Sauerkraut, Sausages and Beer: Build Your Own Oktoberfest Feast

Why fly to Munich when you can throw your own Oktoberfest right at home? All you need are some juicy sausages, tangy sauerkraut, and a few cold beers. So fire up the grill, crack open a pilsner, and let’s turn your backyard (or kitchen) into the ultimate Bavarian bash – lederhosen are optional!

Sausages Headline the Show

At the heart of any Oktoberfest meal is sausage, and Brandt delivers a nice lineup for your celebration. You can find these in our Deli. Let’s start with their knackwurst for an authentic Oktoberfest vibe. This blend of pork and beef is hardwood smoked and mildly seasoned with a traditional blend of spices.

Or try their smoked farmer’s sausage. This robust sausage has a coarse texture, also hardwood smoked, but well-seasoned with garlic. Another great option is Brandt’s Muenchner Weisswurst, crafted with pork and seasoned with parsley and lemon.

Of course, October weather can be dodgy, so you may want to fry your sausages inside – but I prefer the BBQ. So if the weather co-operates (or you don’t mind braving the elements), grill your sausages until nicely seared on the outside – and juicy inside – and then serve on a bun with mustard. Or go classic and pair them with a soft pretzel and a dollop of spicy mustard on the side.

Hengstenberg Sauerkraut is a Popular Choice

No Oktoberfest meal is complete without sauerkraut, and Hengstenberg is typically my go-to for authentic flavour. This slightly tangy, fermented cabbage is surprisingly mild, and the perfect companion to your sausages – either on top or on the side.

For an added touch of flavor, try warming the sauerkraut in the same pan as your sausages, letting it absorb some of those rich drippings. The result? A slightly caramelized, savoury side that perfectly complements the smoky and tender sausages on your plate.

Pair with a Crisp Pilsner

What would Oktoberfest be without beer? Although not mandatory, a crisp pilsener or other hoppy German beer makes an excellent pairing with the sausages and sauerkraut. The refreshing bitterness balances the rich, savoury flavors of the sausages, while cutting through the tang of the sauerkraut.

A few options at our some of our stores include the following:

Veltins Pilsener from Germany has a long history dating back to 1824. It offers light citrus notes and a slight nuttiness, with the distinct hoppy bitterness common to pilseners.

Bellweiser may not be from Germany, but it is a more local take on an ‘old world’ German pilsner. It is crisp and clean, with a signature touch of hop bitterness alongside light malt and floral notes.

Dortmunder Export may not be a pilsener, but this pale, bottom-fermented blond lager from Germany is another worthy accompaniment to your Oktoberfest feast. It is nicely balanced, crisp and easy-to-drink, with pleasing notes of hops and malt.

A Few Extras for your Feast

To complete your Oktoberfest, Vince’s has a few extras to really round out the experience. Like some freshly baked pretzels from our Bakery, or a tub of creamy potato salad from our Deli. And for dessert? How about a slab of apple strudel or a Black Forest cake for a sweet, festive finish.

So there you have it – your own Oktoberfest without the plane ticket or the crowded beer tents. Just grab these few basics and you’re all set. Now raise your glass, shout “Prost!”, and enjoy the best kind of celebration—the one you can do at home with family and friends.

— Neil