Cheddar brats, those juicy, savory sausages bursting with cheesy goodness, are a grilling staple and a crowd-pleaser. But what transforms a good cheddar brat into an unforgettable meal? The answer lies in the perfect pairings. This guide explores a variety of side dishes, toppings, and drinks that complement the rich, bold flavor of cheddar brats, ensuring your next cookout is a resounding success.
Classic Side Dish Companions
Choosing the right side dishes is crucial for balancing the richness of cheddar brats. You need options that offer contrasting textures and flavors to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall eating experience.
Potato Power: From Salad to Fries
Potatoes are a natural partner for sausages. Their earthy flavor and versatility make them a perfect canvas for a variety of preparations. A classic potato salad, whether creamy or vinegar-based, provides a cool and tangy counterpoint to the savory brat. Creamy potato salad, with its mayonnaise base and additions like celery and onion, offers a comforting richness that complements the cheese. A vinegar-based potato salad, on the other hand, cuts through the fat with its acidity.
For a more casual and kid-friendly option, consider crispy french fries. The salty, crunchy exterior of the fries provides a textural contrast to the soft brat. Sweet potato fries, with their slightly sweet flavor, offer a unique twist. If you’re grilling the brats, you can even grill potato wedges alongside them, tossing them with herbs and olive oil for a rustic side dish.
Mashed potatoes are another excellent choice, especially on a cooler evening. A simple mashed potato, seasoned with butter, milk, and salt, is incredibly comforting. Elevate it by adding roasted garlic, chives, or even a swirl of pesto.
Cole Slaw Considerations: Creamy vs. Vinegar
Cole slaw is another classic barbecue side dish that pairs well with cheddar brats. The crisp, refreshing texture of the cabbage and carrots provides a welcome contrast to the sausage. As with potato salad, you have two main options: creamy and vinegar-based.
Creamy cole slaw, made with mayonnaise, sugar, and sometimes a touch of mustard, is a sweet and tangy option. However, it can be quite rich, so be mindful of the overall richness of your meal. Vinegar-based cole slaw, on the other hand, is lighter and more refreshing. It’s made with vinegar, oil, and seasonings, and it often includes celery seed for a distinctive flavor.
Experiment with different variations of cole slaw. Add pineapple for a tropical twist, or include shredded apple for a touch of sweetness and tartness. You can also use different types of cabbage, such as red cabbage or Napa cabbage, for a different texture and flavor.
Bean Bonanza: Baked Beans and Beyond
Beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with sausages. Baked beans, simmered in a sweet and smoky sauce, are a barbecue staple. They offer a depth of flavor that complements the rich, cheesy flavor of the cheddar brats.
Consider different types of beans for your baked beans. Navy beans are a classic choice, but you can also use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans. Experiment with different sauces, adding molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, or barbecue sauce to create your own unique flavor profile.
Beyond baked beans, other bean salads can be excellent accompaniments. A three-bean salad, with kidney beans, green beans, and wax beans, offers a colorful and flavorful side dish. Black bean salad, with corn, red onion, and cilantro, provides a refreshing and zesty option.
Fresh and Green: Salads and Vegetables
Adding a fresh salad or vegetable side dish can help balance the richness of cheddar brats. A simple green salad, with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, provides a refreshing counterpoint.
Grilled vegetables are another excellent option. Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and corn on the cob can all be grilled alongside the brats. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple and flavorful side dish.
Corn on the cob, in particular, is a classic barbecue side dish that pairs perfectly with sausages. Grill it, boil it, or roast it in the oven. Serve it with butter, salt, and pepper, or experiment with different toppings, such as chili powder, lime juice, or cotija cheese.
Topping Temptations: Enhancing the Brat Experience
While cheddar brats are delicious on their own, the right toppings can elevate them to a whole new level. Consider these topping options to customize your bratwurst experience.
The Classic Condiments: Mustard, Ketchup, and Relish
Mustard, ketchup, and relish are the classic condiments for a reason. They offer a familiar and satisfying flavor combination that complements the savory taste of the brat. Yellow mustard provides a tangy bite, while ketchup adds sweetness and acidity. Relish, with its blend of pickled vegetables, offers a crunchy and flavorful topping.
Consider different types of mustard. Dijon mustard provides a stronger, more complex flavor. Spicy brown mustard adds a kick of heat. Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy option.
