Wondering what to serve with brats? These veggies, potatoes, salads and pastas make answering that question easier than ever.
70 Sides to Serve with Brats This Summer
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Potluck German Potato Salad
This is a big hit at church potlucks. One man says he comes only so that he can eat my potato salad! —Kathleen Rabe, Kiel, Wisconsin
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Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts Salad
Even if you dislike Brussels sprouts, you will love this dish. The dressing is so tasty, and it pairs amazingly with the apples, grapes and walnuts. You can also add whatever cheese, nuts or fruit you prefer. —Sheila Sturrock, Coldwater, Ontario
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Grilled Mushroom Kabobs
Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta
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Roasted Artichokes with Lemon Aioli
Petals of savory artichoke leaves are so delicious dipped into a creamy lemon aioli. It may seem intimidating to roast whole artichokes, but the steps couldn't be simpler—and the earthy, comforting flavor is a definite payoff. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chipotle Sweet Potato Salad
I love the velvety taste and texture of sweet potatoes. A friend served sweet potatoes cooked with peppers, and they tasted so delicious together. I took those flavors and developed them into this creamy, smoky potato salad. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
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Instant Pot Baked Beans
Forget baked beans in a can! This Instant Pot baked beans recipe is simple, satisfying and supremely delicious—it just might be the star attraction at your next picnic or potluck.
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Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Grilling corn in the husks is so easy. There's no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Green Bean-Cherry Tomato Salad
My grandmother made a cold green bean salad with potatoes for every family barbecue. Now I bring my own version of the recipe to parties. With added color and taste from the cherry tomatoes, this classic favorite is even better. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Sauteed Cabbage
When I was young, my family grew our own cabbages. It was fun to put the cabbage to use in the kitchen, just as I did with this comforting side. With potatoes, deviled eggs and cornbread, fried cabbage tastes like home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
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Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
I created this recipe for a wedding I was catering, and it's a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn't stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas
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Breaded Air-Fryer Summer Squash
Air-fryer summer squash is beautifully crisp. You don't have to turn the fried pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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Refrigerator Garden Pickles
Canning isn't necessary for these crisp-tender, tangy pickles. Keep them in the fridge and eat them up within a month. —Linda Chapman, Meriden, Iowa
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Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
A spicy homemade seasoning blend shakes up everyone’s favorite finger food in this rendition of sweet potato fries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Veggie Mac and Cheese
Take a decadent family fave, add in a variety of vegetables, and you've got a dinner worth being excited about: veggie mac and cheese.
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Juicy Watermelon Salad
This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
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Sunflower Broccoli Salad
This crisp salad is so refreshing that we always eat every bit. —Marilyn Newcomer, Sun City, California
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Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Roasted Fennel and Peppers
Fennel makes for a tasty change of pace in this versatile side that goes nicely with grilled meats. Best of all, it's full of flavor and easy to do—and it doesn't seem light at all! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Potato-Bean Salad with Herb Dressing
My veggie garden inspired this creamy combo of beans, potatoes and fresh herbs. I toss them with a ranch-style dressing sparked up with Creole mustard. —Chris Cummer, Rincon, Georgia
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Harissa Sweet Potato Fritters
I had leftover sweet potatoes and had to think up a new way to use them. We love spice, so I flavored these fun fritters with harissa, just enough for flavor but not too spicy. If you want more heat, you can always adjust the spice to please your taste buds. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread Skillet
My cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in my kitchen. I just love it for cooking and baking. This mac and cheese recipe makes for a perfect smaller-portion side. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Grilled Brussels Sprouts
During a beach vacation, in an effort to cook our entire meal outside on the grill, I made our not-so-simple veggie choice into a simple grilled side dish. For spicier sprouts, season with red pepper flakes —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
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Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
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Marinated Cucumbers
These marinated cucumbers make a cool summer side dish dressed in a light, tangy vinegar and oil mixture seasoned with herbs. The refreshing salad is always a hit when served with cold sandwiches or grilled meat. -Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
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French-Fry Bake
When a friend brought this to a gathering at church, I simply had to ask for the recipe—what a fast and fun way to serve potatoes! It's always good to find a recipe that can sneak in a few extra veggies; the kids never find the carrots hidden inside this one. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
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Yummy Corn Chip Salad
Corn chips give a special crunch and an unexpected flavor to this potluck favorite. Bacon adds a hint of smokiness, while the cranberries bring a touch of sweetness. It's the perfect picnic companion! —Nora Friesen, Aberdeen, Mississippi
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Homemade Potato Chips
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sliced Tomato Salad
I got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
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Marinated Three Bean Salad
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
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Special Fruit Salad
Dress up a sweet fruit salad with this drizzle of citrusy flavor. —Alice Orton in Big Bear Lake, California.
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Broccoli Grape Salad
Whether you need to liven up your dinner menu or prep for a potluck, broccoli grape salad blends sweet and savory flavors and acts as a side dish or a main, if you add protein. (Bonus: It includes bacon!)
