Jaeger sauce (mushroom gravy) and lemony cream sauce are two of the best matches for schnitzel. You can also pair it with simple pan gravy, dill cream sauce, or a bright lingonberry or cranberry sauce for contrast.
We'll also look into why certain sauces pair better than others and how you can step up the flavor with a few simple additions.
So let's dive right in and get you that perfect schnitzel side dish.
12 Ideal Sauces to Pair with Schnitzel
Adding a sauce or two to a plate of schnitzel can turn it into a complete meal.
Sauces also add flavor, texture, and color to the dish.
This makes the schnitzel go farther and helps you serve something both attractive and delicious.
In addition, some sauces can even help cool down the crispy fried schnitzel if it's too hot.
Many sauces pair extremely well with schnitzel, including sweet and sour ones such as tartar sauce or horseradish mayo, while others will go with the taste of the meat itself.
The possibilities are endless - from creamy bechamel sauce to traditional wine-based German sauces, like Zigeuner sauce or gravy.
Popular Sauce Choices for Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a classic German fried cutlet that pairs best with flavorful sauces.
From the Bavarian classic Sptzle cheese sauce to more creative and unique sauces like a creamy tarragon beurre blanc and garlic-herb Winezeug, these 12 sauces will turn your Schnitzel into a great dish.
Whether you're looking for traditional or something more modern, these recipes will help you create an unforgettable meal.
1. Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce is a good match for schnitzel.
This sweet, tangy sauce combines flavors of tart vinegar and sweet brown sugar for a balanced taste that complements schnitzel's crunchy breadcrumb coating.
Typically made from lime, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, this delicious Asian-inspired sauce is great for drizzling over chicken schnitzel or as a dipping side for pork or veal schnitzel.
It can also be served as a dip for other dishes like fries, onion rings, and vegetables.
Sweet and sour sauce has a mild spice level making it a great choice for those who don't prefer too much heat on their food.
Make your own version at home by combining equal parts of lemon juice and brown sugar in a pan until it reaches the desired consistency.
Add some soy sauce and adjust to taste by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
It's an easy way to make an irresistible accompaniment to your favorite schnitzel dishes.
2. Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a great choice for schnitzel.
It has a strong smoky flavor which can add an extra depth to your favorite schnitzel recipe.
Choose from classic barbecue sauces, or if you're feeling adventurous, explore the world of international barbecue sauces for unique flavors like chipotle and Thai.
You can also use variations on the classic BBQ flavors such as spicy guava or tamarind glazes.
Be sure to adjust the sugar levels in the sauce, depending on how sweet or savory you want it to be, before serving the schnitzel with it.
If you are using store-bought sauce, consider adding some freshly chopped herbs or spices to create a custom flavor that is perfect for your schnitzel dish.
3. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is the perfect choice for adding some heat to the classic German schnitzel dish.
Try adding your favorite brand to the pan when you're frying, or serve a few containers on the side so that everyone can choose which type they prefer.
This is an especially tasty way to make a piquant version of schnitzel that will be sure to tempt palate.
Hot sauce can also be used to whip up a quick and easy marinade or dip by mixing it into some plain yogurt, mayonnaise, sour cream or melted butter.
As with any sauce, it's important to taste it first before serving and adjust accordingly.
4. Salsa
Salsa is a great topping to add some Mexican flair to your Schnitzel.
This sauce is incredibly versatile as you can choose from a wide variety of ingredients and levels of spiciness.
You may also use store-bought salsa for a quick and easy topping; just be sure to check the ingredients and nutrition facts.
Homemade salsa gives you much more control over the ingredients, which allows you to adjust it according to your personal taste preferences.
To make this sauce, combine fresh diced tomatoes with onions, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic cloves and jalapenos (or other peppers) together in a bowl.
Mix everything together until fully combined.
Adjust the amounts depending on how spicy or mild you would like your salsa to be.
Then simply spread it over your schnitzel before serving.
5. Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese-style sauce which goes well with schnitzel.
This sweet and savory glaze consists of mirin, sugar, sake, and soy sauce which is cooked together for a few minutes until it becomes glossy and thick.
The finished teriyaki sauce can be used as a marinade or basting ingredient for grilled chicken or fish.
When served with schnitzel it gives the dish an Asian twist that is sure to tempt your palate.
6. White Sauce
Similar to what you might find on Wiener schnitzel at a traditional German restaurant, white sauce is made with butter, flour, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.
Once the ingredients are cooked and combined together in a pan - the creamy sauce that is created goes well with schnitzel.
It's best served with a zesty squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to give it an extra kick of flavor.
