This article explains why choosing the right toppings is essential for elevating German sausages, which topping styles pair best with Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters and Krakauer, how toppings enhance flavour, texture and presentation, and how pubs, caterers and Christmas markets can use strategic topping combinations to upgrade their menus. It also covers topping categories, pairing logic, regional influences and common mistakes to avoid.

A Bratwurst loaded with caramelised onions and melted cheese in a toasted gourmet bun.

From Classic German to Crazy Creativity – 40 Topping Ideas for Bratwurst & Frankfurters

German sausages are already legendary on their own — juicy, smoky, savoury and deeply satisfying. But the real magic begins when you choose the right German sausage toppings. A perfectly grilled Bratwurst or Frankfurter is a brilliant canvas, but it’s the toppings that transform a simple sausage into a full culinary experience. Whether you’re serving traditional Bratwurst, classic Frankfurters, gourmet Cheese Frankfurters, spicy Krakauer or even a jumbo smoked hotdog, every topping adds personality, texture and flair.

And that’s the beauty of German sausages: they’re incredibly versatile. One sausage can be rustic and traditional with mustard and sauerkraut, street-food bold with curry ketchup and crispy onions, or completely modern with kimchi, smashed avocado or chilli mayo. German cuisine might be rooted in tradition, but German sausage culture is endlessly creative — especially when it comes to toppings.

Walk through any Christmas market, summer festival, beer garden, Oktoberfest tent or Berlin street-food stand, and you’ll see how seriously people take their sausage toppings. Some swear by the classics, others experiment with bold fusion flavours, and many create combinations that are truly wild. In pubs and restaurants, toppings can turn sausages into premium dishes. At home, they make it effortless to build meals that feel both comforting and exciting.

This guide showcases the best German sausage toppings, from timeless favourites to modern showstoppers. Think tangy mustard swirls, towers of sauerkraut, beer-glazed onions, spicy sauces, crispy elements, melty cheese, pickles, slaws, festive flavours and full gourmet creations. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd, planning a pub menu, hosting a German-themed night or just making lunch at home, these toppings will help you craft sausages that look stunning and taste unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

• German sausage toppings significantly enhance and complete the flavour experience.
• Different topping styles work best with different sausage types (Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters, Krakauer).
• Pubs, caterers and Christmas markets can boost sales by offering a variety of topping options.
• The right toppings add contrast, texture and visual appeal to smoky, savoury sausages.
• An authentic German sausage experience goes beyond the sausage itself — toppings elevate it to a full dish.

What Makes a Great Topping?

A great German sausage topping does more than just sit on the sausage — it creates balance, contrast and character. The best toppings complement the natural juiciness, smokiness and savoury profile of Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters and Krakauer. To work well, a topping must enhance flavour, add texture, introduce freshness or richness, and elevate the overall eating experience. Toppings should also be practical, easy to portion and visually appealing, especially for pubs, food trucks and Christmas markets where presentation influences sales. When chosen correctly, the right topping transforms a simple sausage into a memorable dish that keeps customers coming back.

Classic German Sausage Toppings (The Holy Trio)

These toppings define traditional German sausage culture

German toppings are simple, honest and deeply rooted in regional food tradition. They don’t try to overpower the sausage — they elevate it. Each topping adds balance to the naturally savoury, smoky and juicy flavour profile of Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Krakauer and Cheese Frankfurters.

In Germany, sausage toppings aren’t an afterthought but a core part of the eating experience. Market stalls, beer gardens, football stadiums, Christmas markets and butcher shops rely on these classics because they always work, they complement the meat perfectly and customers know exactly what to expect.

Below, you’ll find the five toppings that form the foundation of traditional German sausage culture. These are the “safe bets,” the flavour combinations people crave and the toppings that make your sausages instantly taste German — whether you’re cooking at home, running a pub, operating a food truck or serving at a Christmas market.

A classic Bratwurst in a bun with mustard and crispy fried onions.

