15 German Recipes to Savor at Home

15 German Recipes to Savor at Home

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

German cuisine offers a delightful mix of hearty and comforting dishes. Exploring these recipes allows you to experience traditional flavors and cooking techniques that have been loved for generations. From savory meats to sweet pastries, German recipes can bring a taste of culture and warmth to your table.

A table set with traditional German dishes, including sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, and beer steins

Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, there’s something for everyone. You can impress your family and friends with delicious meals that are both simple and satisfying. Get ready to discover the joys of cooking German dishes that will enrich your culinary repertoire.

1) Sauerbraten

A table set with sauerbraten, red cabbage, and potato dumplings. A steaming pot of sauerbraten simmers on the stove

Sauerbraten is a classic German pot roast that is known for its tender and flavorful meat. It is typically made from tougher cuts of beef, like rump roast or bottom round. The key to its taste is the marinade, which usually contains vinegar, spices, and sometimes even gingersnaps.

The meat must be marinated for several days to really soak up the flavors. Once it’s ready, you slow-cook the roast until it’s perfectly tender. Sauerbraten is often served with gravy, which adds richness to the dish.

Ingredients

  • 4-5 pounds (1.8-2.3 kg) beef roast
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Spices (bay leaves, peppercorns, etc.)
  • Gingersnaps (optional for gravy)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix vinegar, water, onion, garlic, and spices in a large bowl.
  2. Submerge the beef in the marinade and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
  3. Remove the beef and pat dry.
  4. Brown the roast on all sides in a pot.
  5. Pour the marinade over the roast and simmer for about 2 hours (around 175°C/350°F) until tender.

2) Schnitzel

A sizzling schnitzel frying in a pan, surrounded by herbs and spices

Schnitzel is a classic German dish that features thin slices of meat, usually pork, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden. This dish has a crispy outside and tender meat inside, making it a favorite for many.

To get started, you will need boneless pork chops or cutlets. You will also need flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for coating. Many people enjoy adding lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Cooking schnitzel involves a few simple steps. First, pound the meat to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick for even cooking. Then, dip the pork into flour, followed by egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Fry the coated meat in oil heated to 330-350°F (165-175°C) until golden brown on both sides.

Ingredients

  • Boneless pork chops or cutlets
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Pound the pork to ¼ inch thick.
  2. Set up three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each piece of meat in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat oil to 330-350°F (165-175°C).
  5. Fry the schnitzel until golden brown on both sides.
  6. Drain on a wire rack before serving.

3) Bratwurst

A sizzling bratwurst cooks on a grill, surrounded by traditional German ingredients like sauerkraut, mustard, and pretzels

Bratwurst is a popular German sausage known for its rich flavors. Made mainly from pork, it can also include other meats like beef or veal. The sausages are seasoned with spices like nutmeg, marjoram, and garlic.

To prepare bratwurst, you can grill, pan-fry, or boil them. Grilling is common and gives a nice smoky flavor. Serve them with bread rolls, mustard, and sauerkraut for a tasty meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork
  • 200 g pork fat
  • 18 g salt
  • 2 g black pepper
  • 0.5 g allspice
  • 2 g marjoram
  • Crushed ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Dice the pork and fat, then freeze for about 45 minutes.
  2. Combine the meat, fat, and crushed ice in a bowl.
  3. Grind the mixture through a 1/4 inch (6mm) die.
  4. Form into sausage links.
  5. Grill or cook until fully heated, about 160°F (70°C).

4) Spaetzle

A chef prepares traditional German spaetzle in a rustic kitchen setting. The dough is being pressed through a spaetzle maker into boiling water

Spaetzle are tasty little German egg noodles that you can make easily at home. They are often served as a side dish with meats and sauces. You can enjoy them with gravy or even with cheese.

To make spaetzle, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The dough is easy to mix, and you can shape the noodles by hand or use a spaetzle maker. After boiling, they cook quickly and become soft and chewy.

You can add spices or herbs to customize the flavor. If you have leftovers, they freeze well and can be reheated easily.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
  2. Beat eggs and add them to the flour mixture.
  3. Stir in water until smooth.
  4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  5. Drop dough into boiling water using a spaetzle maker or spoon.
  6. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they float.
  7. Drain and serve hot.

5) Sauerkraut

A wooden table with a spread of sauerkraut, sausages, and potatoes. A steaming pot and a vintage cookbook lie nearby

Sauerkraut is a traditional German dish made from fermented cabbage. It is tangy and full of probiotics, making it a healthy choice. You can enjoy it as a side dish or mix it into other recipes.

