• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food Fun & Faraway Places
  • Start Here
  • Food & Drink
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Cocktails
    • Entrees
    • Dessert
    • Weight Watchers Recipes
  • Destinations
    • Florida
    • North America
    • South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Asia
    • Cruises
  • Work with Us!
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Food
    • Breakfast
    • Entrees
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
  • Fun
  • Faraway Places
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Food
      • Breakfast
      • Entrees
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
    • Fun
    • Faraway Places
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Traditional German Dishes to Make at Home

    Published: Jun 22, 2021 · Modified: Jul 7, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 20 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    You are going to love all these popular German dishes! Each recipe comes with full instructions so you can make it at home.

    Bratwurst, pierogies, sauerbraten, and brat cheddar soup in a collage.

    Travel is my passion, and my favorite way to explore is through the food. I try to share my favorites from my trips, like this Italian bean soup or one of these traditional Italian desserts, many of which I tasted when I was in Italy on the Costa Smeralda Mediterranean cruise.

    When I was in Regensburg with Viking River Cruises a few years ago, the first thing we did was head to the Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg for a brat.

    Sausages on a grill at the Historic Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg Germany.

    You really can't go to this part of the world and not have this experience. Until you get there, try this roasted bratwurst skillet meal.

    Sausages on sauerkraut with a roll at the Historic Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg Germany.

    A beer is a must with a bratwurst!

    Beer at the Historic Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg Germany.

    A few years later I spent some time exploring the Romantic Road in Germany. After that trip, I knew I wanted to share some traditional German food with you. 

    People sitting at tables outside at a festival in Dinkelsbühl.

    I loved the food in Germany, but feel like so many people told me not to get excited about eating there. They were SO wrong!

    There is a very serious German food culture, and those who told me not to expect amazing food just hadn't tasted truly authentic recipes from Germany.

    These recipes are scrumptious any time of year, but especially popular when Oktoberfest rolls around! Have an Oktoberfest night at your house for something festive. We could all use a cheery holiday meal!

    Comfort Food at its Best

    German cuisine is pure comfort food, in a stick to your ribs kind of way. You'll find different styles of food depending on the region of Germany.

    Most of the time the meat is braised, though there are also 1,500 different varieties of sausages, usually fully cooked in a water bath and finished on some type of griddle or grill.

    These traditional German dishes will make you feel like it's Octoberfest all year long. Try each of these German recipes and find your favorites! 

    And then there are the delicious German recipes for side dishes. YUM!

    Though I didn't see that many traditional veggies when I was in Germany, I did fall hard for their potato salad, applesauce, and that popular dish, German spaetzle dumplings! I think I could live on spaetzle!

    I do think you should try the traditional German recipe for sauerkraut. My grandmother made sauerkraut to put on hot dogs and I hated it.

    I was actually intimidated about even trying it in Germany, and now I can't imagine not having it with Bratwurst. We do not know how to make sauerkraut here in the United States!

    Sometimes, one of these recipes for hearty traditional German cuisine is just what you need at the end of the day.

    These authentic German dishes are easy to prepare and very family-friendly, which means the kids will like them, too! You might just fall in love with German cooking!

    Even vegans will find a couple of recipes here, and scroll to the bottom for a couple of German desserts!

    Pan-Roasted Bratwurst Skillet Meal

    Get ready for a flavor explosion with this bratwurst skillet meal recipe. Roasting these ingredients together melds the flavors into a pan of pure deliciousness. Bratwürst is usually pork sausages or a mix of pork and beef.
    Check out this recipe
    Pan-Roasted Bratwurst Skillet Meal

    Sauerkraut Chickpea Flour Pierogies with Spiced Apple Sauce

    Homemade sauerkraut chickpea flour pierogies in seconds! A gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, & vegan dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Sauerkraut Chickpea Flour Pierogies with Spiced Apple Sauce

    Cheddar & Ale Bratwurst Soup

    This delicious Cheddar and Ale Bratwurst soup is perfect for those chilly evenings. Who else likes easy recipes for busy nights?
    Check out this recipe
    Cheddar & Ale Bratwurst Soup

    Sauerbraten

    This Sauerbraten recipe is far from your typical pot roast with its wonderful depth of flavor. Comforting deliciousness!
    Check out this recipe
    Sauerbraten

    Vegan Cabbage Soup with Sausages - My Pure Plants

    This vegan cabbage vegetable soup with sausages is very satisfying and comforting to eat especially as we added some vegan sour cream.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Cabbage Soup with Sausages - My Pure Plants

    Hot German Potato Salad

    A simple recipe for Hot German potato salad that is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s loaded with crunchy bacon & sauteed onion and tossed in an addicting apple cider vinegar, mustard & bacon fat dressing.
    Check out this recipe
    Potato salad in a skillet.

    Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad

    This simple German side dish, “Gurkensalat” is an easy recipe that is gluten-free, vegan, paleo, & allergy-free! And also delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad

    Authentic German Potato Salad

    Looking for the best Authentic German Potato Salad recipe, just like Grandma made? The potato salad you love, but vegan, gluten-free, paleo, & allergy-free!
    Check out this recipe
    Authentic German Potato Salad

    Slow Cooker Sauerbraten Beef in Gingersnap Gravy

    This mouth-watering old-world dish is tender and absolutely delicious served over spaetzle or soft egg noodles!
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Sauerbraten Beef in Gingersnap Gravy

    German Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing

    Just like your Oma used to make only better (and NOT watery)! Easy and Delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    German Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing

    Skillet Cabbage with Bacon & Garlic

    An easy keto-friendly Skillet Cabbage with Bacon and Garlic recipe that will make everyone a fan of humble cabbage!
    Check out this recipe
    Skillet Cabbage with Bacon & Garlic

    Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Sausage Recipe

    Apples mixed with potatoes, sausage, and sauerkraut blends into a refreshing, sweet, and rich dish! This recipe has an option for chicken that's gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Sausage Recipe

    Spaetzle with Bacon and Onions

    Bacon onion spaetzle in a simple but delicious combination of pasta, bacon, caramelized onions, and cheese. It's the perfect comfort food.
    Check out this recipe
    Spaetzle with Bacon and Onions

    Cabbage And Sausage Skillet

    This cabbage and sausage recipe is a fantastic and easy dinner dish. Get your protein and your vegetables all in one bowl!
    Check out this recipe
    Cabbage And Sausage Skillet

    German Spiced Cabbage

    This German red Cabbage recipe is the perfect side dish to pair with a warm and hearty meal. Easy and delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    German Spiced Cabbage

    Instant Pot Brats with Beer

    Instant pot brats with beer make an easy and delicious dinner idea when you need a quick bratwurst recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Brats with Beer

    Gluten Free German Schnitzel with Potato Salad

    This will be your family’s FAVORITE Gluten-free German schnitzel recipe! Pork schnitzel that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
    Check out this recipe
    Gluten Free German Schnitzel with Potato Salad

    German Potato Pancakes

    Slightly salty, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and pure comfort food delight. This is your dream German recipe for potato pancakes and it just so happens to be gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe
    These traditional German dishes will make you feel like it's Octoberfest all year long. After spending some time in Germany earlier this year, I knew I needed to put together a roundup of German recipes.

    German Potato Salad

    This is another variation of German potato salad I think you're really going to love. An especially delicious recipe, this one offers a tangy twist on the traditional mayo filled potato salad we eat here in the United States.
    Check out this recipe
    These traditional German dishes will make you feel like it's Octoberfest all year long. Try each of these German recipes and find your favorites! 

    Spaetzle Recipe

    This is an awesome recipe for homemade German egg noodles also known as spaetzle. These is the perfect German pasta to mix in with your German pot roast or soup or with a creamy sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    These traditional German dishes will make you feel like it's Octoberfest all year long. After spending some time in Germany earlier this year, I knew I needed to put together a roundup of German recipes.

    German Solyanka Recipe

    This hearty, savory and slightly spicy soup has a unique taste. Originating in Eastern Europe, solyanka is a comfort food German soup to serve alongside a loaf of warm crusty bread
    Check out this recipe
    These traditional German dishes will make you feel like it's Octoberfest all year long. After spending some time in Germany earlier this year, I knew I needed to put together a roundup of German recipes.

    Beef Rouladen

    Thin slices of beef roll-ups with onion and dill pickle create this delicious German Rouladen. This entree is even more delicious when served with a traditional German cucumber or potato salad.
    Check out this recipe
    These traditional German dishes will make you feel like it's Octoberfest all year long. After spending some time in Germany earlier this year, I knew I needed to put together a roundup of German recipes.

