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What to Serve with Schnitzel (Oma Would Approve)
by: Lydia Fulson / Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook
Last Updated: January 4, 2026
Wondering what goes with schnitzel? Here’s what I grew up eating with it ... easy, hearty sides that make every bite even better.
Schnitzel Recipe
Pop over here for Oma's easiest recipe for making the basic German pork schnitzel. If you in a hurry, my air fryer pork schnitzel are the way to go.
And when you're heading there, do you actually know what a schnitzel is? If not, then check out this History of Schnitzel. You'll find there are Roman, Italian, Austrian, AND Germans involved.
Ready to find the perfect sidekick for your schnitzel? Here are my top 12 traditional German favorites:
1. German Lettuce Salad
This salad with sour cream dressing is just one of the easy ways you can top a classic green salad. It tastes amazing drizzled over a lettuce salad. It may be simple, but that's certainly not a bad thing in the kitchen!
Why this works with schnitzel: This dressing adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried schnitzel, while the crisp lettuce keeps the plate from feeling heavy
2. Southern German Potato Salad
This one was new to me until Oma introduced it. A warm potato salad, or kartoffelsalat ohne mayo, is a favorite down in Southern Germany.
Why this works with schnitzel: Served warm with vinegar and onions, this potato salad balances the schnitzel’s crispy coating and rich flavor without adding creaminess on creaminess.
3. Garden Fresh Tomato Salad
Oma's tomato salad, Tomatensalat, is such a refreshing treat. It goes with just about anything, and the color is pure summer in a bowl.
Why this works with schnitzel: Juicy tomatoes and a simple dressing bring freshness and acidity, creating a clean contrast to the hot, crispy meat.
4. Oma's German Spätzle (Homemade Egg Noodles)
Spätzle is a southern favorite and so much fun to make, especially with a spätzle press like the one Oma brought back from Germany. If you don't have one, that's ok, 'cause there are alternatives.
Why this works with schnitzel: Soft spätzle soak up gravy or pan juices beautifully and provide a comforting texture contrast to the crisp schnitzel.
5. German-Style Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes, fächerkartoffeln, are one of my favorite ways to dress up dinner without a lot of fuss. They look fancy but are super easy to make and taste amazing with schnitzel.
Why this works with schnitzel: Crispy edges and tender centers mirror the schnitzel’s texture, making this a natural, satisfying pairing.
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6. German Fried Potatoes (Bratkartoffeln)
If you want something quick, German fried potatoes, or bratkartoffeln, are a family favorite that my Uroma (Oma's Mutti) used to whip up for easy lunches. I still love making them on the BBQ or over the fire with green onions, salt, pepper, and a little sour cream.
Why this works with schnitzel: Pan-fried potatoes add crunch and savory depth, reinforcing the hearty, traditional feel of a classic schnitzel meal.
7. Mashed Potatoes
Plain mashed potatoes are another great potato side.
The recipe: Just boiled potatoes mashed with milk, butter, and salt and pepper. Add some roasted garlic for an extra kick. Simple, classic, and delicious!
My sister and I used to make what we called 'volcanoes'. Whenever Oma would serve mashed potatoes as a side with her famous gravy, we would mold our potatoes with a fork into the shape of a volcano. Then, scoop a hole in the center and pour the gravy in until it overflowed. I still love doing this :)
Why this works with schnitzel: Their smooth, mild texture balances the crisp coating and provides a perfect base for gravy or lemon juice.
8. French Fries
French fries, or pommes frites, are such a classic side with schnitzel and make for the perfect dinner. I love tossing them in the air fryer while the schnitzel cooks so everything is ready at the same time.
Why this works with schnitzel: A familiar pairing that doubles down on crunch and salt, especially popular with Wiener Schnitzel and lemon wedges.
9. Oma's German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
I think that red cabbage, or rotkohl, is a total must with schnitzel and has always been my favorite German side. Oma’s version has apples and that perfect sweet-sour flavor. It's so good, even cabbage-haters go back for seconds.
Why this works with schnitzel: Slight sweetness and gentle acidity cut through the fat while adding color and warmth to the plate.
10. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus, or spargel, has been one of my favorite veggies for years because it pairs with just about anything. This version with seasoned breadcrumbs looks great next to schnitzel and red cabbage for the perfect German meal.
Why this works with schnitzel: The lightly roasted bitterness and firm texture bring balance and keep the meal from feeling too heavy.
11. Fried Onions
Crispy, golden German fried onions, röstzwiebeln, are one of those tiny details that make schnitzel truly stand out. If you’ve only ever had the canned American-style fried onions, you’re in for a surprise. German röstzwiebeln are lighter, thinner, rustic, and, more importantly, so flavorful.
Why this works with schnitzel: Extra crunch and savory flavor echo the schnitzel’s coating and add interest without overpowering the meat.
12. Beer Mustard Sauce
Creamy, tangy, and just a little bit malty. This beer mustard sauce, bier-senf-soße, is Germany in liquid form. It’s a natural match for schnitzel. The secret is using proper German beer and mustard, which gives it a flavor that’s both sharp and smooth at the same time.
Why this works with schnitzel: Sharp mustard and malty notes cut through richness and add depth, especially with pork or chicken schnitzel.
Your Schnitzel FAQs
What is the most traditional side dish for schnitzel?
What is the most traditional side dish for schnitzel?
Potato salad is classic. In southern Germany it's often served warm with a vinegar and bacon dressing.
What vegetables go well with schnitzel?
What vegetables go well with schnitzel?
Classic choices include cucumber salad, lettuce salad, red cabbage, asparagus, and green beans. Lighter vegetables help balance the crisp, fried meat.
Should schnitzel be served with a sauce?
Should schnitzel be served with a sauce?
Traditional Wiener Schnitzel is usually served without sauce, with lemon wedges instead. Pork or chicken schnitzel is often paired with mushroom, beer mustard, or gravy-style sauces.
Don’t those all look so lecker? Now that you’ve seen my top 12 sides for schnitzel, grab your apron and get cooking. Your kitchen adventure starts now!
More German Favorites for the Holidays
Comments? Questions?
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Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.
Meet with us around Oma's virtual table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.
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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.
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