1. Mittelscharf Mustard (Classic German Mustard)

Smooth, tangy, medium heat — this is the default mustard in almost every German household and the essential topping for Bratwurst and Frankfurters. Its mild warmth cuts through the fat, enhances the smokiness and provides a clean flavour contrast without overpowering the sausage.

Why it works:

• Balances fat and salt
• Enhances the natural savouriness
• Works with ALL sausage types
• The No.1 topping in Germany

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Krakauer, Curry Pork Bratwurst.

2. Sauerkraut

Warm or cold, sauerkraut adds acidity, crunch, moisture and probiotic depth. It cuts through richness beautifully and provides a refreshing contrast to grilled sausages. While many people serve sauerkraut cold, warm sauerkraut with a little butter is the traditional German street-food version — especially at Christmas markets.

Why it works:

• Bright acidity lifts heavy flavours
• Adds texture and moisture
• Complements smoky or cheesy sausages
• Pairs perfectly with mustard

Top tip:
Warm sauerkraut with a spoon of butter until glossy — this is how German food stands do it.

3. Fried Onions (Röstzwiebeln)

Crispy fried onions are a universal favourite. They add crunch, warmth, sweetness and a toasted aroma that pairs beautifully with smoky sausages. In Germany, Röstzwiebeln are sprinkled on brat rolls, hotdogs, currywurst portions, and even on cheesy sausages.

Why they work:

• Provide a crunchy counterpoint to soft sausage
• Add sweetness to balance salt
• Give visual appeal
• Great for both classic and modern toppings

Perfect for:
Brat rolls • Footlong hotdogs • Loaded Cheese Frankfurters

4. German Curry Ketchup

The essential topping for Currywurst fans. German curry ketchup is sweeter, milder and more aromatic than standard ketchup. It blends tomato, mild curry, warm spices and a hint of vinegar into the signature Currywurst flavour.

Why it works:

• Adds warmth, sweetness and spice
• Pairs perfectly with grilled or fried Bratwurst
• Familiar and nostalgic for German customers
• Great for pubs, markets and takeaway boxes

Serving tip:
Always dust with extra curry powder after topping — that iconic yellow finish is mandatory.

5. German Pickles (Gewürzgurken)

Pickled cucumbers are an essential part of German sausage culture. Crisp, tangy and slightly sweet, they add freshness and crunch while cutting through richness. They also pair extremely well with mustard and cheese.

Why they work:

• Sharp acidity refreshes the palate
• Adds crunch and brightness
• Beautiful contrast with smoked or cheesy sausages
• Works in rolls, trays or loaded hotdogs

Serve sliced, diced or in pickle relish form.

Spicy German Sausage Toppings

German sausages are naturally rich, savoury and deeply satisfying — which makes them perfect partners for bold, spicy toppings. Heat cuts through the fattiness of Bratwurst and Frankfurters, adds contrast, wakes up the palate and creates unforgettable flavour combinations. Whether you’re serving Bratwurst, Cheese Frankfurters, Krakauer or especially your Chilli Bacon Frankfurter, spicy toppings bring energy, colour and excitement to every plate. This section showcases the best spicy German sausage toppings, why they work and how they can elevate pub menus, food-truck offerings and street-food presentations.

A gourmet German sausage loaded with jalapeños, crispy onions and a spicy topping.

6. Jalapeños

Fresh or pickled jalapeños add a bright, vinegary heat that immediately livens up any sausage dish. They provide a refreshing crunch and an acidic lift without overwhelming the core sausage flavour.

Why it works:

• Adds clean, sharp heat
• Provides crunchy texture
• Balanced acidity cuts through rich sausage fat
• Enhances visual appeal with bright green rings

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Chilli Bacon Frankfurter, Krakauer.

7. Spicy Curry Powder

A must-try for anyone who loves a hotter version of Currywurst. Dusting spicy curry powder over ketchup, mayo or house curry sauce gives instant depth, colour and aromatic intensity.

