15+ German Recipes to Savor and Share

German cuisine is known for its hearty flavors and comforting dishes. You can explore a variety of traditional recipes that highlight the unique ingredients and methods used in German cooking. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From savory sausages to delicious baked goods, German recipes often feature wholesome ingredients that bring warmth to your kitchen. You will find that these recipes not only satisfy your hunger but also create a sense of togetherness at the dinner table.

1) Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

Bratwurst with sauerkraut is a classic German dish that is both hearty and flavorful. The juicy bratwurst pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut, making it a comforting meal.

To prepare this dish, you’ll need quality bratwurst. You can grill or pan-fry them for a crispy outside. Meanwhile, the sauerkraut adds a great tang and can be heated on the stovetop or in the oven.

This meal is simple and quick to make. Serve it with some good mustard and perhaps a side of potatoes for a satisfying experience.

Ingredients

• 4 bratwurst
• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add bratwurst and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and apple, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in sauerkraut and heat through for 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

2) Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a classic dish from Austria. It consists of breaded and fried veal, though you can also use chicken or pork. This dish is famous for its crispy coating and tender meat.

To make a great Wiener Schnitzel, start by preparing your cutlets. You will need to pound them thin for the best texture. After that, coat the meat in flour, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally cover it with breadcrumbs.

Fry the cutlets in hot oil until they are golden brown. You should aim for a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Serve with a lemon wedge for an added burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 veal cutlets (or chicken/pork)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Pound the cutlets until thin.
2. Dredge each cutlet in flour.
3. Dip in beaten eggs.
4. Coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry each cutlet until golden brown.
7. Serve with lemon wedges.

3) Pretzel Bread

Pretzel bread is a delightful treat that combines the classic soft pretzel flavor with a soft loaf. You can use it for sandwiches or simply enjoy it with butter.

To make this bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and salt. The dough is boiled briefly in a baking soda solution, giving it that distinct pretzel taste.

When baked, the outside becomes golden and slightly crispy, while the inside stays soft and chewy. It’s perfect for snack times or as a side for dinner.

Ingredients

• 5 ½ cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• ⅓ cup baking soda

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add the lukewarm water and stir until combined.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Boil water and baking soda in a pot.
7. Shape the dough into rolls and boil each for 30 seconds.
8. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

4) Obatzda Cheese Spread

Obatzda is a tasty German cheese spread that comes from Bavaria. It’s a simple mix featuring Camembert cheese, cream cheese, and butter. This spread is perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.

You can add spices like paprika and chives for flavor. The blend of cheeses makes it creamy and rich. Serve it with fresh pretzels for a traditional touch.

It’s easy to make and great for gatherings with friends or family. Enjoy it with beer to complete the Bavarian experience.

Ingredients

• 4 oz Camembert cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 oz butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Soften the Camembert cheese and butter at room temperature.
2. Mix the cheeses and butter in a bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with chives. Enjoy!

5) Pfefferpotthast

Pfefferpotthast is a tasty German beef stew that features tender chunks of beef. The meat is slowly cooked in rich gravy, making it very flavorful.

This dish typically includes ingredients like onions, pickles, and spices, giving it a unique peppery taste. It’s often served with boiled potatoes or red beets for a complete meal.

You can enjoy this hearty stew during cold weather for a cozy family dinner. The warm flavors will surely satisfy everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add beef and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in onions and cook until soft.
4. Add broth, pickles, capers, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours at 300°F (150°C) until beef is tender.
6. Serve with boiled potatoes or red beets.

6) Berliner Donuts

Berliner donuts are a delightful German treat. These fluffy, jam-filled pastries are fried until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. You can dust them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

To make Berliner donuts, you start with a simple dough. You let it rise, then shape it into balls. After frying them, fill each one with your favorite jam. Popular choices are raspberry or apricot.

These donuts are perfect for celebrations or a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 500 g plain flour
• 1 packet of dry yeast
• 50 g white sugar
• 1 flat teaspoon of salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 100 g melted butter
• 200 ml milk (warm)
• Jam for filling
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add eggs, egg yolks, melted butter, and warm milk.
3. Knead until smooth and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape dough into balls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts until golden.
6. Fill with jam and dust with powdered sugar.

7) German Pan-Fried Potatoes

German pan-fried potatoes, or Bratkartoffeln, are a tasty side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This dish is usually made with potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon for extra flavor.

To start, you’ll want to choose good potatoes. Waxy potatoes work best because they hold their shape well. Slicing them thin allows for even frying.

You can enjoy Bratkartoffeln for breakfast or as a side with lunch or dinner. They pair nicely with meats or can be served on their own.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs potatoes
• 1 lb bacon (optional)
• 2 large onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes for 15-18 minutes.
2. Let them cool, then slice them.
3. In a pan, cook bacon until crispy and remove.
4. In the same pan, sauté onions until golden.
5. Add potato slices, cooking until crispy.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with parsley and bacon before serving.