White sauces can also be spiced up with some added freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon or ground cloves to give it a little twist.
Additionally, you can always get creative and try adding some chopped parsley or freshly chopped chives for some added color and flavor.
7. Cheese Sauce
Adding a creamy, cheesy sauce can make for a truly delicious schnitzel experience.
Cheese sauce is a béchamel, or white sauce, with shredded cheese added.
Gruyere, Swiss and sharp cheddar cheeses are all great options and often used together to add layers of flavor and texture.
Start by melting butter in a pan then stirring in an equal amount of flour to form a thick paste.
Slowly add warm milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens then stir in the grated cheese and seasonings to taste.
This will make enough sauce to generously top four schnitzels - simply heat it up right before serving and spoon over your fried steaks before digging in.
8. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce can be a great accompaniment to schnitzel.
It is important to choose the right variety of tomato sauce when making schnitzel.
For example, a simple tomato and basil sauce can add an interesting flavor that goes with the crispy texture of fried schnitzel well.
If you're looking for something a bit more flavorful, try adding garlic or chili flakes to your tomato sauce for some extra kick.
You could even try adding some fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme if you are wanting something even more aromatic.
Whether homemade or store-bought, any variety of tomato sauce will work well with schnitzel for an easy and delicious meal.
9. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
Aji Verde is a classic sauce from Peru that is often served with Peruvian style fried chicken.
It's made by combining a blended mix of green herbs and spices such as jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, lime, and olive oil.
This bright and tangy sauce goes well with schnitzel and its contrasting flavors bring out all of the great flavors in the crust.
Serve it with french fries or homemade potato wedges for an amazing meal.
10. Ketchup
Ketchup may come as a surprise on a list of traditional sauces served with schnitzel, it can also be an ideal accompaniment.
Ketchup is sweet and sour tomato sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
The combination of the tangy sweetness from the ketchup mixed with the crunchy texture of the fried schnitzel makes for an enjoyable dish.
Furthermore, this most commonly used condiment can be found in almost any household.
Ketchup is an easy addition to the plate that will quickly become a fan favorite if you give it a chance.
11. Homemade Yellow Mustard
Homemade yellow mustard is a good addition to your Schnitzel.
This condiment is a simple mix of mustard seeds, vinegar, oil, and spices.
It has an almost magically versatile flavor that can add just the right amount of zing to your schnitzel.
You can find pre-made store-bought mixes for convenience or you can make it from scratch using whole mustard seeds and spices.
To make your own yellow mustard, start by extracting oil from the seeds: grind them lightly and then heat them on low for about five minutes until fragrant.
Gently simmer white wine vinegar with some oil, then add your freshly ground powder and let it stew for 15 minutes.
Lower the heat and add salt, sugar (optional), more oil, turmeric powder (for color), and other spices as desired.
Let it cool before serving. Enjoy it on its own or as a condiment to complement your schnitzel dish.
12. Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a classic accompaniment to Schnitzel and other dishes that are deep-fried or pan-fried.
Not only does tartar sauce add another layer of flavor, but it helps to balance the crispy coating of the Schnitzel.
A common store-bought version of tartar sauce is equal parts mayonnaise, pickle relish and mustard.
However, there are many variations on the traditional recipe that use capers, onions, garlic, parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Whether you're adding some simple condiments to your at-home meal or ordering a traditional schnitzel dish at a restaurant, tartar sauce should definitely not be forgotten.
How to Select Schnitzel Sauces
Shnitzel is a popular dish enjoyed by many and there are many sauces that can be served with it to add flavor.
The 12 sauces listed above are all great dishes and each provide something unique to improve the flavor of this classic dish.
Whether you're looking for something light and fruity or strong and savory, there is sure to be a sauce to tempt your palate.
Try choosing two or three of the Sauces listed here for variety, or pick just one for a more traditional approach.
Serve the sauce on top of the Schnitzel or use it as a dip, depending on what works best with your particular dish.
No matter how you serve it up, the right sauce will make your Schnitzel even more scrumptious.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite ingredient from the range available in this article.
- Collect all the necessary items to make the recipe.
- Use the instructions provided to prepare a delicious dish in 30 minutes or less.
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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →The best sides for What Sauce Goes with Schnitzel balance its main flavors - think roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a starchy base like rice or potatoes. The right pairing enhances the whole meal.
Yes - many great sides for What Sauce Goes with Schnitzel can be prepped hours in advance. Grain salads, roasted vegetables, and slaws actually improve as they sit and absorb seasoning.
Most roasted and grain-based sides reheat well - store them separately and warm in the oven at low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
Yes - cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad are all low-carb options that feel satisfying without the starch.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
