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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Knockwurst? 7 BEST Side Dishes

For Knockwurst, go with Classic Ole' Sauerkraut, German Potato Salad, Baked Cauliflower Mac n' Cheese, Southern Style Coleslaw, and Cucumber Salad.

Classic Ole' Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a traditional German side dish often eaten with different kinds of dishes- from meats to soups.

For a lighter option, try Cucumber Salad. Cucumber Salad

Salads make for great side dishes- especially with meat dishes.

Germany isn't rich only in history; a lot of food that we eat these days have origins in Germany.

One such food is Knockwurst.

You might have heard of Bratwurst- it is finely ground beef and pork wrapped up in a sausage packing.

Knockwurst is on similar lines; however, Knockwurst can be made with mainly pork and veal and is generally flavored with garlic.

In Germany, they are popularly known as Knackwurst, while in Northern America, they go by the name Knockwurst.

Authentic Knockwurst sausages are left to age for approximately 4-5 days and are smoked over wood to get those flavors out and to melt.

Table of Contents

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  • 7 Classic Sides to Pair with Knockwurst
    • 1 - Classic Ole' Sauerkraut
    • 2 - German Potato Salad
    • 3 - Baked Cauliflower Mac n' Cheese
    • 4 - Southern Style Coleslaw
    • 5 - Cucumber Salad
    • 6 - Grilled Vegetables
    • 7 - Caramelized Onions
  • Frequently Asked Questions

7 Classic Sides to Pair with Knockwurst

These 7 side dishes will be a definite hit with the classic Knockwurst.

However, you can always whip up your ideas and experiments with the dish - or try chili party side ideas for crowds.

1 - Classic Ole' Sauerkraut

classic ole sauerkraut Save for Later!

Sauerkraut is a traditional German side dish often eaten with different kinds of dishes- from meats to soups.

Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented to accompany and impart flavor to main dishes.

It contains many good enzymes and probiotics- meaning it is excellent for gut health.

Both being traditional dishes from Germany, you can not go wrong with serving sauerkraut with Knockwurst - and see pork and sauerkraut pairing suggestions for complementary mains.

Also, sauerkraut should never be heated- or else you would lose all the nutrients.

2 - German Potato Salad

german potato salad Save for Later!

When preparing to serve a dish that has its origin in a specific place, you can always relax and go for side dishes native to that region.

This helps create a more traditional combo and requires lesser thinking time.

German Potato salad can be an excellent side to your Knockwurst - and for more potato-friendly ideas see potato skins side ideas.

In fact, german potato salad can trample over the other potato salads any day.

With the addition of either bacon or eggs and dressed in vinegar and olive oil, the flavor of a German potato salad is in itself a story.

Amp up your Knockwurst serving with this salad to get the best of the German experience.

3 - Baked Cauliflower Mac n' Cheese

baked cauliflower mac n cheese Save for Later!

This is another one of those dishes that will make you want to lie back and relax a little after your meal.

This is a play on the regular American Mac n' Cheese, where the 'mac' is replaced with cauliflower florets.

So why cauliflower? It can easily just be regular mac and cheese; however, this version will be lesser in carbs.

If you are watching your diet or controlling the number of calories you eat, go for this as a side with your Knockwurst.

For a heartier option alongside this lighter mac, consider pairing Knockwurst with baked potato side pairings that add comfort to the plate.

4 - Southern Style Coleslaw

southern style coleslaw Save for Later!

Coleslaw is perhaps another very popular side served with meat in western countries.

Southern Style Coleslaw is made with generous amounts of red and green cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, red onions, black pepper, and celery.

This coleslaw can be the best company for your Knockwurst with its sweet, tangy, and characteristically peppy nature.

Meat dishes especially go well with a side of something tangy.

Knockwurst with a characteristic garlic flavor will be amazingly balanced with this cabbage-based side.

Make sure you don't add too much mayonnaise or vinegar while preparing the coleslaw.

If a legume-based side is needed instead of coleslaw, consider ranch-style beans substitute options that still deliver creamy, savory flavor.

5 - Cucumber Salad

cucumber salad Save for Later!

Salads make for great side dishes- especially with meat dishes.

Usually, people ensure that there is at least one salad or vegetable component in their meal.

Taking the heat into consideration, why not give cucumber salads a try - or pair with cucumber soup side ideas for a cool complement.

Decide the dressing before you get to shred the cucumbers.

Make sure not to overpower it with too many flavors.

Knockwurst tastes best with flavors that aren't too complex or layered.

6 - Grilled Vegetables

grilled vegetables Save for Later!

Who doesn't like grilled vegetables? Probably someone unsuccessful in working a decent grill - and see grilled swordfish side pairings for ways to match smoky veg with proteins.

Nevertheless, grilled vegetables are our next contestant in the quest to accompany the classic Knockwurst.

A healthy side of crunchy, grilled vegetables is a great way to get all the plates clean and possibly filled with seconds.

If you are someone with your own vegetable garden, you probably need an excuse to chop them.

A need for a side dish with Knockwurst is an excellent excuse for it, I'd say.

7 - Caramelized Onions

caramelized onions Save for Later!

Caramelized onions are extremely popular among side dishes.

From kids to adults, hardly anyone can say no to the tempting aroma of caramelized onions.

All the more reason to include this as an option for a side dish, right? The best part about this side dish is that you don't need to make elaborate efforts to caramelize onions.

The sweet and caramel-y onions will take your palate for a ride with the Knockwurst.

Ready, Set, Go.

Classic sausages pair well with bold sides; chili party side ideas for crowds offers large-group combos. For a comforting, starchy match try baked potato side pairings that suit casual meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Knockwurst?

Sauerkraut is basically finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented to accompany and impart flavor to main dishes. This helps create a more traditional combo and requires lesser thinking time.

Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

What sides work well when feeding a crowd?

For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Sauerkraut scales up easily.

Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.

What is the lightest option to round out the plate?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option. It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.

How do you serve sides for a large group?

Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily.

Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.

Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

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Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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