    Old Fashioned German Potato Salad

    Another really traditional recipe for potato salad. I loved it when I was in Germany!
    Check out this recipe
    potato salad on white plate

    Traditional German Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Stuffed Cabbage Rolls |

    This Traditional German Cabbage Rolls recipe is easy to make with the step-by-step guidance. A favorite meat dish in the US and Germany.
    Check out this recipe
    German cabbage rolls in pot with red broth.

    Schweinebraten (German Roast Pork Shoulder)

    This classic German dish is all about the contrast between savory, fork-tender meat and a crispy, tender crust of pork crackling flavored with cumin, caraway, and mustard seeds.
    Check out this recipe
    Schweinebraten (German Roast Pork Shoulder)

    Bavarian Apple Torte

    Finally, for dessert, you must try this amazing Bavarian Torte! It has a delicious shortbread crust, a creamy, decadent cheesecake layer, and it's topped off with cinnamon apples and sliced almonds. It's one of my favorite German desserts.
    Check out this recipe
    apple torte on a white table with a checked napkin

    Black Forest Cake Recipe, German Chocolate Cake

    This Black Forest Cake is a famous German chocolate cake. It has 4 chocolatey layers, 1 lb of kirsch infused cherries and a light whipped cream.
    Check out this recipe
    Black Forest Cake Recipe, German Chocolate Cake

    Wine Pairings

    As for wine pairings, you could go with a white wine like a German Pinot Blanc (German word: Weissburgunder) for any of these German dishes.

    For the heartier meat dishes, you might prefer a red wine like Spätburgunder, Germany's Pinot Noir. You could even begin with white and switch to red for the main course.

    Germany's dessert wines are heavenly, so for something at the end of the meal with dessert (or even as dessert) you can't go wrong with a Riesling. Wine isn't just for special occasions. It really can bring out the flavors of the food! Go with your taste buds. I'd drink a Pinot Noir with just about any of these famous German dishes.

    With the bratwürst, I might have to go with a good German beer!

    German beer in bottles on table with glasses.

    Though not from Germany, I have to share one more stick to your ribs comfort dish.

    I took this recipe from the Viking Cruises cookbook I bought when I sailed with them on their Rhone River cruise. This Easy Beef Stroganoff dish actually comes from Russia and is so easy to make. I can't wait to hear how much you loved it, too.

    What are your favorite German comfort foods? Let me know in the comments so I can try to find a recipe! And please let me know if you try one of these recipes. Enjoy!

    What is the most popular German recipe?

    Bratwurst is the most popular German recipe. Usually made from pork, it is not only the most popular German food in the US, but meat dishes are a favorite of German foodies, too.

    What is Schnitzel?

    That funny sounding word schnitzel simply means a cutlet of meat that is usually pounded thin.

    Can you get vegetarian food in Germany?

    Yes! Many German dishes are vegetarian. In fact, one of the most popular dishes is Spätzle, which is egg noodles. Who couldn't live on pizza, pasta, and veggies?

    Ideas for your Vacation to Germany

    • What to See in Dinkelsbühl, Germany
    • Nördlingen Germany on The Romantic Road
    • Exploring Downtown Augsburg
    • Things to Do in Rothenburg, Germany
    Bratwurst, pierogies, sauerbraten, and brat cheddar soup in a collage.

    Traditional German Dishes

    You are going to love all these popular German dishes! Each recipe comes with full instructions so you can make it at home.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print this Recipe Pin this Recipe Rate
    Author: Kelly Stilwell

    Ingredients

    • Pan-Roasted Bratwurst Skillet Meal
    • Sauerkraut Chickpea Flour Pierogies with Spiced Apple Sauce
    • Cheddar & Ale Bratwurst Soup
    • Sauerbraten
    • Vegan Cabbage Soup with Sausages
    • Hot German Potato Salad
    • Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad
    • Authentic German Potato Salad
    • Slow Cooker Sauerbraten Beef in Gingersnap Gravy
    • German Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing
    • Skillet Cabbage with Bacon & Garlic
    • Slow Cooker Sauerkraut and Sausage Recipe
    • Spaetzle with Bacon and Onions
    • Cabbage And Sausage Skillet
    • German Spiced Cabbage

    Instructions

    • Choose your favorite German recipe.
    • Gather up the ingredients to make it.
    • Make and enjoy a delicious German dish.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @kastilwell or tag #FFFP!
    « Wilderness Explorer at Animal Kingdom
    Luxury Train Travel In Canada »
    3952 shares
    • 1458

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Food, Fun & Faraway Places participates in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rebecca Massirer Lopez

      July 24, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      I am of German descent and grew up in a home where German was still spoken daily. One of the dishes we had that is not on your list is pickled tongue. So good we would scramble to get as much as possible! My mom also made a good soft cheese she called schmearcase. Today I am making true Jaegerschnitzel or hunter's cutlet using venison harvested by my family.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        September 29, 2021 at 8:05 am

        That's amazing, Rebecca! I love food at its freshest!