8) Vanillekipferl Cookies

Vanillekipferl are delicious German cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. They have a delicate vanilla flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies are often made with ground nuts, adding a lovely richness.

To make Vanillekipferl, you will need basic ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla. You’ll shape the dough into crescent forms before baking.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup ground almonds or walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup vanilla sugar for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.
3. Add the flour, ground nuts, and vanilla extract. Combine well.
4. Shape the dough into crescent forms.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Dust the warm cookies with vanilla sugar before serving.

9) Pears, Beans, and Bacon

Pears, Beans, and Bacon is a comforting dish from Northern Germany. This flavorful stew combines fresh green beans, sweet pears, and crispy bacon. It’s a perfect meal for fall.

To make it, you will need a few simple ingredients. The dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for family gatherings.

The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes it unique. You will enjoy the way the ingredients work together in this recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 pears, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pound fresh green beans, broken in half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy.
2. Add pears and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in green beans and water, add salt.
4. Cook until beans are tender.
5. Sprinkle sugar and vinegar before serving.

10) German Pork Chops

German pork chops are a delicious and hearty dish. They often contain flavorful ingredients like onions, apples, and spices. The combination gives them a unique taste that many people love.

You can pan-fry or bake these chops for a delightful meal. Serve them with sides like sauerkraut or potatoes. They make a great choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Oil or butter for frying
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• Brown sugar (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Dip each chop in mustard, then coat with flour.
3. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
4. Cook the chops for 5-7 minutes on each side.
5. Add onion and apple slices to the pan during the last few minutes.
6. Optionally, sprinkle with brown sugar before serving.

11) Hearty Sauerkraut Soup

Hearty sauerkraut soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on cold days. It combines tangy sauerkraut with flavorful ingredients for a delicious meal.

You will need potatoes and carrots for a hearty base. Onions add sweetness, while olive oil gives it richness. A touch of sugar balances the flavors perfectly.

If you enjoy a bit of smokiness, consider adding bacon or sausage. To enhance the taste, sprinkle in some caraway seeds and smoky paprika.

Ingredients

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 small onions, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 28-ounce can of sauerkraut
• Optional: bacon or smoked sausage
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and sauté until they are soft.
3. Stir in the potatoes and carrots, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Add the sauerkraut, sugar, caraway seeds, and paprika.
5. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the ingredients.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
7. If using, add cooked bacon or sausage before serving. Enjoy!

12) Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel is a classic German dessert that combines sweet, spiced apples with a flaky pastry. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat at home.

To make it, you need a few simple ingredients like apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. The dough is rolled thin to create a delightful crust.

When baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your strudel gets a nice golden color.

Ingredients

• 800 g (about 6-8) apples
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 120 g raisins (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup lukewarm water
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice the apples. Mix with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and raisins.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, oil, and water to create the dough.
4. Roll the dough thin.
5. Spread the apple mixture on the dough and roll it up.
6. Place on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
7. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

13) Beet Salad

Beet salad is a delicious and colorful side dish perfect for any meal. It brings together the earthy sweetness of beets with a tangy dressing. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it versatile for various occasions.

To make this salad, start by cooking fresh beets. After they cool, you can peel and slice them. Toss the beets with some olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings for a flavorful dish.

For a twist, add ingredients like caraway seeds or nuts for extra texture. Feta cheese complements the beets well, adding a nice creaminess.

Ingredients

• Fresh beets
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: caraway seeds, feta cheese, or nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil beets in water for about 20 minutes until tender.
2. Let them cool, then peel and slice.
3. In a bowl, mix beets with olive oil and vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Add optional ingredients if desired.

14) Juicy Rice Salad

Juicy Rice Salad is a refreshing dish that combines rice with delightful flavors. It’s perfect for gatherings or a light meal. You will love the mix of rice, ham, and tangerines.

To start, you need cooked rice. Adding chopped ham and sweet tangerines gives it a juicy twist. The dressing usually includes a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise for creaminess.

This salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing. You can serve it chilled for the best experience. It’s a hit at any potluck!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup tangerine segments
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ham, and tangerines.
2. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt and mayonnaise.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss gently and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

15) Schwarzwaelder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)

Schwarzälder Kirschtorte, better known as Black Forest Cake, is a classic German dessert. It features rich chocolate layers, fresh cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning.

To make this treat, you will soak the chocolate layers with Kirschwasser, a cherry schnapps. This adds a unique flavor that ties everything together. Cherries are often placed between the layers for extra sweetness.

It’s perfect for celebrations or as a special dessert after dinner. Once you’ve baked it, you’ll want to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Kirschwasser
• 2 cups pitted cherries
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Mix well.
5. Divide the batter into the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Let the cakes cool, then slice each in half.
7. Soak each layer with Kirschwasser.
8. Place cherries between layers and spread whipped cream on top.
9. Decorate with more cherries and whipped cream as desired.