What to Serve with Pork Schnitzel: 25+ Easy Side Dishes
I’ve always believed that what to serve with pork schnitzel should bring big flavor and simple fun.
Whenever you bite into that crispy, breaded pork, you need tasty, comforting side dishes too. You’ll find so many best side dishes that can turn your schnitzel meal into a crowd-pleaser.
If you crave traditional German flavors, or you want something light and fresh, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, I’ll share side dishes to serve with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking and discover a great side for every bite you take.
What is Pork Schnitzel?
This breaded pork is a traditional German favorite. It’s often made from thin pork cutlets, seasoned with salt and pepper, then coated in breadcrumb. Folks love its golden crust and juicy bite.
What to Serve with Pork Schnitzel?
I like mixing pork schnitzel sides that offer different tastes, from warm potato treats to light vegetables, colorful salads, pasta and sauces. These delicious sides turn your schnitzel recipe into a complete feast.
Potato Side Dishes
Growing up, I saw fried potatoes and other comforting options as a schnitzel side. Each potato dish comes packed with flavor, making them perfect side dishes to serve.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: I remember my grandma’s mashed potatoes made with yukon gold potatoes. She added salt and pepper until it was dreamy. It’s an easy recipe that feels comforting yet super easy to make.
- German Potato Salad: I often crave a tangy, hearty option like potato salad, which tastes incredible with pork schnitzel. The vinegar dressing, smoky bacon, and tender pieces bring a delicious side dish to life.
- French Fries: I enjoy sprinkling fries with a bit of black pepper for a special crunch. You can place on a baking tray and bake them, offering a low-carb side dish alternative.
- Roasted Potatoes: My family loves roasted potatoes because they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. This dish comes together quickly. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with simple spices.
- Hasselback Potatoes: I tried hasselback with roast pork once, and that surprise of crunchy edges won my heart. A bit of melted butter or oil is all you need for this great side.
- Potato Dumplings (German-style): My friend taught me that potato dumplings are traditionally served on special occasions. They’re a German side made with ingredients like potatoes, offering that comforting side we all crave.
Light Vegetable Sides
I like pairing schnitzel with vegetable sides that taste fresh yet fulfilling. It’s a healthy side idea, especially when you want something colorful and bright.
- German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl): One time, I made red cabbage with a sweet and sour twist. That cabbage recipe added life to the table, especially when matched with breaded pork you fry to perfection.
- Steamed Asparagus: My kids love this simple veggie side. It’s super easy and delicious, especially drizzled with melted butter. If you’re seeking a simple, green salad vibe, this dish offers a healthy side advantage.
- Green Beans Almondine: At a family picnic, someone brought green beans with toasted nuts on top. That crunchy texture complements a schnitzel meal. It’s a perfect side dish for many main courses.
- Oven-roasted Broccoli: I always try roasted broccoli with main dishes at home, and it is a big hit. It’s a good side because those roasted florets add a slightly smoky taste to breaded pork.
- Glazed Carrots: Once, I tested carrots with honey. They pair beautifully with chicken schnitzel or any schnitzel, brightening your plate and making everything look inviting, like schnitzel on a sunny day.
- Roasted Butternut Squash: On chilly nights, roasted butternut squash feels cozy. It has a mild sweetness that complements any pork tenderloin or pork cutlets. It’s easy and delicious, especially with salt and pepper seasoning.
Refreshing Salads
Sometimes, you need a cool, crisp partner on your plate. These fresh salad ideas keep your meal balanced while staying simple, colorful, and delightfully crunchy.
- German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat): My neighbor taught me cucumber salads with dill. It’s sweet and sour in the best way. Pair it with pork schnitzel sides or even a schnitzel are mashed potatoes dish.
- Lettuce Salad: A simple bowl of lettuce salad can offer a refreshing crunch. I sometimes toss in black pepper and a drizzle of vinegar. It goes with dishes like hunter’s schnitzel or pork chops.
- Tomato and Onion Salad: Juicy tomatoes, sliced onions, and a mild vinaigrette make hearts happy. This salad recipe pairs well with breaded pork or even pork tenderloin. It’s super easy to make in minutes.
- Asparagus Fennel Salad: It’s a truly delicious salad for a schnitzel treat. I try this salad with lemon juice in summer. That crisp, aromatic combination feels like a German dish meets modern flair.
- Moroccan Beet Salad: Sweet beets dress up any plating. I love tossing them in a light dressing and adding a sprinkle of herbs. They’re a good side for bold, savory schnitzel flavors.
- Creamy Coleslaw: We often see coleslaw at barbecues, but it’s also a perfect side dish for breaded pork. The tangy dressing and shredded cabbage can easily jazz up your schnitzel side routine.
Pasta Dishes
I’ve seen folks enjoy a bowl of simple pasta next to pork schnitzel, proving that variety is key. It’s a quick fix that pleases many palates.
- Spaetzle: One day, my sister made this classic German-style cuisine for our gathering. This little pasta soaks up gravy or sauce, adding extra tastiness to your schnitzel recipe.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: I sometimes whip up this pasta if I want something comforting but don’t want extra fuss. This recipe is made swiftly, pairing perfectly with your breaded pork for dinner.
- Spaghetti al Pomodoro: My cousin loves serving spaghetti as a side to her main dish. That skillful mix of tangy tomato sauce and noodles helps everything taste incredible with pork schnitzel or even an air fryer version.
- Pesto Pasta: I’ve experimented with pesto pasta loaded with green herbs. It’s an easy and delicious pick that highlights your fried pork. Sometimes, I sprinkle extra cheese just because it’s a treat.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, gooey, and comforting, this crowd-pleaser makes me smile. I sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden crust. It’s a great side when you want something rich and cozy.
Sauces and Condiments
I’ve realized that a simple sauce or jam can make schnitzel shine. These choices add brightness, tang, or sweetness and tie everything together nicely.
- Mustard Sauce: A squeeze of fresh citrus over crunchy, breaded pork sparks bright flavors. It’s a quick trick that provides a little zip, turning each bite into a refreshing burst of joy.
- Lemon Wedges: Everyone I know loves lemon wedges with schnitzel. That fresh squeeze across your best pork is unbeatable. It elevates the breadcrumb coating, ensuring each bite stays zesty and light.
- Apple Sauce: Sweet fruit puree dances with salty, crispy meat. I’ve enjoyed this combo since I tried it during a schnitzel meal in Germany. It’s something unique that people often relish.
- Cranberry Sauce: Slightly tart cranberries brighten every bite. This sauce reminds me of holiday dinners and can make schnitzel feel festive. It’s easy to make a simple batch and serve alongside cuts.
- Lingonberry Jam: You might know it as a Scandinavian treasure. I adore how it pairs with breaded pork, adding that sweet tang. It also invites a touch of whimsy to the table.
Final Thoughts
I believe side dishes for pork schnitzel make each meal shine. These delicious sides can turn your schnitzel dinner into a tasty feast, with potato, vegetable, salad, pasta, or sauce options.
Whenever you explore these schnitzel side ideas, you’ll find new favorites because the possibilities never end.
You can serve with schnitzel a sweet and sour red cabbage, or a simple green salad if you’re craving something light.
Remember that each side to serve can highlight your breaded pork in a whole new way. So go ahead, experiment, and have fun.
