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If you’re wondering what to serve with your rouladen, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 11 of the most popular side dishes for rouladen.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes for rouladen are spaetzle noodles, bread dumplings, and braised red cabbage. Fried potatoes, potato cakes, and brussel sprouts are also classic sides. For a lighter side, serve a cucumber salad or a cabbage and dill slaw. And if you want a starter, try a beer cheese soup.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Pan-fried potatoes and onions

Rouladen is often served with simple boiled potatoes.

But I didn’t feel that was worthy of a place on my list, so I went for something slightly more jazzed up.

These tasty fried potatoes and onions are tender and moist, with slightly caramelized edges that bring a smokey flavor.

Top these potatoes with a spoonful of gravy and you have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Red cabbage and dill slaw

Coleslaw is a popular side for meaty dishes during the summer months.

It’s crunchy, refreshing, and creamy, which pairs well with a more tender, savory roulade.

And red cabbage is a traditional side for rouladen – so why not combine the two things in this vibrant red cabbage and dill slaw?

It will look great on the plate and you can add shredded carrots for even more color.

Psst… you can also add a kick by adding horseradish to the buttermilk dressing.

Sauteed brussels sprouts

Want an easy stovetop recipe to serve with your rouladen?

Let me introduce you to sauteed brussel sprouts.

I know what you are thinking, but nope, they’re not the bitter or mushy brussel sprouts from your childhood.

Trust me. You’ll be hooked from the first bite of these crispy, charred morsels.

Wellplated suggests adding some nuts or cheese and a handful of lemon for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

German cucumber salad

Another great summer side dish is a cold cucumber salad.

It’s budget-friendly and really easy to put together. Plus, the mild flavors will ensure the rouladen is the star of the show.

Serve this German cucumber salad with your choice of two dressings – a tangy vinaigrette or a creamier sour cream dressing.

Psst… to keep things authentic, slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible.

Spaetzle noodles

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962296176940/

Spaetzle is a German egg noodle with a chewier texture than pasta. Sort of half dumpling, half pasta.

It’s delicious mixed in with the rouladens rich gravy.

If you haven’t tried making spaetzle before, you’re in for a treat.

I find it therapeutic, like kneading bread dough.

There is a special spaetzle-making tool, but if you don’t have one you can use a large-holed colander. Check out the full guide here from plated cravings.

Braised red cabbage

Braised red cabbage is an absolute classic side dish for rouladen.

Red cabbage and granny smith apples are cooked down in vinegar and various aromatics.

The resulting dish?

Tender cabbage and apple with a surprisingly tart flavor that will liven up your beef and bacon, and cut through all the richness.

This braised red cabbage recipe takes an hour to cook, but it’s well worth it.

It goes great with the brussel sprouts I mentioned earlier too.

Classic German bread dumplings

Rouladen is a classic German dish, so I won’t apologize for the number of German sides on my list!

And this is one you might not have heard of before.

These bread dumplings (also known as Semmelknödel) take old bread and turn it into something special.

They’re the most dunkable dumplings I’ve ever had because they soak up gravy so well.

And if you have any leftovers, you can fry them with some bacon for breakfast.

Beer cheese soup

Beer cheese soup is a thick, creamy soup famous in Germany.

There are many versions, but the base is always beer, sharp cheese, and butter.

It’s the perfect warm-up for a meaty rouladen main, especially in the winter when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

This beer-cheese soup is garnished with popcorn for some crunch.

Potato cakes

We’ve had pan-fried potatoes and mentioned the classic boiled potatoes.

But if you want to get even more inventive with your potato sides, look no further than these crispy potato pancakes.

They’re a similar concept to hash browns, but thinner so they get super crunchy.

Eric and Lisa suggest serving these German potato pancakes with a dollop of sour cream which will help mellow out the rouladen.

Psst… you can also try potato dumplings or potato noodles.

Bacon asparagus

Roulden already has some bacon in, so why not carry on the theme with your vegetable side.

This kid-friendly bacon asparagus dish is a one-pan wonder. The asparagus is sauteed along with the bacon to infuse it with the smokey, savory flavor.

It’s a great springtime dish. And if asparagus isn’t in season, you can use green beans instead.

Baked breaded cauliflower

Meet your next favorite side dish, breaded cauliflower.

Cauliflower is an underrated vegetable.

But let me change that by sharing this tasty, crispy baked breaded cauliflower.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for a low-carb side dish for your rouladen that still has a comforting vibe about it.

The best side dishes for rouladen

Pan-fried potatoes and onions
Red cabbage and dill slaw
Sauteed brussels sprouts
German cucumber salad
Spaetzle noodles
Braised red cabbage
Classic German bread dumplings
Beer cheese soup
Potato cakes
Bacon asparagus
Baked breaded cauliflower