What Goes with Sausage for Dinner? Best Side Dishes
Planning a dinner with sausage can be exciting. The right side dishes can make a big difference. Sausage goes well with many sides, like potatoes, vegetables, and more. Finding the best sides can make your meal even better.
In this guide, we’ll show you delicious side dishes for sausage dinners. You’ll find classic European flavors, modern twists, and quick weeknight options. Get ready to make your sausage dinners even more special with these ideas.
Key Takeaways
- Sausage is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of complementary side dishes.
- Choosing the right side dishes can elevate the overall dining experience and satisfy different palates.
- This guide explores a wide range of side dish options, from classic potato dishes to flavorful vegetables and grains.
- Discover the perfect pairings to enhance your sausage-based meals, whether you’re going for traditional European flavors or modern fusion.
- Learn about quick and easy side dish solutions for those busy weeknight dinners with sausage.
Classic Potato Side Dishes for Sausage Dinners
Classic potato side dishes are a great choice with sausage for dinner. They are comforting and complement the flavors of sausage meals well. Let’s look at three tasty potato options that will make your sausage dinner better.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic
Try our signature mashed potatoes with garlic for a creamy treat. The garlic adds a nice aroma that goes well with sausage. Add some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Crispy Roasted Potato Wedges
Crispy roasted potato wedges are a great contrast to sausage. Seasoned with herbs and spices, they offer a crunchy texture. They pair well with many sausage dishes.
German Potato Salad
Try a classic German potato salad for a taste of Europe. It has tender potatoes, crisp bacon, and a tangy dressing. This side dish balances the richness of sausage, taking you to Germany.
Choosing any of these potato dishes will make your sausage dinner even better. Try them out and find your favorite pairing for sausage.
Veggie Combinations That Complement Sausage
Choosing the right vegetables can make a sausage dinner even better. Find out which veggie combinations go well with sausage. They add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Roasting a mix of vegetables is a great choice. Use bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Roast them until they’re soft and sweet. This sweetens the dish and pairs well with sausage.
For a different feel, try sautéed greens. Use kale, spinach, or Swiss chard. Cook them with garlic, broth, and lemon. This adds a fresh taste that contrasts with sausage.
Grilled vegetable skewers are also tasty. Put eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and red onions on skewers. Grill them until they’re smoky. This adds a smoky flavor that matches sausage’s savory taste.
| Veggie Combination | Flavor Profile | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Vegetable Medley | Sweet, caramelized, savory | High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants |
| Sautéed Greens | Fresh, bright, garlicky | Nutrient-dense, high in vitamins and minerals |
| Grilled Vegetable Skewers | Smoky, charred, slightly sweet | Packed with a variety of vitamins and phytochemicals |
Adding these veggie-based sausage complements makes your meal balanced and tasty. It’s good for your body and satisfies your taste buds.
What Goes with Sausage for Dinner: Perfect Pairings Guide
Finding the right sides for sausage dinners is key. From classic European dishes to new fusion ideas, there’s a lot to try. Let’s explore the best ways to pair sausages with tasty sides.
Traditional European Combinations
In Europe, sausages are a beloved food, known for their rich taste. For a real taste of Europe, try these classic sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Tangy sauerkraut
- Hearty German potato salad
- Roasted root vegetables
- Warm, crusty bread
Modern Fusion Pairings
Want to mix things up with your sausage dinner? Try these modern twists:
- Sausage and quinoa bowls with roasted Brussels sprouts
- Spicy sausage tacos with a fresh cabbage slaw
- Grilled sausage skewers with a zesty chimichurri sauce
- Sausage and vegetable stir-fry over fragrant basmati rice
- Sausage and mushroom risotto with a drizzle of truffle oil
Quick Weeknight Options
For quick weeknights, these easy sausage dinner ideas are perfect:
| Side Dish | Prep Time |
|---|---|
| Steamed broccoli with lemon and garlic | 10 minutes |
| Baked sweet potato wedges | 15 minutes |
| Coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette | 5 minutes |
| Roasted asparagus with Parmesan | 12 minutes |
This guide will help you make tasty sausage dinners. Try new things and find the perfect sides for your family.