To make authentic German sauerkraut, you’ll need just a few ingredients. While it can take weeks to ferment, the flavors are well worth the wait. This dish pairs nicely with sausages, potatoes, or even on sandwiches.

You can also enhance store-bought sauerkraut with onions, apples, or spices for extra flavor. Cooking it can tone down its tartness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • Optional: spices, apple, onion

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Shred the cabbage into thin strips.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cabbage with salt.
  3. Pack the cabbage tightly into a jar or container.
  4. Allow it to ferment at room temperature for 1-3 weeks.
  5. Taste it regularly until it reaches your desired flavor.

6) Black Forest Cake

A table set with a decadent Black Forest Cake surrounded by fresh cherries and chocolate shavings

Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert that many people love. It combines rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries for a delightful treat. The cake gets its unique flavor from Kirschwasser, a cherry brandy.

To create this delicious cake, you can layer moist chocolate cake with cherry filling and plenty of whipped cream. The contrast of flavors and textures makes each bite special.

Baking a Black Forest Cake at home will impress your guests and give you a chance to show off your baking skills.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cherry filling
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • Kirschwasser (if desired)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour two round cake pans.
  3. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in boiling water until combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes; cool completely.
  8. Layer cake with cherry filling and whipped cream.
  9. Optionally, drizzle with Kirschwasser before serving.

7) Rouladen

A table set with traditional German ingredients: thin beef slices, bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles, ready for making Rouladen

Rouladen is a classic German dish that features thinly sliced beef rolled around tasty fillings. You can use ingredients like onions, pickles, mustard, and bacon to create a flavorful combination. This dish is often enjoyed during special occasions and is loved for its rich taste.

To prepare rouladen, start by flattening the beef slices and adding your filling. Roll them up tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed. Cooking them in a savory broth brings out the flavors, making the beef tender and moist.

Serve your rouladen with sides like spaetzle or red cabbage. This meal is perfect for impressing your family or guests!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 4 strips bacon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups beef broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lay the beef slices flat and spread mustard on each.
  3. Place onions, pickles, and bacon on each slice.
  4. Roll the beef tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  5. In a pan, brown the rouladen in a little oil on all sides.
  6. Add beef broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.
  7. Bake for about 1.5 hours, or until tender.

8) Quark Cake

A table set with a freshly baked quark cake surrounded by ingredients like eggs, flour, and vanilla beans

Quark cake is a classic German dessert, known for its creamy texture and simple ingredients. You can easily make it at home for a special treat or a cozy gathering.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a springform pan by greasing it or lining it with baking parchment.

Combine quark with eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth. Then fold in baking powder for an airy lift. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for about 45 minutes.

Let it cool before serving to allow the flavors to develop. You can enjoy this delicious cake plain or with fruit toppings.

Ingredients

  • 500 g quark
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 g sugar
  • 200 g flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare a springform pan.
  3. Mix quark, eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth.
  4. Fold in baking powder.
  5. Pour into the pan and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Cool before serving.

9) Kartoffelsalat

A rustic kitchen table with a bowl of Kartoffelsalat, surrounded by fresh ingredients like potatoes, onions, and herbs

Kartoffelsalat, or German potato salad, is a delicious and popular dish. It often uses fresh ingredients and has a tangy flavor. Unlike the creamy American style, this version uses a vinaigrette dressing.

You can serve Kartoffelsalat warm or cold. The dish usually includes potatoes, bacon, onions, and a mix of vinegar and mustard for flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats and is excellent for gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (900g) waxy potatoes
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then cool and slice.
  2. Cook bacon in a pan until crispy, then remove and crumble.
  3. In the bacon fat, sauté the onion until soft.
  4. Mix in vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine the potatoes, bacon, and dressing. Garnish with parsley. Serve as desired.

10) Pretzels

A rustic kitchen table with a variety of freshly baked pretzels, a jar of mustard, and a traditional German recipe book open to a pretzel recipe

Making German pretzels is a fun and rewarding experience. You can enjoy soft, chewy pretzels fresh from your oven. They are perfect as a snack or a side dish.

To start, you will need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, water, salt, and baking soda. You can find recipes online that guide you through the process step by step.

Warm your water and mix it with the yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate. Then add flour and salt to form a dough.

After kneading the dough, let it rise until it’s doubled in size. Shape your pretzels, dip them in a baking soda solution, and sprinkle with salt before baking.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (100°F to 110°F / 37°C to 43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • â…“ cup baking soda
  • Coarse salt for topping

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl.
  2. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix in flour and salt, then knead the dough.
  4. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the dough into pretzels.
  6. Boil pretzels in a baking soda solution for 30 seconds.
  7. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown.

