Whether you’re grilling them up for a summer barbecue or simmering them in a hearty stew, sausages can be a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal.
But what are the best dishes to serve with sausages?
In this article, we’ll explore a range of culinary options that complement and enhance the flavors of sausage, from classic comfort foods to creative and unexpected pairings.
Whether you’re a meat lover looking for new ideas or a home cook seeking inspiration, read on to discover the ultimate guide to pairing sausages with the perfect sides and sauces.
Mac And Cheese
Sausage and mac and cheese is a classic comfort meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
To make this dish, start by cooking your favorite type of sausage, such as Italian or chorizo, in a skillet until it’s browned and crispy.
While the sausage is cooking, prepare a batch of mac and cheese according to your preferred recipe.
Once both the sausage and mac and cheese are ready, combine them in a large mixing bowl, stirring until the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the cheesy pasta.
To take this dish to the next level, try experimenting with different types of cheese and seasonings.
For example, you could add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to give the dish a bit of a kick, or try using a blend of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Additionally, you could add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, or caramelized onions, to give it even more depth and texture.
Mashed Potatoes
Sausage and mashed potatoes are another classic combination that’s perfect for a comforting and filling meal. Start by cooking your favorite type of sausage in a skillet until it’s browned and crispy.
While the sausage is cooking, peel and boil some potatoes until they’re soft and tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them with some butter, milk, and seasonings until they’re smooth and creamy.
To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on a plate or bowl, and top it with the cooked sausage. You could also add some sautéed onions, gravy, or a dollop of mustard or ketchup to the dish, depending on your preferences.
To add some extra flavor to the mashed potatoes, try experimenting with different types of cheeses or herbs.
For example, you could add some grated cheddar cheese or chopped fresh chives to the mashed potatoes, or try using garlic powder or rosemary to give them a more savory flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables and sausages are a perfect match, as the sweetness of the vegetables enhances the savory flavor of the sausages.
If you want to make this dish for yourself, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
Drizzle the vegetables with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss them to coat evenly.
Next, add your favorite type of sausages to the baking sheet, nestling them among the vegetables.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables and sausages for about 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized and the sausages are cooked through.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, over the roasted vegetables and sausages before serving.
Grilled Vegetables
Sausages with grilled vegetables is yet another classic sausage dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or outdoor barbecues.
If you want to make your own sausage and grilled vegetable meal, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
Cut your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions, into thick slices or chunks, and brush them lightly with some olive oil.
Season the vegetables with some salt and pepper, and place them on the grill.
While the vegetables are grilling, cook your favorite type of sausage on the grill until it’s browned and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Once the sausages and vegetables are cooked, arrange them on a platter and garnish them with some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Potato Salad
So many of these dishes are excellent for use during the warmer months as part of a picnic or summer barbecue, and this next dish is no exception!
Sausages and potato salad is a classic meal that is another perfect addition to picnics, barbecues, and summer gatherings. It is also super easy to make for yourself.
Start by boiling some potatoes until they’re tender, then cut them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside to cool.
While the potatoes are cooling, cook your sausages according to the package instructions. Once the sausage is cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Season the salad with some salt and pepper, and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
To serve, place a scoop of the potato salad on a plate or bowl, and top it with the cooked sausage.
You could also garnish the dish with some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add some extra flavor and color.
To add some extra texture to the potato salad, try adding some chopped hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled blue cheese.
You could also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as red or Yukon Gold potatoes, to give the dish a unique twist.
Coleslaw
Another picnic and barbecue meal, sausages with coleslaw is a classic and tasty combination.
Coleslaw is a crunchy and refreshing salad made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, mixed with a creamy dressing.
When paired with juicy sausages, it creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
To make your own coleslaw, start by shredding some cabbage and carrots, either by hand or using a food processor.
Add in some thinly sliced onions, and mix everything together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix some mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until it’s well-coated. You can also add other ingredients to your coleslaw, such as chopped apples or raisins, for a sweeter twist.
Next, cook your favorite type of sausages on the grill or in a pan, until they’re browned and cooked through.
You can use any type of sausage you like, such as hot dogs, bratwursts, or chorizo. Once the sausages are cooked, serve them alongside the coleslaw in a bun, or simply on a plate.
Sauerkraut
Sausages and sauerkraut are a classic combination that’s commonly found in German cuisine.
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage that’s tangy and slightly sour, and it pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of sausages.
Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish at home.
First, choose your favorite type of sausage. Popular choices for this dish include bratwurst, kielbasa, and German-style sausages.
Cook the sausages according to package instructions, either by grilling, baking, or pan-frying them until they’re golden brown.
Next, prepare the sauerkraut. You can either buy pre-made sauerkraut from the store or make your own by fermenting shredded cabbage with salt and water.
Heat the sauerkraut in a saucepan with some chopped onions, apples, and caraway seeds.
Add a splash of white wine or beer for extra flavor, and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
To serve, place a generous spoonful of sauerkraut on a plate or in a bun, and top it with the cooked sausage.
You can also add some mustard or horseradish sauce on top for some extra tang and heat.
Final Thoughts
Sausages are a versatile and delicious food that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
From classic pairings like sausages with mashed potatoes or sauerkraut to more modern twists like sausages with mac and cheese or roasted vegetables, there’s a sausage dish for everyone.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a cozy winter dinner, or just looking for a quick and easy meal, sausages are a great option.
They’re affordable, easy to cook, and can be paired with a wide range of side dishes to create a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
So the next time you’re craving sausages, try experimenting with some of these dishes to find your new favorite pairing.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, there’s a sausage dish out there that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
