages that will make every bite of your meal unforgettable.
1. Sautéed Peppers and Onions
When you hear grilled sausages, it’s hard not to think of sauteed peppers and onions. It’s such a classic pair! And the reason is not surprising. Sauteed peppers and onions aren’t as exciting as other side dishes, but they’re definitely bursting with flavor. Sauteeing these two veggies brings out their natural sweetness, making their flavor more intense! So yes, it may be simple, but sweet peppers and onions are everything you need to turn your sausage dinner into a truly satisfying meal.
2. Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is that side dish that tastes phenomenal no matter what your entrée is. And don’t you just love how mac and cheese always tastes amazing, no matter what recipe you use? There’s just something about the combination of pasta and cheese that’s utterly divine! And when you pair this beauty with sausages? Oh my. The richness and cheesiness of the pasta, plus the smokiness of the sausage creates the most stunning umami flavor anyone can ever ask for! Want to add more excitement to the classic comfort food? Add a Spanish twist by infusing it with garlic, smoked paprika, and chorizo!
3. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a hearty crowd-pleaser, which is why they’re a perfect dish for parties and potlucks! They’re an exceptional sausage side as well because of the rich barbecue flavor. As an added bonus, they’re also very easy to make. All you need are beans, bacon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, onions, and peppers. You need not even use dried beans here – canned will do!
4. Coleslaw
What tastes better with a savory sausage than something sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy? Whenever I serve sausages for dinner, I always make coleslaw as well. These two always go hand-in-hand in my household! Coleslaw and sausage together make a perfectly balanced meal. No other salad provides that wonderful zesty contrast to sausage the way coleslaw does!
5. Potato Salad
There’s nothing like a cold and creamy potato salad to brighten up any meal. No matter what the entrée is, potato salad is always welcome on my plate. If you’re serving bratwursts, in particular, though, I suggest you make kartoffelsalat instead. What is it, you ask? Kartoffelsalat is the German version of the American classic. It’s made with unpeeled potatoes and a dressing made with vinegar and bacon grease. It’s best enjoyed warm! You may not be used to this variation, but if you want to be more creative with your sides, it’s definitely a must-try!
6. Rosemary and Garlic Baked Potato Wedges
Potatoes and sausages together is always a wonderful idea. If you want something quick and easy, I’d say go for these rosemary and garlic potato wedges! Not only are they a breeze to make, but the combined flavor of the herbs pair really well with sausage, too. They’re the perfect side dish!
7. Potato Chips
Sausage and potato chips? Why not? The crunchy and salty combo of chips is the perfect complement to sausage. While opening a bag of chips is the easiest way to go, why not add some love to the meal by making your own batch? It’s not as difficult as you think! All it takes is olive oil and a ton of thinly-sliced potatoes, which you can achieve with a mandolin. For the seasonings, use salt, pepper, and your favorite spices! Pop the spuds in the oven, and let it do its magic.
8. Grilled Vegetables
You’re most likely using the grill to cook sausages, so you might as well make the most out of it. So, while you’re at it, why not grill some vegetables as well? The veggies complement not only the flavors of the sausage, but also add vibrance to your plate. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, but I find that onions, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, and zucchini are the best with sausage.
9. Applesauce
Believe it or not, applesauce pairs wonderfully well with sausage! The contrast between sweet and tangy sauce, plus savory and smoky links is just downright delightful. While fresh is always best, it’s also more than okay to pair jarred applesauce with sausage. Just top it on every bite of sausage and see the difference!
10. Creamy Polenta
And last on our list is a creamy, cheesy polenta that’s made even more flavorful with brown butter. It’s the perfect hot dish for your savory links! Just picture smoky and meaty bites of sausage with a spoonful of sweet and refreshing polenta. It’s a heavenly match! And if you think polenta takes time to make, think again! Done in under an hour, polenta is a quick and easy dish to round out your sausage meal. Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 4.7 / 5. Vote count: 13 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Share on social media: Let us improve this post!