Why it works:

• Delivers heat without needing a full sauce
• Enhances ketchup, mayo and classic Currywurst sauce
• Adds colour and aroma
• Creates a signature “hot” menu option for pubs

➡ Especially good with: Curry Pork Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Bratwurst.

8. Sriracha Mayo

Creamy, spicy and slightly sweet, Sriracha mayo brings modern street-food energy to classic German sausages. It’s extremely popular in Germany now and produces striking visuals when drizzled on top.

Why it works:

• Creaminess complements smoky sausage flavour
• Adds a sweet-spicy balance
• Easy to drizzle for strong presentation
• Familiar, crowd-pleasing modern flavour

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Krakauer, Bratwurst.

9. Chilli Crisp Oil

Crunchy, smoky and packed with umami, chilli crisp oil adheres beautifully to sliced or whole sausages. It’s an unexpected but incredibly successful fusion topping.

Why it works:

• Adds crunch + heat + deep savouriness
• Clings to sausage surface for even flavour
• Brings modern Asian-fusion appeal
• Works great in loaded buns and street-food trays

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Chilli Bacon Frankfurter, Cheese Frankfurter.

Cheesy Toppings for Bratwurst & Frankfurters

German sausages are naturally savoury, smoky and deeply satisfying — which makes them the perfect canvas for rich, creamy and indulgent cheese toppings. Cheese adds warmth, depth, texture and visual appeal, turning a simple sausage into a comfort-food classic. Whether you’re serving Bratwurst, Krakauer, Frankfurters or especially Cheese Frankfurters, these cheesy toppings elevate any menu with flavour, theatre and big crowd-pleasing energy. This section showcases the best cheesy toppings, how to use them, and why they work so well with German sausages in pubs, at markets and in home kitchens.

A jumbo pork hotdog in a toasted brioche bun

10. Melted Cheddar

Warm, melty Cheddar creates an indulgent American-style topping that pairs beautifully with smoky sausages. It’s bold, colourful and instantly comforting — a guaranteed bestseller at food trucks and pubs.

Why it works:

• Strong flavour stands up to seasoned sausages
• Melts smoothly over hot Bratwurst
• Adds visual appeal and comfort-food energy
• Perfect for loaded buns and footlong hotdogs

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Krakauer, Bratwurst

11. Emmental Cheese Sauce

A smooth, nutty Emmental sauce brings a classic Swiss-German flavour profile. It’s lighter than Cheddar but still luxurious and elegant, working wonderfully in both casual and premium menu items.

Why it works:

• Nutty flavour complements smoky notes
• Silky texture coats sausages beautifully
• A natural fit for German cuisine
• Adds gourmet appeal without complicating prep

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Jumbo Smoked Pork Hotdog, Emmental Cheese Frankfurter

12. Blue Cheese Crumble

Bold, tangy and intensely aromatic, blue cheese adds a sophisticated twist to sausage dishes — especially those with smoky depth. A little goes a long way and turns any brat into a menu special.

Why it works:

• Strong contrast with smoky or spicy sausages
• Adds creamy richness and tang
• Creates premium, chef-style presentations
• Works with roasted onions or mushrooms

➡ Especially good with: Krakauer, Curry Pork Bratwurst, Bratwurst

13. Cheese & Onion Melt

A classic comfort combo melted directly onto the sausage. The sweetness of onion pairs beautifully with the richness of melted cheese, creating one of the most satisfying brat toppings imaginable.

Why it works:

• Sweet/tangy onion balances creamy cheese
• Melts perfectly over sausages in buns
• Creates texture contrast and aroma
• A huge crowd-pleaser across all age groups

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Bratwurst, Emmental Cheese Frankfurter

American-Style German Sausage Toppings

Inspired by US hotdog culture but perfect for German sausages

American hotdog toppings translate surprisingly well to German sausages — especially Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters and Krakauer. The sweetness, acidity, smokiness and creamy textures from US-style toppings bring contrast and excitement to the naturally savoury, smoky flavour of German sausages. This section explores four classic American toppings that, when used with German sausages, become even better: richer, bolder and more satisfying. These are ideal for pubs, food trucks, BBQ events and loaded hotdog menus.

