What to Serve with Grilled Sausage: 14 Easy & Delicious Sides

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Grilled sausages are already a delicious win but pair them with the right sides, and suddenly your meal becomes restaurant-quality. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the best side dishes that perfectly complement sausage, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests.

From fresh potato dishes and crisp salads to pasta and warm breads, these sides are simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to elevate your plate.

So fire up the grill, pick your favorite side, and enjoy a complete meal everyone will love!

And if sausages are already a favorite in your home, don’t miss this flavorful classic: Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers.

Best Potato Sides to Serve with Grilled Sausage

Potatoes are a classic pairing with grilled sausages because they’re filling, and soak up all those smoky juices. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable from mashed to roasted to salads.

We’ll start with three favorites that work beautifully with any kind of grilled sausages.

1. Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: Creamy, fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes pair perfectly with savory grilled sausages. You can also add herbs, cheese, or roasted garlic for variations.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley, roasted garlic, parmesan

Steps

  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15–20 minutes).
  2. Drain and mash while still hot.
  3. Stir in butter, garlic, and warm milk.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  6. Garnish with parsley or cheese if you like.

2. Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re great when you’re serving grilled sausages with peppers or vegetables because they add texture to the plate.

Ingredients

  • 4–5 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
  2. Toss potatoes with oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread them evenly on a baking tray.
  4. Roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Serve hot and crispy.

3. Warm German Potato Salad (No Mayo)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Why it works: This tangy, savory potato salad is a classic side for grilled sausages especially bratwursts. It’s served warm and uses a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayo.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
  • 4 strips of beef or turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

  1. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy (skip if not using).
  2. In the same pan, sauté onions until soft.
  3. Stir in vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Add sliced potatoes and gently mix to coat.
  5. Serve warm, topped with parsley.

Fresh Vegetable Sides for Grilled Sausages

If you want something lighter to balance the richness of grilled sausages, fresh vegetables are always a good idea. They add color, freshness, and a healthy touch to your plate. These sides work especially well when you’re not sure what goes with sausages for dinner and want to build a balanced meal.

Here are some easy, tasty vegetable dishes that pair beautifully with grilled sausages.

4. Grilled Vegetables Platter

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: Since you already have the grill on for sausages, throwing some vegetables on the side makes everything taste smoky and delicious. Perfect for summer dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: balsamic glaze or lemon juice

Steps

  1. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill on medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until tender.
  3. Drizzle with lemon juice or balsamic glaze.
  4. Serve warm alongside grilled sausages.

5. Sautéed Peppers and Onions (Perfect with Italian Sausages)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: This is THE classic pairing especially if you’re wondering what to serve with grilled sausage and pepper. It’s sweet, and works for sandwiches, rice bowls, or simple plates.

Ingredients

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: crushed red pepper

Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
  2. Add sliced peppers and onions.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Cook until soft and slightly caramelized, about 10–15 minutes.
  5. Serve with sausages on the side or on top.

6. Creamy Coleslaw

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: Light, crunchy, and refreshing. Perfect when grilled sausages feel a bit heavy and you want something cool on the plate.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 3 tbsp mayo
  • 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Mix mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Add cabbage and carrots.
  3. Toss well until coated.
  4. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.

7. Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: A simple roasted vegetable that adds crunch and goes well with sausages, especially when serving grilled sausage with rice or potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread on a baking tray.
  3. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes.
  4. Serve warm and crisp.

8. Simple Garden Salad

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: None
Difficulty: Very Easy
Why it works: When you want something super light and refreshing. A salad works with any grilled sausages chicken, beef, or spicy varieties.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed greens
  • ½ cucumber, sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Combine greens, cucumber, and tomato in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice.
  3. Season lightly.
  4. Toss and serve.

Bread, Rice & Pasta Sides for Grilled Sausage

Some days you just want something hearty on the side carbs that make the whole plate feel comforting and complete. If you’re wondering what goes with sausages for dinner or what to serve with grilled sausage and rice, this section will give you plenty of ideas. These dishes pair perfectly with everything from Italian sausages to bratwursts to grilled chicken sausages.

9. Garlic Butter Rice (Perfect with Grilled Sausages)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: Light, buttery rice that pairs beautifully with spicy sausage. This is also a great answer when someone asks what to serve with grilled sausage and rice.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Optional: parsley for garnish

Steps

  1. Melt butter in a pot and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Add rice and stir until coated.
  3. Pour in water/broth and salt.
  4. Cover and cook for 15 minutes on low heat.
  5. Fluff with a fork and garnish.
  6. Serve with grilled sausages on top or on the side.

10. Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is one of those sides that makes any sausage dinner feel cozy and filling.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt & pepper

Steps

  1. Boil pasta according to package directions; drain.
  2. In another pot, melt butter and whisk in flour.
  3. Slowly pour in milk and cook until slightly thick.
  4. Add cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until melted.
  5. Stir in cooked pasta.
  6. Serve creamy and warm with grilled sausages.

11. Crusty Garlic Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Difficulty: Very easy
Why it works: Sausages + garlic bread are a dream combo, especially for simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette or loaf
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • Salt

Steps

  1. Mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
  2. Slice the baguette and spread the mixture evenly.
  3. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
  4. Serve warm and crispy.

12. Lemon Butter Pasta

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: Light, fresh, and a nice change when you want pasta that’s not heavy. Perfect for sausages with herbs, chicken sausages, or spicy grilled sausages.

Ingredients

  • 250g spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: parmesan

Steps

  1. Cook pasta; reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
  2. Melt butter, add lemon zest and juice.
  3. Toss pasta into sauce.
  4. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
  5. Season and finish with parmesan.

13. Creamy Potato Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Why it works: A picnic classic that pairs beautifully with grilled sausages. Creamy, tangy, and filling great for backyard dinners.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes, boiled and cubed
  • ⅓ cup mayo
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper
  • Optional: chopped green onions

Steps

  1. Mix mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add potatoes and gently combine.
  3. Chill before serving.

14. Buttered Corn on the Cob

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Very easy
Why it works: Sweet, buttery, and perfect with smoky grilled sausages.

Ingredients

  • 4 corn cobs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt

Steps

  1. Boil or grill the corn for 10 minutes.
  2. Brush with melted butter.
  3. Finish with a sprinkle of salt.