Hearty Grain and Pasta Accompaniments
Pairing sausage with hearty grain and pasta dishes is a great idea. These sides are filling and taste great with sausage. They also make the meal more substantial.
Risotto, a creamy Italian rice dish, goes well with sausage. Try it with mushrooms or saffron for extra flavor. Polenta, a creamy cornmeal porridge, is also a hit. You can serve it soft or grill it for a crispy texture.
Couscous, a light semolina pasta, is perfect for soaking up sausage flavors. Mix it with roasted veggies for a complete meal. Pasta salads are also a refreshing side for sausage dinners.
| Grain/Pasta | Recommended Sausage Pairings |
|---|---|
| Risotto | Mushroom, Saffron, Parmesan |
| Polenta | Italian, Bratwurst, Chorizo |
| Couscous | Lamb, Chicken, Vegetarian |
| Pasta Salad | Pork, Turkey, Chicken |
Choosing hearty grains and pasta opens up a world of tasty sausage pairings. It’s perfect for any dinner.
Sauerkraut and Pickled Vegetable Sides
Fermented and pickled vegetable sides are great with sausage for dinner. They add a tangy flavor and crunch. Sauerkraut and pickled medleys make any sausage meal better.
Homemade Sauerkraut Tips
Making sauerkraut at home is fun and rewarding. Start by shredding cabbage and mixing it with salt. This brings out the juices.
Pack the cabbage into a jar, pressing it down to get rid of air. Let it ferment for a few weeks. Soon, you’ll have tasty sauerkraut to go with your sausage.
Pickled Veggie Medley
Try a pickled vegetable medley for something different. Use carrots, radishes, onions, and more. They turn into a colorful, tangy side that complements sausage well.
Just prepare your veggies, pack them in jars, and cover with vinegar brine. It’s a tasty, probiotic-rich side dish.
Fermented Side Benefits
Fermenting sauerkraut and pickled veggies makes them taste better and healthier. They’re full of probiotics, which are good for your gut. Adding these to your sausage meals makes dinner more nutritious.
Fresh Salad Options for Lighter Meals
Fresh salads are perfect for balancing the richness of sausage. They add a refreshing touch to your meal. These salads can make your dinner feel lighter and more enjoyable.
A simple mixed green salad with a tangy dressing is always a good choice. You can also try a creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. Or, go for a Mediterranean twist with a Greek salad, featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives.
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Creamy coleslaw
- Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives
These salads bring a nice mix of flavors and textures to your meal. Adding them to your sausage dinner ideas makes for a complete and satisfying experience. They help balance the heartiness of your sausage side dishes.
Comforting Root Vegetable Dishes
As the weather gets colder, nothing is better than hearty root vegetable dishes with your sausage dinner. From roasted root medleys to glazed carrots, these sides are great with easy sausage dinners.
Roasted Root Medley
Roasting carrots, parsnips, and potatoes brings out their natural sweetness. Toss cubed veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, spread them on a baking sheet and roast until tender and caramelized.
The mix of textures and flavors is soothing and rustic. It pairs well with sausages.
Glazed Carrot Variations
Carrots are a classic with sausage, and glazing them makes them even better. Try honey-glazed, balsamic-roasted, or cinnamon-spiced carrots. They add a sweet, flavorful touch to your sausage dinner.
Parsnip and Turnip Sides
Parsnips and turnips are great with sausage. Roast them with herbs and garlic, or mash with butter and cream. Their earthy, sweet flavors contrast nicely with savory sausage.
Choose from roasted roots, glazed carrots, or mashed parsnips for your side dishes. These comforting veggies are perfect with easy sausage dinners. Let their flavors enhance your meal.
Sauces and Condiments for Sausage Dinners
Adding the right sauces and condiments can make your sausage dinners special. From classic mustard to onion gravies, these flavors can turn your meal into a feast for the taste buds.
