As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of fall than with a taste of Germany’s rich culinary heritage. Oktoberfest, the world-famous beer festival, is just around the corner, and we’re excited to share 20 savory recipes that will transport you straight to the heart of Bavaria.
From classic pretzels and bratwurst to hearty stews and sweet treats, these traditional German dishes are sure to become instant favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned Oktoberfest enthusiast or just looking for some new flavors to add to your fall repertoire, this collection has something for everyone. So grab a cold beer and get ready to indulge in the delicious tastes of Germany’s most iconic festival!
Bavarian Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip
These soft and buttery pretzel bites are perfectly paired with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Beer cheese dip ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Divide the dough into 12-15 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Place pretzel bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each bite.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Beer Cheese Dip:
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup beer (any style)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Serve with warm pretzel bites.
German Bratwurst with Mustard and Sauerkraut
This recipe brings together the traditional flavors of Germany, combining juicy bratwurst sausages with tangy mustard and sweet sauerkraut. Perfect for a casual gathering or outdoor celebration.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 German-style bratwurst sausages
– 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 4 hoagie rolls or buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the bratwurst sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
4. Add the sauerkraut and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
5. Split the hoagie rolls and toast on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble by placing a grilled bratwurst sausage on each roll, topping with sauerkraut mixture and finishing with a dollop of mustard.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beer-Braised Pork Knuckles (Schweinshaxe)
A hearty German-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night, this recipe braises pork knuckles in a rich beer and spice mixture until tender and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork knuckles (about 1.5 kg/3.3 lbs each)
– 2 liters/67.6 oz dark beer (such as bock or stout)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°C/300°F.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine beer, brown sugar, caraway seeds, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add pork knuckles to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Homemade Soft Pretzels with Spicy Mustard
Get ready to satisfy your snack cravings with these soft, buttery pretzels topped with a spicy kick. Perfect for game day gatherings or as a tasty treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Spicy mustard (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces. Roll each piece into a pretzel shape. Place on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with spicy mustard for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Creamy German Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat)
This classic German potato salad recipe combines tender potatoes, tangy vinegar, and rich cream for a creamy and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon mustard
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet, stirring gently to coat with the sauce.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the potatoes are well coated.
6. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the salad has thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley Butter
Elevate the humble schnitzel by topping it with a bright and citrusy lemon butter, infused with fresh parsley. This simple yet elegant twist on a classic dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork or veal cutlets
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. Dip each cutlet in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the schnitzel for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, softened butter, and chopped parsley.
5. Serve the schnitzel with the lemon-butter sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total (including prep and cooking time).
Beer and Cheddar Soup with Pretzel Croutons
Warm up on a chilly day with this creamy, savory soup that combines the richness of cheddar cheese with the crispness of pretzels. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beer (any style)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pretzel rods, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (5 minutes).
2. Add beer and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Toss pretzel pieces with butter until coated. Spread on baking sheet; bake until golden brown (10-12 minutes).
6. Ladle soup into bowls and top with pretzel croutons.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Pork Loin with Caraway and Apples
Roasted Pork Loin with Caraway and Apples Recipe
This hearty recipe combines the tender flavor of pork loin with the warm spices of caraway and the sweetness of apples, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground caraway seeds
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork loin on a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast the pork loin for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. After the first 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced apples to the pan and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
7. Remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours for a 1-2 pound pork loin.
German-style Mustard Roasted Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this savory and aromatic recipe that combines the flavors of Germany’s famous mustard with the comfort of a classic roasted chicken. The result is a juicy, golden-brown bird with a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp German-style mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Baste the chicken with chicken broth and white wine (if using) every 20 minutes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Käsespätzle (German Cheese Noodles)
This hearty noodle dish is a staple of German cuisine, made with spätzle (homemade noodles), melted cheese, and onions. Käsespätzle is an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup grated Emmental or Cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spätzle according to package instructions or make your own using a spätzlepresse.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add the grated cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Add the cooked spätzle to the skillet and toss with the cheese mixture until well combined.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beer-Marinated Grilled Sausages
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of beer-marination with the smokiness of grilled sausages.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 sausages (any variety, such as bratwurst or Italian-style)
– 1 cup beer
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together beer, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika.
3. Add sausages to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Let sausages marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove sausages from marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides and condiments.
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Tart (Zwiebelkuchen)
This classic German tart is a perfect blend of sweet caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and flaky pastry. A delicious dessert or snack that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add butter to the same skillet and sauté the onions for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Roll out the pastry dough and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Arrange the cooked onions, crispy bacon, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling and brush with ice-cold water.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
A classic dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with a flaky pastry crust and topped with a rich vanilla sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup vanilla sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place sliced apples in the center, leaving a 1-inch border.
3. Sprinkle sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the apples.
4. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush melted butter over the pastry.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with vanilla sauce.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Black Forest Ham and Swiss Sliders
Elevate your slider game with these savory bites featuring rich Black Forest ham and melted Swiss cheese on toasted buns.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Black Forest ham, thinly sliced
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 8-10 small hamburger buns (toasted)
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Lettuce leaves
– Optional: pickles, onions, or tomato
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Assemble the sliders by spreading a layer of Dijon mustard on each toasted bun, followed by a few slices of Black Forest ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
3. Grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
4. Top with lettuce leaves and any desired toppings (pickles, onions, or tomato).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering recipe for beer-battered onion rings! The combination of sweet onions, crispy batter, and a hint of hops will have you hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup beer (any style)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and spices.
2. Gradually add beer, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Dip onion rings into batter, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry battered onion rings for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total.
German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
This traditional German side dish is a staple at many holiday meals and celebrations, particularly on Christmas Eve. With its sweet and tangy flavor profile, it pairs well with roasted meats, potatoes, and bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of red cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and cook until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Soft Bavarian Dumplings (Semmelknödel)
This traditional German recipe yields soft, fluffy dumplings that pair perfectly with hearty stews and soups. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this comforting treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup semolina flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add in the lukewarm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into small portions (about the size of a golf ball).
5. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into disk shape.
6. Cook the dumplings in boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. Remove from water with a slotted spoon and serve hot. If desired, brush with melted butter and top with beaten egg.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Beer and Garlic Butter Shrimp
Grilled Beer and Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe Summary: Elevate your shrimp game with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of beer, savory garlic butter, and succulent grilled shrimp. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup beer (any style)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, combine butter, garlic, and beer. Bring mixture to a simmer over low heat; cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Brush shrimp with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
4. Serve shrimp hot with garlic butter sauce spooned over top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total (5 minutes prep + 7 minutes grilling)
Dark Chocolate Stout Cake
Moist dark chocolate cake meets the deep flavors of stout beer in this indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. With a hint of coffee and a velvety texture, this cake is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup stout beer (such as Guinness)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, stout beer, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Allow to cool slightly before folding into the cake batter.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Traditional Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread)
Experience the authentic flavors of Germany with this classic recipe for Lebkuchen, a soft and spicy gingerbread cookie that’s perfect for snacking or as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, honey, almonds, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat in eggs and butter until well combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest with these deliciously traditional recipes! From savory snacks like Bavarian Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip and German Bratwurst with Mustard and Sauerkraut, to hearty meals like Beer-Braised Pork Knuckles (Schweinshaxe) and Roasted Pork Loin with Caraway and Apples. You’ll also find sweet treats like Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce and Dark Chocolate Stout Cake. Plus, many more dishes to satisfy your cravings! Try these authentic German recipes for a taste of Oktoberfest in the comfort of your own home.
