Oktoberfest is that magical time of year where oompah bands, carnival rides, pretzels the size of steering wheels, and ill-advised lederhosen converge on park grounds around the world. But from Munich to Cincinnati, the real headliner is what's on your plate. Sausage and beer have been showing up together for longer than anyone's been keeping track, and there's a good reason the pairing never goes out of style.
It's all about balance. Beer's carbonation cuts through sausage's richness like a knife through warm butter. Its bitterness offsets fat. Its maltiness picks up spice and char. And in return, sausage gives beer a savory canvas to show off its complexity.
Like peanut butter and jelly, biscuits and gravy, or Cheez Whiz and Philadelphia, these two are simply better together. Whether you're hoisting a liter in a beer hall or crushing cans at your neighbor's backyard cookout, here's how to get the most out of one of dining's greatest duos during Oktoberfest season.
How Beer Makes Sausage Better
Beer isn't just sausage's favorite drinking buddy—it's also a secret weapon in the kitchen. Use a malty Märzen or a nutty brown ale as a braising liquid for your next sausage dish, and you'll build layers of flavor, from toasty caramel to deep, savory umami. Bonus: your kitchen will smell like a five-star beer sauna.
Beer does wonders for sausage's supporting cast, too. Spicy beer mustard adds earthy zing to any brat. Pub-style beer cheese blends molten cheddar with smooth lager for the ultimate dip. Beer batter makes onion rings shatteringly crisp. Dark ales give braised cabbage extra depth. Even sauerkraut sometimes gets a splash of beer during cooking to round out the funk with a touch of sweetness—see our Seattle Dog's IPA-spiked sauerkraut for proof.
Oktoberfest only lasts a couple of weeks (including, confusingly, September), but sausage and beer are a year-round arrangement. The pairings are as endless as the varieties of sausage in the world... but naturally, we’re partial to chicken sausage.
Our Favorite Chicken Sausage and Beer Pairings
Ready to get cooking? Here's what to pour with each of our chicken sausages as you celebrate Oktoberfest.
Italian Herb Chicken Sausage
Pair it with: A bold, herbaceous West Coast-style IPA
Bursting with basil, sweet fennel, and fiery Calabrian chilies, Italian Herb Chicken Sausage is basically begging for something bold to match its vibe—like a dank, piney, boozy IPA. The beer's hop-forward bitterness plays beautifully with the sausage's herbs and spice. Try it split on an hoagie roll with peppers and onions (recipe here) for a sandwich that can hang with any 7% ABV giant.
Classic Roasted Chicken Sausage
Pair it with: A smooth, toasty Schwarzbier
Don't let the darkness fool you. Schwarzbier may look like a stout, but it's a lager through and through: crisp, clean, and shockingly crushable. That makes it an ideal wingman for Classic Roasted Chicken Sausage. The link is loaded with savory depth and black pepper warmth, while the beer's subtle cocoa and toastiness cut through the richness without stealing the spotlight. Toss those sausages on the grill for a little extra char, and you're golden.
Melty Cheddar Chicken Sausage
Pair it with: A bright Helles or crisp Kölsch
Melty cheddar folded into juicy chicken? Yes, please. This sausage is rich and cheesy, so you'll want a beer that refreshes without drowning out the flavor. A slightly sweet Helles or clean-drinking Kölsch brings balance, with just enough fizz and snap to slice through the gooey goodness. Bonus points for serving it with a soft pretzel (or, better yet, inside one) and a side of beer cheese.
Make Your Own Sausage and Beer Pairings
Sausage and beer may have found fame in Bavaria, but the pairing travels well. Think spicy chorizo with a crisp Mexican lager, or smoky andouille with a malty American brown ale. Nearly every food culture has landed on its own version of this balancing act, which is proof that good taste, like good beer, only gets better when it's shared.
Even better? You don't need a festival to start experimenting. No polka band or pretzel necklace required. Crack a cold one, grill up your favorite sausage, and taste why this duo never misses.