A classic American hotdog topped with ketchup, mustard and relish.

14. Ketchup + Mustard + Relish

The American classic — but even better on a Bratwurst.

This trio is the most iconic US hotdog topping combination and works beautifully with German sausages because it adds layers of sweetness, tang, acidity and crunch. The mustard sharpens the sausage flavour, the ketchup adds sweetness and colour, and the relish brings a refreshing brightness that cuts through fattiness.

Why it works

• Ketchup adds sweetness and shine
• Mustard adds tang and flavour depth
• Relish adds acidity and crunch
• All three together create the perfect balanced bite
• Visually appealing and instantly recognisable

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters.

15. Caramelised Onions

Sweet melt-in-your-mouth onions with a touch of balsamic.

Slow-cooked onions bring a delicate sweetness that pairs incredibly well with smoky or grilled sausages. The balsamic adds depth and a gentle acidity that rounds out the richness of the meat, creating a gourmet hotdog feel.

Why it works

• Adds sweetness to balance salty sausages
• Soft texture contrasts crispy sausage casing
• Balsamic adds complexity and aroma
• Works in buns, trays and loaded fries
• Makes any sausage feel premium

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Krakauer, Frankfurters.

16. Crispy Bacon Bits

Because everything is better with bacon.

Bacon adds crunch, smokiness and richness — essentially doubling the savoury flavour profile. It turns any sausage dish into a loaded, indulgent American-style treat. Perfect for hearty pub servings and street-food presentation.

Why it works

• Adds crunch and texture
• Boosts smoky flavour
• Makes any dish more indulgent
• Great for loaded brats and gourmet hotdogs
• Photographs extremely well for menus & social media

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Curry Pork Bratwurst, Krakauer.

17. Diced White Onions (NYC Style)

Fresh, sharp and clean — the classic New York bite.

Finely diced white onions add freshness, sharpness and a clean crunch that contrasts beautifully with warm, juicy German sausages. They’re iconic on American hotdogs, and even better on premium Bratwurst or Krakauer.

Why it works

• Adds brightness and freshness
• Crunchy texture contrasts the sausage
• Neutral flavour lets the sausage shine
• Gives a classic NYC hotdog look
• Perfect for street-food style portions

➡ Especially good with: Krakauer, Frankfurters, Bratwurst.

Crunchy & Crispy Toppings

The texture game — elevating the eating experience

German sausages are naturally juicy, smoky and tender — which means texture contrast is essential. Adding crunch, crispiness or a light brittle element transforms every bite, making the sausage more exciting, more satisfying and more memorable. These toppings introduce contrast, balance richness, and create an irresistible “snap and crunch” moment that customers love. Ideal for pubs, food trucks, Christmas markets and anyone building loaded Bratwurst, Frankfurters or Krakauer.

18. Crispy Onions (Röstzwiebeln)

Crispy onions are the original crunch topping for German sausages — golden, aromatic and deeply savoury. They add instant flavour and bring a nostalgic German street-food feel.

Why it works:

• Adds crunch and aroma
• Balances rich and smoky sausages
• Classic German flavour pairing
• Works on rolls, trays and loaded dogs

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters

19. Fried Jalapeño Chips

Thinly sliced jalapeños fried until crisp. A mix of crunch + heat that makes any sausage instantly more exciting.

Why it works:

• Provides crunch plus spicy brightness
• Cuts through fatty or cheesy sausages
• Adds visual appeal and colour
• Great for loaded dogs and spicy menus

➡ Especially good with: Chilli Bacon Frankfurter, Krakauer

20. Potato Sticks

Inspired by Brazilian hotdogs, these ultra-crispy, thin potato sticks add a fun, unexpected crunch that pairs brilliantly with Bratwurst.

