Pumpernickel bread is a dark, dense bread with a slightly sweet flavor that has been popular in Germany for centuries. It’s made from coarsely ground rye flour and often contains caraway or other spices. It pairs well with many different dishes, so it’s perfect for entertaining or just enjoying at home.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to serve with pumpernickel bread, look no further! I’ve rounded up 25 of the best side dishes that pair perfectly with this unique and delicious loaf.
What To Serve With Pumpernickel Bread?
Pumpernickel Bread is best served with savory toppings and accompaniments such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, lox, tomatoes, red onions and fresh herbs. It can also be paired with sweet spreads like honey butter or jams. To drink, a good beer or white wine goes well with Pumpernickel Bread.
1. Roasted Vegetables
In the summer months, you can’t go wrong with serving roasted vegetables with pumpernickel bread. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables like carrots and bell peppers and adds an extra layer of flavor. Serve the vegetables on top of your pumpernickel bread for a light and flavorful meal.
2. Potato Salad
Whether you’re having a picnic or just want a side dish for your pumpernickel bread, potato salad is always a great choice. With its creamy dressing and mix of potatoes, pickles, eggs, and other vegetables, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
3. Soup
Any kind of soup is a great accompaniment to pumpernickel bread. Just make sure you choose a broth-based soup as opposed to a cream-based one. Broth-based soups like vegetables, tomato, or minestrone are great for dunking your pumpernickel bread and adding flavor to it.
4. Baked Beans
Baked beans and pumpernickel bread are a match made in heaven. The savory flavor of the beans and the sweetness of the pumpernickel combine to create a delicious and filling meal. Serve your baked beans on top of the bread or alongside it for dipping.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Surprisingly, grilled cheese sandwiches go great with pumpernickel bread. The sharpness of the cheese and the sweetness of the bread work together to create a flavor combination that you won’t forget. Top your sandwich with tomatoes, avocados, or bacon for extra flavor.
6. German Potato Pancakes
German potato pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are a classic German side dish. They’re made of grated potatoes that are mixed with flour, eggs, and spices and then fried until golden brown. Serve these pancakes alongside your pumpernickel bread for a truly German meal.
7. Pickled Onions or Beets
Moving on from the traditional, pickled onions or beets make a great topping for pumpernickel bread. The tanginess of the pickles pairs well with the sweetness of the bread for an unforgettable flavor combination.
8. Cucumber and Dill Canapés
When entertaining, canapés are a must. And what could be better than cucumber and dill canapés served with pumpernickel bread? These finger sandwiches are light and refreshing, making them perfect for summertime get-togethers.
9. Smoked Salmon with Capers and Cream Cheese Spread
If you’re looking for a more substantial side dish, smoked salmon with capers and cream cheese spread is the perfect accompaniment to pumpernickel bread. The rich flavor of the salmon, the tanginess of the capers, and the creaminess of the cream cheese all combine to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
10. Egg Salad with Parsley and Mustard Mayo
One of the most popular side dishes to eat with pumpernickel bread is egg salad. The combination of soft-boiled eggs, fresh parsley, and creamy mustard mayo creates a flavor profile that’s sure to please.
11. Cold Salads such as Caesar, Waldorf or Tabbouleh.
Although a bit more traditional than other sides, salads are a great pairing with pumpernickel bread. Whether you opt for the classic Caesar or a light and tangy Waldorf or tabbouleh, these salads are sure to make your meal complete.
12. Hummus
Have you ever tried hummus with pumpernickel bread? The earthiness of the hummus and the sweetness of the pumpernickel combine to create a flavor combination that you won’t soon forget. Serve your hummus with some freshly cut vegetables for dipping and you have a delicious, light lunch.
13. Roasted Red Pepper Dip
If you are looking for a dip to go with your pumpernickel bread, roasted red pepper dip is a great choice. The smokiness of the peppers and the sweetness of the pumpernickel are an unbeatable combination.
14. Olive Tapenade
What if you want something a bit more robust? An Olive tapenade is an excellent option. Tangy olives, capers, and anchovies are blended together for a savory spread that goes perfectly with pumpernickel bread.
15. Feta and Tomato Salad
Coming up with the perfect side dish for pumpernickel can be a challenge. But one thing’s for sure — feta and tomato salad is a classic that you can’t go wrong with. The creaminess of the feta and the sweetness of the tomato pair perfectly with pumpernickel bread.
16. Caramelized Onion and Apple Salsa
For a bright, sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with pumpernickel bread, you can’t go wrong with caramelized onion and apple salsa. Sweet apples, onions, and a hint of spice create a flavor combination that you won’t soon forget.
17. Apple Compote with Toasted Walnuts
When it comes to dessert, apple compote with toasted walnuts is a must. The sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the walnuts are an unbeatable combination. Serve this compote with pumpernickel bread for a truly delightful treat.
18. Brie Cheese with Honey
For a truly decadent side dish, nothing beats brie cheese with honey. The creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey pair perfectly with pumpernickel bread for an unforgettable meal.
19. Cinnamon-Sugar Butter
Give me a slice of pumpernickel bread and a pat of cinnamon-sugar butter, and I’m in heaven. The combination is like no other — sweet and spicy, with a hint of buttery goodness. And the best part? It’s easy to make!
20. Cream Cheese with Jam
Who doesn’t love the classic combination of cream cheese and jam? Spread a layer of cream cheese on your pumpernickel bread, top it with your favorite fruit jam, and enjoy the sweet and tangy taste!
21. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is the perfect side dish for pumpernickel bread. The creaminess of the avocado pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet flavor of the bread. Top it with some fresh vegetables for a light and refreshing meal.
22. Garlic-Herb Cream Cheese
Whereas cream cheese is a classic topping for pumpernickel bread, garlic-herb cream cheese takes it to the next level. The combination of creamy cream cheese, garlic, and herbs is sure to please any palate.
23. Caramelized Onion Spread
Looking for something a bit more savory? Caramelized onion spread is a perfect choice. Sweet onions, herbs, and a hint of spice create a flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Serve it with pumpernickel bread for an unforgettable meal.
24. Egg Salad
Egg salad is a classic sandwich filling — and it also pairs wonderfully with pumpernickel bread. The creamy egg salad contrasts perfectly with the sweet bread, creating a flavor combination that’s truly unforgettable.
25. Honey-Mustard Dip
Finally, no list of pumpernickel bread accompaniments would be complete without a honey-mustard dip. Sweet and tangy, this simple dip creates an unbeatable combination with pumpernickel bread.
Conclusion
From egg salad to apple compote with toasted walnuts, there are plenty of sides that pair perfectly with pumpernickel bread.
The key is finding the right combination of flavors and textures that will bring out the best in your meal. Whether you’re looking for something light or savory, sweet or tangy, one thing’s for sure — these 25 side dishes will make any pumpernickel-based meal complete!
So don’t be afraid to get creative and try some new combinations – you never know what amazing flavor profiles you can create when pairing different ingredients together.
With a little bit of experimentation and creativity, you’ll soon find yourself creating delicious meals using this classic German staple as its base. Bon Appetit!
