Whether you’re looking for some classics you grew up on, or are exploring German cuisine for the first time, you’ve come to the right place.
This collection of traditional German Recipes includes thirty five great dishes, from breakfast to dessert and everything in between.
You’ll find homestyle meals, beer garden favorites, famous street foods and more.
Cook your way through all of these great recipes, you’re sure to find some new family favorites!
The Best German Recipes:
1. Jägerschnitzel (Hunter’s Cutlet with Mushroom Gravy)
We’re starting this list of German Recipes, with our own Jägerschnitzel, a crispy breaded pork cutlet served with rich mushroom gravy.
It’s one of Germany’s most popular and delicious dishes. This authentic Jägerschnitzel recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds.
2. German Sauerkraut Balls
German Sauerkraut Balls are classic German beer garden fare, sauerkraut and potato encased in a crispy, golden brown breading.
These are the most scrumptious Sauerkraut Balls you will ever try. This easy recipe is a perfect party finger food.
3. Currywurst
A very iconic street food, Currywurst is one of the most popular dishes in Germany.
Bratwurst are smothered in a curry infused ketchup, then served with fries. How cool!
Get the Recipe: Currywurst
4. Chicken Schnitzel
Chicken Schnitzel is a traditional and famous German. Chicken cutlets are pounded thin, coated with breadcrumbs, then lightly fried.
You’re in for a real treat with this recipe!
5. German Potato Salad
Give your potato salad a German makeover with this easy recipe. Unlike traditional potato salad, this version has vinegar instead of mayo.
It is also typically served warm.
Get the Recipe @ thecountrycook
6. German Pancakes
The best German Pancakes recipe! These light and fluffy pancakes will become your family’s favorite breakfast.
They are easy to make and require only 6 kitchen staple ingredients.
Get the Recipe @ twopeasandtheirpod
7. German Onion Pie
German Onion Pie is also known as Zweibelkuchen. It is a savory quiche-like pie with bacon, caramelized onions and cream.
It make for a hearty and fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe @ dirndlkitchen
8. German Spaetzle
One of Germany’s most popular and beloved foods, Spaetzle is a type of egg noodle that often accompanies their mains.
Surprisingly easy to make, they are the perfect side dish to go with all recipes.
Get the Recipe @ platedcravings
9. Marzipan Springerle Candy
One of the most famous and beloved of all German Christmas cookies, Marzipan Springerle Candy are a no bake treat sure to delight.
With a firm exterior and chewy interior, they will become one of your favorite sweets.
10. German Chicken Stew
If you have never tried German Chicken Stew, then now is the time!
A total comfort food, it’s made with chicken and hearty veggies simmered in a rich and creamy white sauce. So good!
Get the Recipe @ dirndlkitchen
11. German Plum Cake
German Plum Cake is a real treat when fresh fruits are in season. It has a buttery streusel topping, and tastes phenomenal!
It’s easy to make from scratch and is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe @ savorynothings
12. Authentic German Goulash
This traditional recipe is German total comfort food! If you love beef stew, Goulash will become one of your new favorites.
Serve it along with spaetzle and you are in for one comfy cozy meal.
Get the Recipe @ whereismyspoon
13. German Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes are simple and easy to make, and taste too good. Also known as Kartoffelpuffer, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ready in 30 minutes, they will become your new favorite way to fry potatoes!
Get the Recipe @ thewanderlustkitchen
14. German Chocolate Cake
This rich and decadent German Chocolate Cake is amazing!
Chocolate cake is layered with coconut pecan frosting, and topped with chocolate buttercream. Serve this dessert at your next gathering and wow the crowd.
Get the Recipe @ sallysbakingaddiction
15. Obatzda Recipe (German Beer Cheese Dip)
This easy Beer Cheese Dip, also known as Obatzda, is your new favorite dipping sauce! It’s perfect for dipping pretzels, sauerkraut balls, and so much more.
This dip is perfect for game day, party or simply as a fun snack.
Get the Recipe @ platedcravings
16. Stollen
Stollen is a famous fruit bread, usually served around Christmas time in Germany.
It’s moist and flavorful, loaded with nuts and candied fruits. You have to try this one!
Get the Recipe @ thedaringgourmet
17. German Meatloaf
This German Meatloaf recipe is too good! It’s moist and delicious, with the unique addition of pickles.
The next time you crave meatloaf, give this tasty version a try!
Get the Recipe @ alltastesgerman
18. German Sauerbraten
One of Germany’s national dishes, this authentic German Sauerbraten is marinated, cooked until tender, and served with a wonderfully rich and flavorful sweet, tangy gravy.
Serve this delicious Sauerbraten with German cabbage and mashed potatoes, and you are all set for a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe @ dinnerthendessert
19. German Soft Pretzels
Pretzels are one of the most famous German snacks. But have you ever thought of making them at home?
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make these authentic soft pretzels!