Why it works:

• Super crunchy texture
• Light, salty and addictive
• Adds height and volume for better plating
• Contrasts beautifully with tender sausage

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst in a bun, footlong Frankfurters

21. Pretzel Crumbs

A German-American fusion idea: crushed soft pretzels or pretzel buns sprinkled over a topped Bratwurst. Crunchy, salty and unmistakably German.

Why it works:

• Adds a unique German twist
• Salty crunch enhances smoky sausages
• Perfect with mustard-heavy toppings
• Great for premium or gourmet builds

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Curry Pork Bratwurst

BBQ & Grill Toppings

Perfect for summer, pubs, and backyard cooking

Grilled German sausages and BBQ toppings are a natural match. The smoky, charred edges of Bratwurst, Frankfurters and Krakauer blend beautifully with sweet, tangy or smoky BBQ flavours. These German sausage toppings add richness, texture, colour and huge visual appeal — ideal for pubs, food trucks, beer gardens and anyone looking to bring a bold, American-BBQ twist to authentic German sausage dishes. This section highlights the best BBQ toppings, why they work, and how to use them to transform simple Bratwurst into a premium menu item.

A BBQ pulled-pork hotdog topped with tender smoked pork and served street-food style.

22. BBQ Pulled Pork

Juicy, tender and slow-cooked, BBQ pulled pork is one of the most indulgent toppings you can add to a German sausage. Its smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with both classic Bratwurst and smoked Frankfurters, turning a simple hotdog into a fully loaded BBQ feast.

Why it works

• Adds richness and moisture
• Sweetness balances salty sausages
• Smoky flavour enhances grilled notes
• Creates a “premium loaded dog” feel perfect for pubs

➡ Especially good with: Smoked Frankfurter, Krakauer, Jumbo Hotdog

23. Smoky BBQ Sauce

A classic BBQ topping that instantly boosts flavour. Tangy, sweet and smoky, BBQ sauce complements sausages with a charred exterior and adds a bold glaze that looks fantastic on camera and on the plate.

Why it works

• Sweetness cuts through bratwurst fat
• Smokiness matches grilled sausages
• Adds colour and shine
• Great base layer for additional toppings

➡ Especially good with: Pork Bratwurst, Cheese Frankfurter, Smoked Pork Hotdog

24. Grilled Peppers & Onions

Soft, sweet and slightly caramelised, grilled peppers and onions are a colourful gourmet topping that brings freshness and depth to German sausages. They add visual contrast and a Mediterranean touch while staying perfectly BBQ-friendly.

Why it works

• Adds sweetness and freshness
• Balances smokiness with brightness
• Works for gourmet or “premium” menu builds
• Adds colour and visual height

➡ Especially good with: Krakauer, Bratwurst, Chilli Bacon Frankfurter

Festive Christmas Market Toppings

Christmas markets are where German sausages truly shine — smoky grills, warm spices, mulled wine in the air and comforting winter flavours everywhere. These festive German sausage toppings capture the magic of German Weihnachtsmärkte while giving pubs, caterers and food stalls a powerful way to create seasonal menu specials that photograph beautifully, attract impulse buyers and command higher prices. Warm, colourful, aromatic toppings transform Bratwurst and Frankfurters into winter bestsellers that feel nostalgic, indulgent and unmistakably festive.

25. Warm Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

A classic German winter side dish, gently braised until soft, sweet and spiced with apples, cloves and vinegar. Warm Rotkohl adds colour, depth and a cosy Christmas-market feeling to any sausage plate.

Why it works:

• Adds sweetness that balances smoky sausages
• Brings festive colour — deep purple pops in photos
• Soft texture contrasts wonderfully with crispy sausage edges
• Authentic German Christmas flavour profile

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Krakauer, Cheese Frankfurter

26. Cranberry Mustard

A beautiful British–German fusion topping combining tangy mustard with sweet-tart cranberry. It’s festive, fruity and visually striking — excellent for December menus and premium pub specials.

