Sausage, in all its savory glory, is a versatile and beloved culinary staple. Whether it’s a breakfast sausage sizzling in a pan, a hearty Italian sausage simmering in sauce, or a spicy chorizo adding kick to a dish, sausage brings a unique flavor profile to the table. But even the most delicious sausage needs a complementary supporting cast. Choosing the right sides can elevate your sausage meal from good to extraordinary. Let’s embark on a delicious journey to explore the best side dishes to pair with your favorite sausages.
Classic Comfort Food Pairings
Sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most satisfying. These classic pairings offer comfort and familiarity, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Mashed Potatoes: A Creamy Dream
Is there anything more comforting than a pile of creamy mashed potatoes? Their smooth texture and mild flavor perfectly complement the savory richness of sausage. The key is to make sure your mashed potatoes are well-seasoned and buttery. Consider adding roasted garlic or herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Mashed potatoes offer a blank canvas for soaking up all the delicious sausage juices.
Coleslaw: A Crunchy Counterpoint
The crisp, tangy bite of coleslaw provides a welcome contrast to the richness of sausage. Whether you prefer a creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw, the refreshing crunch cuts through the fat and adds a bright note to the meal. Look for a coleslaw recipe with a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
Mac and Cheese: A Cheesy Delight
Mac and cheese is a timeless classic that pairs beautifully with sausage. The creamy, cheesy goodness of the macaroni complements the savory flavors of the sausage, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. You can even add bits of crumbled sausage directly into the mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Consider experimenting with different cheeses to find your perfect mac and cheese and sausage combination.
Vegetable Sides: A Healthy Balance
Adding vegetables to your sausage meal not only provides essential nutrients but also balances the richness of the sausage.
Roasted Vegetables: A Flavorful Medley
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious caramelized flavor. Hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions are especially good choices. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and spices, and roast until tender and slightly browned. Roasted vegetables offer a hearty and healthy complement to sausage.
Green Beans: A Simple and Satisfying Choice
Green beans, whether steamed, sautéed, or roasted, are a simple and satisfying side dish that pairs well with sausage. Their slightly grassy flavor and crisp texture provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sausage. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra flavor. Consider a light garlic butter sauce to elevate your green beans.
Brussels Sprouts: A Surprisingly Delicious Option
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when cooked properly, they can be incredibly delicious. Roasting Brussels sprouts with bacon or pancetta is a great way to enhance their flavor and complement the savory notes of sausage. A balsamic glaze also adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods to find your favorite way to prepare Brussels sprouts.
Grain-Based Sides: A Hearty Addition
Grain-based sides add substance and texture to your sausage meal, making it more filling and satisfying.
Rice Pilaf: A Flavorful Foundation
Rice pilaf, with its delicate flavor and fluffy texture, provides a versatile base for sausage. You can customize your rice pilaf with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to complement the flavors of your sausage. Consider adding toasted nuts or dried fruit for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Quinoa: A Nutritious Alternative
Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that offers a healthy alternative to rice. Its slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture pair well with sausage. You can cook quinoa in broth for extra flavor and add vegetables or herbs to create a complete side dish. Quinoa is a great option for those looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Polenta: A Creamy and Versatile Choice
Polenta, a creamy cornmeal-based dish, is a delicious and versatile side that pairs well with sausage. Its smooth texture and mild flavor provide a blank canvas for soaking up the savory juices of the sausage. You can top polenta with cheese, herbs, or a simple tomato sauce for added flavor. Polenta is a great option for a comforting and hearty meal.
Creative and Unique Pairings
Looking for something a little different? These creative and unique pairings will take your sausage meal to the next level.
Sauerkraut: A Tangy Delight
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and slightly sour flavor, is a classic accompaniment to sausage, particularly German sausages like bratwurst. The acidity of the sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the sausage, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. Consider adding caraway seeds or juniper berries to your sauerkraut for an extra layer of flavor.
Pickled Onions: A Zesty Addition
Pickled onions add a zesty and flavorful touch to any sausage dish. Their bright acidity and slightly sweet flavor complement the savory notes of the sausage. You can make your own pickled onions at home using a simple vinegar brine. Pickled onions are a great way to add a pop of color and flavor to your meal.
Apple Chutney: A Sweet and Savory Combination
Apple chutney, with its sweet and savory flavor profile, is a surprising but delicious accompaniment to sausage. The sweetness of the apples and the tanginess of the vinegar create a complex and balanced flavor that complements the savory richness of the sausage. Apple chutney is especially good with pork sausages.
Regional Inspirations
Different regions around the world have their own unique sausage traditions and accompanying side dishes. Let’s explore some regional inspirations.
Italian: Pasta and Bread
In Italy, sausage is often served with pasta and crusty bread. A simple tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs and garlic, is the perfect complement to Italian sausage. The bread is used to soak up all the delicious sauce. Think about adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
German: Potatoes and Cabbage
In Germany, sausage is often served with potatoes and cabbage. Sauerkraut is a classic choice, but you can also try braised red cabbage or potato salad. A hearty German mustard is essential for dipping your sausage.