Get the Recipe @ savorynothings
20. German Beef Soup with Dumplings
German Beef Soup with Dumplings recipe is is another great comfort food on this list.
With plump dumplings, tender beef, and diced egg custard, it’s a truly unique soup that will keep you warm in the winter.
Get the Recipe @ whereismyspoon
21. German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)
These delicious German Potato Dumplings are a great way to use up your potatoes. They are thick and starchy, and go great with a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe @ thewanderlustkitchen
22. Homemade German Bratwurst
Nothing says German food like Bratwurst. They are totally iconic.
This recipe shows you how to make them at home. It takes a little time, but they are fun to make and the end results are totally worth it!
Get the Recipe @ daringgourmet
23. German Cucumber Salad
Give this easy and delicious Cucumber Salad the next time you’re having a cookout, it’ll become a new favorite side dish.
The sliced cucumbers have a creamy sour cream dill dressing. It’s a cool and refreshing salad you will love.
Get the Recipe @ fivehearthome
24. Traditional German Red Cabbage
German Red Cabbage is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy. It makes a great vegetable side dish to your favorite German mains.
Get the Recipe @ houseofnasheats
25. Apple Strudel
This Apple Strudel recipe is a great dessert for get togethers and special occasions.
It has a flaky homemade crust and is stuffed full with a cinnamon apple filling. Don’t miss this recipe when apples are in season!
Get the Recipe @ platedcravings
26. Bauernbrot – Farmer-Style German Bread
Bauernbrot is a rich, dense rye bread studded with caraway seeds. It’s especially good fresh out of the oven and slathered with butter!
Get the Recipe @ lemonblossoms
27. Black Forest Cake
Black Forest Cake is a phenomenal dessert recipe. The rich chocolate cake is layered with cherries and whipped cream frosting.
Serve this up at your next special occasion!
Get the Recipe @ alsothecrumbsplease
28. German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These Cabbage Rolls are one of the most popular German recipes. Tender cabbage is stuffed with a ground beef mixture.
They’re fun to make and fun to eat!
Get the Recipe @ thespruceeats
29. Lamb Casserole
More of a stew than a casserole, this dish is a super cozy meal for chilly nights.
Loaded with tender lamb and veggies, it cooks low and slow in the crock pot. This will become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe @ whereismyspoon
30. German Lentil Soup with Sausage
Another great slow cooker recipe is the Lentil and Sausage Soup. It’s so flavorful and so comforting.
This soup is also super easy to make. Just 10 minutes of hands on time, then your crock does the rest!
Get the Recipe @ fivehearthome
31. Brötchen (German Bread Rolls)
Brötchen are easy bread rolls that only require 5 ingredients. They are soft on the inside and crusty on the outside.
Perfect side for all your favorite soups and stews.
Get the Recipe @ recipesfromeurope
32. Eiskaffee (German Iced Coffee)
Eiskaffee is a real treat on a hot day. Iced coffee is poured over two scoops of ice cream and topped with whipped cream.
It’s kind of like a coffee float!
Get the Recipe @ foodandjourneys
33. Zurich Ragout
Ragout is a type of stew. This version features veal and mushrooms. It’s a delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
34. Sauerkraut Soup
Germans sure love their sauerkraut, and this soup is just one such example. It’s an easy weeknight dinner when you feel like something light.
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
35. Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)
Wrapping up our list of German recipes is this mulled wine, which is very popular during the Christmas season.
Wine is simmered with cloves, cinnamon and oranges, and served warm. How festive!
Get the Recipe @ curiouscuisiniere
So many great German recipes to cook. No wonder it’s one of the most famous cuisines in the world!
Check out these other recipe collections!
American Recipes
British Recipes
French Recipes
Asian Recipes
Thai Recipes
Filipino Recipes
Puerto Rican Recipes
Italian Recipes
35 BEST German Recipes
This collection of authentic German Recipes will give you a great taste of classic Bavarian fare. We love these crispy sauerkraut balls:
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 1 egg
- 1.25 cup breadcrumbs, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Add potatoes to pot and cover with cold water and place on stove over high heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer until easily pierced with a knife, about 15-20 minutes, depending on size. Drain, then immerse in cold water. Once cool enough to handle, remove skins.
- Squeeze as much liquid from the sauerkraut as you can, then add into a large bowl along with potatoes, egg, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, parsley and spices. Mash them with a fork until potatoes are mostly mashed and everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the remaining 1 cup of breadcrumbs on a plate. Form the potato sauerkraut mixture into golf ball sized spheres, about 1/8 of a cup of mixture per ball. Roll them in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place balls on parchment paper lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat 3/4 inch of cooking oil in a skillet over medium high heat, about 350°F. Add ball to hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towel lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
Get griddling! Try these Blackstone Recipes!
Never miss a recipe!
Join the GypsyPlate mailing list and get easy dinner recipes right in your mailbox. From homestyle comfort food to exotic dishes from around the world.