Why it works:

• Sweet–tart flavour brightens smoked sausages
• Adds a seasonal twist without overpowering
• Pairs perfectly with creamy or cheesy toppings
• Eye-catching red colour perfect for winter promotions

➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Smoked Frankfurter, Curry Pork Bratwurst

27. Glühwein Onions

Onions slowly simmered in mulled wine until soft, fragrant and deep purple. A true Christmas market innovation that tastes like winter in one bite.

Why it works:

• Infused with warm spices: cinnamon, cloves, star anise
• Mulled wine adds sweetness, acidity and festive aroma
• Beautiful glossy purple finish elevates presentation
• Feels premium and perfect for seasonal menus

➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Krakauer, Smoked Pork Hotdogs

Modern & Creative “Crazy” Toppings

For Instagram, TikTok, street food festivals & Pinterest pins

German sausages already deliver deep flavour, warmth and comfort — but modern street-food culture has pushed creativity far beyond the classics. This section explores bold, playful and eye-catching German sausage toppings designed for social media, food festivals and trend-driven pub menus. These ideas combine international flavours, high-impact plating and indulgent textures to create “wow” moments customers will photograph, share and remember. Use these toppings when you want your Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters or Krakauer to stand out in a crowded street-food environment and appeal to younger, flavour-adventurous audiences.

28. Kimchi + Sriracha Mayo

Korean meets German — spicy, tangy, crunchy and creamy in one bite. Kimchi adds bold acidity and fermentation, while Sriracha mayo brings silky heat and richness.

Why it works

• Fermented acidity cuts through sausage richness
• Adds heat, crunch and colour
• Perfect for fusion-themed menus
  ➡ Especially good with: Krakauer, Cheese Frankfurter, Chilli Bacon Frankfurter

29. Truffle Mayo

A luxurious, aromatic topping that instantly elevates your dish. Truffle mayo brings deep umami, creamy texture and restaurant-level sophistication.

Why it works

• Adds gourmet appeal to simple sausages
• Rich, earthy flavour complements smoky pork
• Ideal premium add-on for pubs
  ➡ Especially good with: Cheese Frankfurter, Bratwurst, Jumbo Smoked Pork Hotdog

30. Honey Mustard + Crispy Bacon

Sweet, salty, smoky — a combination that hits every craving at once. Honey mustard provides shine and tang, while crispy bacon adds crunch and umami.

Why it works

• Sweetness contrasts the savoury sausage
• Bacon adds crunch and extra smoky depth
• Visually appealing for loaded buns
  ➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Curry Pork Bratwurst, Cheese Frankfurter

31. Loaded Fries on Top

A viral street-food trend: put the fries directly on the sausage instead of on the side. Creates a loaded meal in one handheld bite.

Why it works

• Adds volume and visual drama
• Increases perceived value instantly
• Perfect for TikTok and festival-style menus
  ➡ Especially good with: Jumbo Hotdogs, Krakauer, Cheese Frankfurter

32. Garlic Aioli + Herbs

Fresh, modern and restaurant-friendly. Garlic aioli adds creamy richness while herbs brighten the dish with colour and aroma.

Why it works

• Creamy texture balances smoky sausages
• Herbs add freshness and premium presentation
• Works for gourmet menus and pubs
  ➡ Especially good with: Bratwurst, Frankfurter, Cheese Frankfurter

The Ultimate Formula for Pubs, Caterers, Food Trucks & Home BBQs

A great toppings bar transforms a simple German sausage into a full sensory experience. Whether you’re running a pub, hosting at a Christmas market, preparing for an event, or grilling in the garden, a well-designed toppings bar gives customers (or guests) the feeling of choice, creativity and abundance.

It also helps you increase perceived value without increasing food cost: toppings are inexpensive, but they make your Bratwurst, Frankfurter or Krakauer look premium, colourful and social-media-ready.

The key is structure. Many toppings bars fail because everything is thrown into one big, confusing pile. German sausages are rich, smoky and fatty — they need balance, not chaos.