Onion Options: Raw, Caramelized, and Pickled
Onions are another versatile topping that can enhance the flavor of cheddar brats. Raw onions offer a sharp and pungent flavor, while caramelized onions provide a sweet and savory taste. Pickled onions add a tangy and acidic element.
Caramelizing onions takes time and patience, but the results are well worth it. Slowly cook sliced onions in butter or olive oil over low heat until they are soft, sweet, and golden brown.
Sauerkraut and Peppers: Tangy and Spicy Twists
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and fermented flavor, is a classic topping for bratwurst. It provides a welcome acidity that cuts through the richness of the sausage. Pickled peppers, such as banana peppers or jalapeños, add a spicy kick.
Consider different types of sauerkraut. Some are more sour than others. Experiment with different brands to find one that suits your taste. You can also add caraway seeds to your sauerkraut for a more traditional flavor.
Cheese Please: More Cheese with Your Cheese?
While cheddar brats already contain cheese, adding even more cheese on top can be a decadent and delicious option. Consider topping your brats with shredded cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, or provolone cheese.
Queso is another great option. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor complement the cheddar in the brat. Add some jalapeños or other spices to the queso for an extra kick.
Bread Matters: Choosing the Perfect Bun
The bun is an often-overlooked but crucial component of the perfect cheddar brat experience. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold the sausage and toppings without falling apart, yet soft enough to bite into easily.
The Classic Brat Bun: Soft and Fluffy
A classic brat bun is typically a soft and fluffy white bun, similar to a hot dog bun but slightly larger. These buns are readily available in most grocery stores and provide a neutral base for the flavors of the brat and toppings.
Look for buns that are fresh and have a good texture. Avoid buns that are stale or dry. You can also toast the buns lightly before adding the brat for a slightly crispier texture.
Pretzel Buns: A Salty and Chewy Alternative
Pretzel buns offer a salty and chewy alternative to classic brat buns. Their distinctive flavor and texture add a unique dimension to the cheddar brat experience.
Pretzel buns are typically denser than classic brat buns, so they are better able to hold heavier toppings. They also have a slightly salty flavor that complements the savory taste of the brat.
Hoagie Rolls: A Hearty Option
Hoagie rolls are a longer and sturdier option than classic brat buns. They are ideal for brats with lots of toppings.
Drink Pairings: Quenching Your Thirst
The right drink can enhance the flavor of your cheddar brats and complete the meal. Consider these drink pairings to complement the rich and savory flavors of the sausage.
Beer Bliss: Lagers, Ales, and More
Beer is a classic pairing with bratwurst. A crisp lager, such as a pilsner or a helles, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the sausage. An ale, such as an amber ale or a pale ale, offers a more complex flavor profile.
For a more traditional pairing, consider a German beer, such as a Kölsch or a Weizenbier. These beers are light and refreshing, with subtle flavors that complement the sausage.
Wine Wonders: Riesling and Beyond
Wine may not be the first drink that comes to mind when you think of bratwurst, but certain wines can pair surprisingly well. A Riesling, with its fruity sweetness and crisp acidity, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the sausage.
Other white wines that can pair well with bratwurst include Gewürztraminer and Pinot Grigio. Red wines are generally too heavy for bratwurst, but a light-bodied red wine, such as Beaujolais, can work in a pinch.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Soda, Lemonade, and Iced Tea
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider soda, lemonade, or iced tea. Soda, such as cola or root beer, provides a sweet and bubbly counterpoint to the sausage. Lemonade offers a tangy and refreshing flavor. Iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, provides a cool and refreshing option.
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is another refreshing and healthy option.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Combinations
Once you’ve mastered the classic pairings, it’s time to get creative and experiment with different combinations. Consider these unique and flavorful options.
Bratwurst Bowls: A Deconstructed Delight
A bratwurst bowl is a deconstructed version of a traditional bratwurst sandwich. It consists of a base of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, topped with sliced cheddar bratwurst, your favorite toppings, and a flavorful sauce.
This is a great way to customize your bratwurst experience and create a healthy and satisfying meal.
Bratwurst Pizza: A Cheesy Creation
Bratwurst pizza is a fun and unexpected way to enjoy cheddar brats. Use sliced bratwurst as a topping for your favorite pizza dough. Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, onions, and peppers.
