What To Serve With Pork Schnitzel (24+ Best Ideas!)

Made with pork cutlets that are thinly pounded, breaded, and deep fried, pork schnitzel is a German classic that makes for a quick and delicious midweek dinner. 

If you need some ideas for side dishes, you’ve come to the right place! 

In this guide, I’m going to walk you right through some of the very best accompaniments. 

Just looking for a quick answer? 

The best choices for what to serve with pork schnitzel include potato salad, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage, fries, cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, pretzel rolls, and buttered noodles. 

Let’s take a look at some more ideas and preparation tips… 

Traditional Sides

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a hearty and creamy addition to pork schnitzel.

Typically made with boiled potatoes, it’s dressed in a mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing with herbs like parsley and chives for a fresh kick.

I like to add some lemon wedges for extra zing! 

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut brings a tangy contrast to the schnitzel’s savoury notes.

This fermented cabbage pairs well with the dish and adds a digestive benefit due to its probiotic properties.

Save some time by taking a look at my guide to improving store-bought sauerkraut! 

Braised Red Cabbage

Another cabbage variant, braised red cabbage, introduces a sweet and acidic balance.

Simmered with apple slices and a touch of vinegar, it offers a colourful side that tantalises your taste buds.

Fries

You can never go wrong with a side serving of potato fries! 

Crispy, crunchy, and always delicious, they make for a super quick and easy option for what to serve with pork schnitzel, and they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike. 

Mashed Potatoes

A creamy serving of mashed potatoes is warming and comforting, and it’s my go-to choice for serving with pork schnitzel during the colder winter months. 

Hasselback potatoes

Hasselback potatoes – or fächerkartoffeln, as they’re known in Germany – look super impressive, making them the perfect side dish for a special occasion or date night! 

I like to season mine with plenty of garlic and paprika for extra flavour. 

If you like, you can even load them with melted cheese and crispy bacon pieces for extra indulgence. 

Braised lentils

A side serving of braised lentils is warming, comforting, and satisfying. 

Salads and Vegetables

When complimenting pork schnitzel, a refreshing salad or a selection of roasted or sautéed vegetables balance out the meal beautifully, adding both nutrition and a variety of textures and flavours.

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is a light and crisp choice that pairs splendidly with the richly breaded pork schnitzel.

For your salad, mix thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions, then dress them with a mixture of vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Garnish with fresh dill to enhance the flavour.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a hearty side that bring warmth and comfort to the schnitzel.

Choose root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes for a classic combination.

Cut them into even chunks, toss in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary, then roast until golden and tender.

Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine adds a sophisticated touch to your schnitzel meal.

Sauté fresh green beans until they’re crisp-tender, then sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds for a nutty crunch.

A squeeze of lemon juice and a pat of butter right before serving will make the flavours pop.

Creamy Slaw

Offering colour, a good serving of veggies, and a satisfying crunch, a creamy slaw is perfect if you want to keep things light. 

(Like enjoying a sweet treat after a meal? Take a look at desserts that go with pork for inspiration!) 

Roasted Potatoes

There are very few meals that don’t pair wonderfully with a serving of crispy, crunchy, fluffy roasted potatoes! 

I like to follow this duck fat roasties recipe which yields beautiful results every single time. 

Ratatouille 

Ratatouille is a dish with French origins, consisting of stewed veggies including tomatoes, courgettes, aubergine, and onions. 

It’s sophisticated and classy, yet super easy to make. 

Butternut Squash Puree

Light and creamy, butternut squash puree is another option that’s perfect if you’re looking for an elegant side for your schnitzel. 

Breads and Grains

Pairing your pork schnitzel with the right bread or grain not only complements the dish but also balances the meal.

Choose from the following to round off your schnitzel experience.

Pretzel Rolls

Pretzel rolls make an excellent choice for absorbing the delightful juices, with their distinct chewy crust and a soft, dense interior.

Slice them open, slather on a bit of mustard or horseradish sauce, and you’ll have the perfect accompaniment for your schnitzel.

Spaetzle

Spaetzle, a traditional German dumpling, is a staple that goes splendidly with pork schnitzel.

They are soft, egg-based noodles that you can sauté in butter after boiling to add a delectable richness that partners well with the crispy coating of the schnitzel.

Buttered Noodles

Simple yet satisfying, buttered noodles are a classic side that lets the pork schnitzel shine.

Toss cooked noodles with a generous dollop of butter, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper for a subtle side that’s both comforting and hearty.

Sauces and Condiments

A selection of sauces is a great option for what to serve with pork schnitzel! 

Lingonberry Jam

Lingonberry jam brings a splendid sweet-tart balance to your schnitzel.

It’s a classic Scandinavian condiment that cuts through the richness of the fried meat.

• Flavour Profile: Sweet and tart
• Best For: A traditional pairing with schnitzel

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

For a more indulgent experience, try a creamy mushroom sauce.

It’s rich, savoury, and perfect for adding a luxurious touch to your meal.

• Ingredients: Sautéed mushrooms, cream, garlic, and herbs
• Texture: Thick and smooth

Mustard

Mustard offers a sharp, piquant counterpoint to the crispy schnitzel.

Choose from a variety of mustards to add complexity to your dish.

• Types:
  • Dijon Mustard: Mild and tangy
  • Wholegrain Mustard: Robust with a grainy texture
  • English Mustard: Strong and spicy

Sweet and Sour Red Onion Marmalade 

A tangy and sweet onion marmalade can be a unique and flavorful condiment.

Beverage Pairings

Selecting the right beverage can enhance your pork schnitzel experience.

Here are some ideal drink options that complement the dish’s flavours.

German Beers

For beer enthusiasts, a classic German beer pairs beautifully with schnitzel.

Consider a crisp Pilsner to cut through the richness of the fried coating, or an Oktoberfestbier for a maltier complement.

Riesling Wine

A chilled glass of Riesling wine, particularly from German regions, balances the pork’s savouriness with its fruity and sometimes floral notes.

Opt for a dry Riesling for a refreshing contrast, or a semi-sweet variant to echo the dish’s subtle sweetness.

Apple Cider

Not fond of beer or wine?

A cold glass of apple cider is a splendid choice.

Its crispness and slight acidity can cleanse the palate between bites, making each morsel as enjoyable as the first.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with pork schnitzel? 

Share your ideas in the comments section below!