        Reply
    2. Mary Nowak

      July 18, 2021 at 11:37 pm

      Hello from Minnesota! Sure would love the German Sauerkraut recipe also thank you in advance. Can’t wait to try some of these recipes!

      Reply
    3. Lois Christensen

      June 09, 2021 at 8:07 am

      Thank you Kelly for featuring my German Cucumber Salad.

      Reply
    4. Judith Howard

      July 10, 2020 at 3:51 am

      In the US you can buy potatoes dumplings , they come in a box, much easier to make than homemade . In German there are three different ways, to make potatoes dumplings (Knoedel) cooked Potatoes, raw potatoes and half row and half cooked. Also dumplings made from Rolls (Semmelknoedel)

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        July 16, 2020 at 1:56 pm

        I will have to search these out, Judith. Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Maureen

      May 11, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      Knodel boxes are hard to come by now, do you have a recipe for those?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        May 29, 2020 at 11:12 am

        Hi Maureen,
        I had never heard of Knodel Boxes but now want to try them! I think this recipe looks easy. Let me know how they turn out! https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-homemade-knodel-recipe-recipe-for-german-bread-dumplings#classic-german-kndel-recipe

        Reply
    6. Jackie Moore

      January 05, 2020 at 6:16 pm

      Would love to have your recipe for sauerkraut!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        January 05, 2020 at 9:46 pm

        I have never made it, but now I will! The recipe my family used was awful, but I loved it in Germany! I'll work on finding a good recipe! Stay tuned!

        Reply
        • Bob

          May 10, 2020 at 4:34 pm

          You are so right!! I don't know where American kraut came from but it awful, makes me sick. German kraut is so good, nothing like that American stuff. Keep up the good work, I love German food. Bob Stallard

        • Kelly Stilwell

          May 10, 2020 at 5:28 pm

          Right, Bob?! I guess I better get to work on a recipe for traditional sauerkraut!! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

    7. Trina

      December 22, 2019 at 11:28 am

      In our family a favorite meal handed down in my Dad's German family from his grandmother...Glace...love it!! Whenever I make this for anyone it's a bit!! As a child always my favorite!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 22, 2019 at 11:59 am

        Oh my gosh, I looked it up and I want to try it! Do you have a recipe you could share? Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Barbara

      December 20, 2019 at 9:20 am

      So glad I just happened on your site! We were stationed in Italy but toured Germany and at the October fest I drank some beer which I've never liked beer but had to try it, delis. I cant wait to cook your recipes they look so good and we miss the German foods! Thanks for making my tummy happy. ????

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 22, 2019 at 11:59 am

        I love the food there so much, and BEER! So delis is right! Let me know what you try! I have more coming!

        Reply
    9. Sandra Barnes

      December 16, 2019 at 9:23 am

      Would love to have this cookbook. We have a German restaurant here that makes a lot of these foods, but are expensive to take a family to. If I could get these recipes I could cook them at home and save some money also.

      Reply
    10. Jamie

      December 15, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      Would love to find a dish called Spetzla a pasta dish I hope I spelled it right

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 16, 2019 at 2:52 pm

        I think you mean spaetzle, Jamie! It's SO good. Let me see what I can find!

        Reply
    11. Emily

      December 03, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      Thank you for including my German cabbage recipe in your post :).

      Reply

    Share your Thoughts! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kelly eating on a cruise ship.

    Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and food blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, we’ve got you covered! Contact Kelly at kastilwell@gmail.com.

    More about me →

    Our Favorite Cocktails

    • Baileys Iced Coffee Recipe
    • Baileys Latte
    • Watermelon Mojito Recipe
    • Green Apple Martini Recipe

    Best Restaurants

    • Best Restaurants in Amman Jordan
    • Best Restaurants in Disney Springs Florida
    • Best Restaurants in St. Armands Circle
    • 20 Best Restaurants in Sarasota Florida

    Join the Family!





    Footer

    ^ back to top

    as seen in banner

    About

    • Start Here
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Kelly Stilwell