Mexican: Rice and Beans
In Mexico, chorizo is often served with rice and beans. Refried beans are a classic choice, but you can also try black beans or pinto beans. Top your rice and beans with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete Mexican feast.
Choosing the right side dishes can transform your sausage meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you prefer classic comfort food pairings, healthy vegetable sides, hearty grain-based additions, or creative and unique combinations, there’s a perfect side dish out there for every type of sausage. So, experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite pairings and elevate your sausage experience.
Consider these as well:
* Cornbread: the sweetness of the cornbread is a nice contrast.
* Fried eggs: Perfect for breakfast sausages
* Creamed Spinach: Offers a creamy counterpoint
* Arugula salad: for a peppery and light option
* Grilled peaches: A sweet and savory option especially in summer.
* Roasted sweet potatoes: a healthy and flavorful choice.
* Onion rings: If you are looking for a fried option.
Enjoy the delicious world of sausage and its many possibilities!
What are some classic vegetable sides that pair well with sausage?
Many vegetables complement the rich flavors of sausage beautifully. Consider serving your sausage with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. These vegetables caramelize in the oven, developing a sweetness that balances the savory taste of the sausage. Another excellent choice is sauteed spinach or kale, providing a healthy and slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the meat.
For a heartier option, try roasted root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Their earthy sweetness and hearty texture make them a satisfying side dish, especially during colder months. Brussels sprouts, whether roasted, sauteed, or shredded in a slaw, also offer a delicious and nutrient-rich complement to sausage.
Are there any potato-based sides that go particularly well with sausage?
Absolutely! Potatoes are a versatile and comforting side dish that pairs exceptionally well with sausage. Mashed potatoes, whether creamy and buttery or rustic with the skins on, provide a soft and starchy base that complements the often-crisp texture of sausage. Consider adding garlic, herbs, or even a swirl of pesto to elevate your mashed potatoes.
Another fantastic option is roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme. The crispy edges and fluffy interior offer a textural contrast to the sausage. For a quicker option, try pan-fried potatoes with onions and peppers, mirroring the flavors often found within the sausage itself.
What are some good grain-based sides to serve with sausage?
Grains offer a grounding and wholesome complement to the richness of sausage. Quinoa, with its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture, is a healthy and versatile option. It can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper or dressed up with herbs, vegetables, and a light vinaigrette. Couscous, another quick-cooking grain, also works well, especially when flavored with lemon and herbs.
For a heartier option, consider polenta, a creamy cornmeal porridge. Polenta can be served soft and creamy or cooled and grilled for a firmer texture. It pairs beautifully with sausage, especially when topped with a tomato-based sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Rice, particularly brown rice or wild rice, is another excellent choice, offering a satisfying and nutritious accompaniment.
What types of sauces complement sausage dishes?
The right sauce can elevate a sausage dish from good to extraordinary. A classic tomato sauce, whether simple marinara or a more complex ragu, is a natural pairing for many types of sausage. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the meat, while herbs and spices add depth of flavor. Creamy sauces, like a mushroom cream sauce or a Dijon mustard sauce, also complement sausage beautifully.
For a brighter and more vibrant flavor profile, consider a pesto sauce, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, a simple gremolata, a mixture of chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic, can add a refreshing element. If you prefer a spicier option, a chili oil or a spicy tomato sauce can provide a welcome kick.
Are there any salad options that pair well with sausage?
A well-chosen salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of sausage. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a clean and crisp counterpoint. Consider adding some peppery arugula or watercress to the mix for a bit of bite. A more substantial salad, such as a Caesar salad with croutons and Parmesan cheese, can also be a good choice.
For a heartier option, try a salad with grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. The smoky flavors of the grilled vegetables complement the sausage perfectly. A bean salad, with cannellini beans, chickpeas, or black beans, can also provide a satisfying and nutritious side dish. Remember to dress your salad with a flavorful vinaigrette that complements the flavors of the sausage.
What are some unique or less common sides to try with sausage?
Beyond the classics, there are many creative and less common side dishes that can elevate your sausage experience. Consider serving your sausage with creamed corn, a Southern staple that provides a sweet and comforting contrast to the savory meat. Alternatively, try a succotash, a mixture of corn, lima beans, and other vegetables, for a more complex and flavorful side dish.
For a more adventurous option, consider serving your sausage with a fruit-based chutney, such as apple chutney or cranberry chutney. The sweetness and acidity of the chutney can balance the richness of the sausage beautifully. Another unique option is spaetzle, small German noodles, which can be served with a creamy sauce or simply sauteed with butter and herbs.
How do side dish choices change based on the type of sausage being served?
The type of sausage you’re serving should definitely influence your side dish choices. For example, a mild Italian sausage pairs well with classic Italian sides like pasta with tomato sauce or creamy polenta. A spicier chorizo sausage might benefit from cooling and refreshing sides like a lime and cilantro rice or a black bean salad.
Likewise, a breakfast sausage, like maple sausage, often pairs well with sweet sides like pancakes or waffles. A bratwurst, on the other hand, is traditionally served with sauerkraut and mustard. Considering the flavor profile and regional origins of your sausage will help you choose side dishes that complement and enhance the overall meal experience.