11) Apfelstrudel

A table set with ingredients: apples, flour, sugar, and cinnamon. A rolling pin and pastry dough are ready for assembly

Apfelstrudel is a traditional German dessert that features a delicious apple filling wrapped in thin layers of dough. This dessert is popular in many countries, with its roots often traced back to Austria.

To make Apfelstrudel, you need fresh apples, sugar, and spices like cinnamon. The dough is rolled out thin and filled with the apple mixture, then baked until golden.

You can serve it warm, often with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This sweet treat is perfect for gatherings or as a cozy dessert at home.

Ingredients

  • 250g flour
  • 1 dash salt
  • 1 egg
  • 20g butter
  • Some warm water
  • 1.5 kg apples
  • 80g bread crumbs
  • 125g sugar
  • 65g raisins
  • 65g finely chopped or ground almonds
  • 1 package vanilla sugar
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 40g butter for brushing

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, egg, melted butter, and warm water to make the dough.
  3. Roll the dough out thin on a floured surface.
  4. Prepare the filling by combining sliced apples, sugar, bread crumbs, raisins, almonds, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
  5. Spread the filling evenly on the dough.
  6. Roll the dough tightly and place it on a baking sheet.
  7. Brush the top with melted butter.
  8. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

12) Pork Knuckle

A rustic wooden table set with a steaming pork knuckle, accompanied by sauerkraut, potatoes, and a mug of beer

Pork knuckle, known as Schweinshaxe in Germany, is a beloved dish. It features a crispy skin with tender meat inside, making it a hearty meal for any occasion. This dish is especially popular during Oktoberfest.

To prepare, you should season the pork well. The seasoning brings out rich flavors that pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables.

Cooking involves slow roasting to achieve that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. You can enjoy it with gravy and sides like sauerkraut or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pork knuckle (about 4-5 lbs / 1.8-2.3 kg)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup beer (or broth)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Score the skin of the pork knuckle and rub in salt, pepper, and garlic.
  3. Place sliced onions and the pork knuckle in a roasting pan.
  4. Pour beer over the pork.
  5. Roast for about 2-2.5 hours, basting occasionally.
  6. Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 20 minutes to crisp the skin.

13) Liverwurst

A wooden cutting board with slices of liverwurst, rye bread, and pickles, surrounded by a jar of mustard and a traditional German beer stein

Liverwurst is a popular German sausage made from liver and other meats. It has a smooth texture and rich flavor. You can enjoy it on bread or with crackers.

To make liverwurst, you will need some simple ingredients. Common choices include pork liver, pork belly, onions, and spices like salt and black pepper.

Ingredients

  • 500 g pork liver
  • 500 g pork belly
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Additional spices (like allspice or bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the onion into quarters and add them to a pot with water and spices.
  2. Bring to a simmer and add the pork belly.
  3. Cook on medium heat for about 1 hour until tender.
  4. Once cooked, blend with the pork liver until smooth.
  5. Fill into jars or molds and refrigerate until set.

14) Rote Grütze

A table set with various berries, a pot, and a spoon, surrounded by recipe books and ingredients for Rote Grütze

Rote Grütze is a delightful German dessert made from a mix of red berries. It is both sweet and slightly tart, offering a refreshing taste. You can use fresh or frozen berries to make this dish.

This dessert is often served warm with a splash of cold heavy cream on top. It is easy to prepare and usually comes together in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of red berries (like raspberries, strawberries, or cherries)
  • 1 cup of berry juice
  • 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • ½ cup of sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • Heavy cream for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of berry juice with cornstarch and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, combine the remaining juice, berries, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until it thickens.
  5. Serve warm, topped with cold heavy cream. Enjoy!

15) Lebkuchen

A cozy kitchen scene with a rustic wooden table filled with freshly baked Lebkuchen cookies, assorted spices, and vintage baking tools

Lebkuchen are traditional German spice cookies often enjoyed during the holiday season. These cookies are flavorful, thanks to a mix of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

To make Lebkuchen, you’ll need ingredients like honey, molasses, and nuts. They have a chewy texture and a deliciously sweet taste that can brighten up any festive celebration.

Baking these cookies is fun and straightforward. You can roll out the dough and cut it into various shapes, or simply make bars if you prefer an easier option.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons mixed spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)
  • 1 cup nuts or dried fruits

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, molasses, and the egg.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  5. Stir in nuts or dried fruits.
  6. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
  7. Place the shapes on a baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

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