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Slow-Cooked Corn on the Cob
I like to eat corn all year long, so I came up with this recipe. It's my favorite side to serve when I make sloppy joes. You can use a butter substitute for a skinny version of this corn. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California
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Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Put those leftovers to good use! Turn them into mashed potato bites loaded with bacon, cheese and onions. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
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Grilled Vegetable Platter
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
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Fried Okra
Crispy, crunchy and absolutely delightful. It's hard to stop eating fried okra once you pop a few of these tasty bites!
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Hearty Maple Beans
I modified this recipe to suit my family's taste. It's a great side dish for a backyard barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs. It can be made in advance and kept warm in a slow cooked for hours without losing any flavor. —Margaret Glassic, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Cheese Fries
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
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Leeks in Mustard Sauce
Leeks have a delicious oniony flavor and they are wonderful in this side dish. The mustard sauce compliments the leeks flavor well and it goes well with many main dishes.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
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Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
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Cucumber Coleslaw
I created this cucumber coleslaw recipe so I could use a julienne peeler I received as a gift. I had leftover sparkling wine, so I thought I'd try to use it over julienned cucumbers to make this refreshing slaw. It's a nice way to round out a brunch or picnic. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
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Garlic Pepper Corn
I've loved corn served with this simple seasoning since I was a child. It makes corn on the cob extra special. —Anna Minegar, Zolfo Springs, Florida
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Creamy Macaroni Salad
This creamy macaroni salad recipe is a classic cold noodle dish with oodles of crowd appeal. It features tender macaroni and crisp, colorful veggies tossed with an ultra-creamy, sweet-and-tangy dressing.
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Pea Salad with Bacon
This creamy pea salad with bacon combines crisp green peas, crunchy bacon, cheese and tangy ranch dressing for a flavorful side dish that's ready in just 30 minutes.
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Heirloom Tomato Salad
This is a simple yet elegant dish that always pleases my guests. Not only is it tasty, but it is healthy, too. The more varied the colors of the tomatoes you choose, the prettier the salad will be. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
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Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad
Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, Virginia
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Baked Chili-Lime Corn
Tart lime and spicy chili powder offer vibrant flavor contrasts in this easy baked corn dish. —Lawrence Davis, Saint Louis, Missouri
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Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip
This irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
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Squash Ribbons
Steamed and well seasoned, these pretty vegetable ribbons will dress up your dinner plate. The strips of yellow summer squash and zucchini are easy to cut using a vegetable peeler or cheese slicer.
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Sauteed Mushrooms
Hold on to your caps! We'll teach you how to saute mushrooms in three simple steps.
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Cilantro Potatoes
Fresh cilantro gives an exotic Syrian-style flavor to these easy, delicious skillet potatoes. They’re a creative complement to Mom’s tangy kabobs. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
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Campers’ Coleslaw
Crispy and crunchy, this old family slaw recipe makes a refreshing side dish for picnics and parties. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
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Snickers Salad
Snickers salad may not be a traditional green salad, but it is a midwestern specialty. Bring this easy one-bowl dessert to your next potluck and watch it disappear!
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Grilled Potato Fans with Onions
Looking for the ultimate grilled potato? These seasoned potato “fans” are filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves and savory Parmesan cheese. —Sharon Crabtree, Graham, Washington
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White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter
We enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North Carolina
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Smoky Cauliflower
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon
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Green Beans in Bacon Cheese Sauce
I like to take this side dish to potlucks, because it is easy to make and always popular. —Karen Lewis, Pleasant Grove, Alabama
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Slow-Cooked Baked Beans
My friend suggested this recipe when I needed a new dish to bring to a barbecue. It was an incredible success, and I've been making it ever since. —Jodi Caple, Cortez, Colorado
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Sweet-Sour Red Cabbage
The first time I bought a red cabbage, I didn’t quite know what to do with it. After some experimenting, I came up with this recipe that’s now my fall comfort food. As a side, it’s compatible with a variety of meat entrees, but I especially like it with pork roast or chops.—Karen Gorman, Gunnison, Colorado
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Broccoli Apple Salad
Made with crisp apples, broccoli florets, dried fruits and crumbled bacon, this broccoli apple salad is as colorful as it is delicious.
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Potato Wedges with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
I'm a small-business owner, so most of my recipes are a result of not having time to run to the store, and doing with what's on hand. Here's a perfect example. Dip these wedges in anything. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
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Italian Mushrooms
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
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Quick Barbecued Beans
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
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Green Bean Pasta Salad
I like to prepare this special green bean pasta salad with fresh green beans and homegrown dill. Serve chilled or at room temperature. —Chris Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
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Delicious Apple Salad
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Fried Asparagus
This battered asparagus is a favorite at events. It's fun to eat with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. —Lori Kimble, Montgomery, Alabama
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Watermelon Tomato Salad
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
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