This is a great way to use up leftover bratwurst and create a unique and flavorful pizza.
Bratwurst Tacos: A Tex-Mex Twist
Bratwurst tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Use crumbled cheddar bratwurst as a filling for your favorite tortillas. Add your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
This is a great way to add a Tex-Mex flair to your bratwurst meal.
Ultimately, the best way to determine what goes with cheddar brats is to experiment and find what you enjoy most. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and create your own unique pairings. With a little creativity, you can transform a simple cheddar brat into an unforgettable culinary experience.
What are some classic side dishes that pair well with cheddar brats?
Classic side dishes that complement the rich and savory flavor of cheddar brats include coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. Coleslaw’s creamy texture and tangy flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the brat’s richness. Potato salad, whether German-style or with mayonnaise, offers a hearty and comforting accompaniment.
Baked beans, especially those with a touch of sweetness and smokiness, also pair exceptionally well. These sides provide a balanced and satisfying meal, enhancing the overall dining experience with your cheddar brats.
Besides classic sides, what are some more creative options for pairing with cheddar brats?
For a more adventurous pairing, consider serving your cheddar brats with grilled corn on the cob, a vibrant pasta salad, or even a crisp apple slaw. Grilled corn’s sweetness and smoky char add a summery dimension, while a pasta salad with pesto and vegetables offers a lighter, more refreshing counterpoint to the brat’s richness.
An apple slaw, with its tartness and crunchy texture, provides a delightful and unexpected complement, cutting through the richness of the cheddar. These more unique options bring a fresh twist to your cheddar brat experience.
What types of condiments best enhance the flavor of cheddar brats?
The best condiments for cheddar brats typically include mustard, sauerkraut, and caramelized onions. Mustard, particularly stone-ground or spicy brown mustard, provides a sharp and tangy contrast to the rich cheese and meat. Sauerkraut’s fermented tanginess cuts through the fat, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
Caramelized onions contribute a sweet and savory depth that complements both the bratwurst and the cheddar. These condiments elevate the flavor profile of the brats, adding layers of complexity and interest to each bite.
Are there any specific beverage pairings that work exceptionally well with cheddar brats?
Cheddar brats pair beautifully with a variety of beverages, including beer, hard cider, and even some wines. A crisp, hoppy pilsner or a lighter ale complements the savory flavors of the brat without overpowering it. Hard cider, especially a dry or semi-dry variety, offers a refreshing and slightly tart contrast.
For wine, consider a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Riesling. The key is to choose a beverage that balances the richness of the brat and enhances its flavors rather than clashing with them.
What are some cheese alternatives, if I want to avoid cheddar, that still work well in a bratwurst?
While cheddar is a classic choice, other cheeses that pair well in a bratwurst include Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked Gouda. Monterey Jack offers a mild and creamy flavor that complements the sausage without being overpowering. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick for those who prefer a bit of heat.
Smoked Gouda contributes a smoky and nutty flavor that enhances the savory profile of the bratwurst. These alternatives provide different flavor profiles while still maintaining the creamy and cheesy element that makes cheddar brats so enjoyable.
Can you suggest some vegetarian side dishes that would complement cheddar brats?
Vegetarian side dishes that work well with cheddar brats include grilled vegetable skewers, roasted asparagus, and a fresh garden salad. Grilled vegetable skewers with zucchini, bell peppers, and onions offer a colorful and flavorful addition. Roasted asparagus provides a simple and elegant side with a slightly bitter flavor that complements the richness of the brats.
A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the heavier nature of the bratwurst. These vegetarian options offer a variety of flavors and textures that enhance the overall meal.
How can I elevate a simple cheddar brat meal for a more sophisticated gathering?
To elevate a simple cheddar brat meal for a more sophisticated gathering, focus on presentation and gourmet ingredients. Serve the brats on artisanal rolls with a selection of high-quality mustards, such as Dijon or horseradish mustard. Offer gourmet toppings like fig jam, pickled red onions, or a homemade relish.
Pair the meal with craft beers or a selection of fine wines, served in appropriate glassware. Arrange the sides attractively on platters, and consider adding a small cheese board with complementary cheeses to enhance the overall experience. These thoughtful touches can transform a casual meal into a more elegant and memorable event.