A popular sausage accompaniment is Dijon mustard sauce. Its sharp, tangy taste goes well with sausages, adding a zesty kick. For something different, try a honey-Dijon mix. It balances the mustard’s sharpness with a hint of sweetness.
A caramelized onion gravy is another great sausage complement. Cooked slowly, the onions get a deep flavor. This gravy adds a smooth texture and rich taste to your sausage dish. Serve it over mashed potatoes or on your sausages for a cozy meal.
An apple chutney is perfect for a fruity touch. The mix of apples, vinegar, and spices complements the savory sausage. It makes your meal more enjoyable.
| Sauces and Condiments | Flavor Profile | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Dijon Mustard Sauce | Sharp, tangy | Grilled sausages, bratwurst |
| Caramelized Onion Gravy | Rich, savory | Mashed potatoes, roasted sausages |
| Apple Chutney | Tangy-sweet | Pork sausages, smoked sausages |
Use sauces and condiments to make your sausage dinners better. Whether it’s classic mustard, onion gravy, or apple chutney, these flavors will make your meal unforgettable.
Quick and Easy Side Dish Solutions
Mealtime can be a challenge, especially when we’re short on time. This section offers quick side dish options that go great with sausage. They make your meal complete and delicious, with little effort needed.
5-Minute Side Options
Busy weeknights can be tough. Quick side dishes like steamed broccoli with olive oil and lemon zest, or a simple salad with vinaigrette, are lifesavers. They’re tasty and ready in just a few minutes.
Make-Ahead Companions
Planning ahead can save you time at mealtime. Try making roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a Mediterranean pasta salad over the weekend. These dishes are ready to go whenever you need them. They’re perfect with your sausage main dish.
No-Cook Side Dishes
Some days, we just don’t have the time or energy to cook. No-cook sides like a crudité platter with hummus or a cucumber and tomato salad are perfect. They’re healthy, easy to prepare, and add to your easy sausage dinners without hassle.
FAQ
What are some classic potato side dishes that pair well with sausage?
Classic potato sides that go great with sausage include creamy mashed potatoes with garlic. Also, crispy roasted potato wedges and tangy German potato salad are great choices.
What types of vegetable combinations work well with sausage?
Good vegetable pairings with sausage are roasted vegetable medleys and sautéed greens. Grilled vegetable skewers also work well, adding flavor and texture.
What are some traditional European sausage and side dish pairings?
Traditional pairings include bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard. Italian sausage with peppers and onions is also popular. Polish kielbasa pairs well with pierogi or mashed potatoes.
What are some modern fusion ideas for sausage dinner pairings?
Modern pairings might be spicy Italian sausage with creamy polenta and roasted veggies. Chicken-apple sausage goes well with a quinoa and kale salad.
What are some quick and easy side dish options for weeknight sausage dinners?
Quick sides include steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. Make-ahead options like pasta salads are also good. No-cook sides, like a bright cabbage slaw, are easy too.
What are the benefits of serving fermented sides like sauerkraut with sausage?
Fermented sides like sauerkraut add tangy flavor and probiotics for gut health. Pickled vegetable medleys also add a crunchy touch to sausage dinners.
What are some hearty grain and pasta options that go well with sausage?
Hearty options include creamy risotto, fluffy polenta, couscous, and pasta salads. These make the meal satisfying and filling.
What types of fresh salads pair nicely with sausage for lighter meals?
Lighter options are mixed green salads, coleslaw, and Mediterranean salads with feta, olives, and herbs. These balance the richness of sausage.
What are some comforting root vegetable dishes that complement sausage?
Comforting options are roasted root vegetable medleys, glazed carrots, and dishes with parsnips and turnips. These add warmth and satisfaction.
What types of sauces and condiments can elevate a sausage dinner?
Sauces like mustard variations, onion gravies, and apple chutneys can enhance sausage dinners. They add complexity and balance.