This simple 4-step framework gives you the perfect balance of flavour, texture, colour, and aroma every single time.

1️⃣ Pick One Base Sauce

(The flavour foundation)

Your base is what ties the whole topping combination together. Without a base, toppings feel scattered and dry. With the right base, everything blends into one complete experience.

Why it works:

• Adds moisture and binds toppings to the sausage
• Sets the flavour profile (classic, creamy, spicy, sweet)
• Helps toppings stick to the bun and sausage
• Makes even simple sausages feel richer and more indulgent

Examples:

• German mustard (Mittelscharf) – the classic
• Curry ketchup – for Berlin-style flavours
• Mayo or garlic mayo – creamy, neutral base for bold toppings
• Cheese sauce – for indulgent American-style builds

➡ Golden rule: One base is enough. More than one makes the sausage heavy.

2️⃣ Choose One Core Topping

(The main character beyond the sausage)

The core topping defines the theme of your creation. It should be the topping that stands out visually and gives the dish its identity.

Why it works:

• Adds contrast to the sausage (sweet, sour, smoky or savoury)
• Creates volume and makes the hotdog look generously loaded
• Adds flavour complexity on top of the sausage
• Determines whether your dish leans German, American, spicy, festive, etc.

Examples:

• Sauerkraut (warm or cold)
• Caramelised onions
• Roasted peppers
• Red cabbage (Rotkohl)
• Kimchi for fusion builds

➡ Choose exactly one. More than one core topping becomes messy and confusing.

3️⃣ Add One Accent

(Small but powerful)

Accents are the “finishing touches” that elevate the whole build. They’re small, but they deliver flavour punch, colour and aroma.

Why it works:

• Adds brightness or spice
• Cuts through richness
• Adds colour contrast (important for photos & marketing)
• Creates a premium, chef-like presentation

Examples:

• Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill)
• Spices (paprika, curry powder, chilli flakes)
• Pickled elements (jalapeño slices, pickled red onions)
• Truffle salt or smoked salt

➡ Accents are flavour enhancers, not main toppings — use lightly.

4️⃣ Finish with a Crunch Element

(Texture is everything)

German sausages are juicy and soft — adding crunch creates a satisfying contrast that makes each bite more exciting.

Why it works:

• Adds irresistible texture
• Prevents the dish from feeling too soft or fatty
• Gives your hotdog a “premium street food” feel
• Makes toppings visually appealing (crispy layers look great on photos)

Examples:

• Crispy fried onions (Röstzwiebeln)
• Bacon bits
• Pretzel crumbs (very German!)
• Potato sticks
• Crispy jalapeño chips

➡ Crunch is the element people remember most — never skip it.

⭐ Why This 4-Step Formula Always Works

Because it balances everything:

• Base = creamy / tangy / spicy
• Core = flavour + volume
• Accent = freshness / aroma
• Crunch = texture

No matter what toppings you choose, if you follow this structure your German sausage will always taste balanced, premium and intentional.

About The Sausage Haüs

The Sausage Haüs is a UK supplier specialising in premium German sausages, toppings and condiments for the food industry. We work with retailers, wholesalers, pubs, caterers, Christmas market operators and street-food vendors who want authentic German flavour and consistent quality. Our selection includes Bratwurst, Frankfurters, Cheese Frankfurters, Krakauer and high-quality hotdogs — all produced with genuine German butchery know-how and distributed across the UK through trusted partners.

Conclusion

German sausage toppings aren’t just extras — they define the entire eating experience. Whether it’s classic sauerkraut and mustard, crispy onions, spicy sauces or creative gourmet combinations, the right toppings elevate Bratwurst, Frankfurters and Krakauer from simple sausages to memorable meals. For pubs, caterers and Christmas markets, offering well-chosen toppings increases flavour, improves presentation and boosts menu value. A great German sausage toppings experience always includes thoughtful, flavour-driven toppings.