10+ German Recipes to Savor and Share

German cuisine offers a delightful variety of flavors that can bring a taste of Europe to your kitchen. You can enjoy hearty meals, delicious pastries, and satisfying snacks that are simple to prepare and share with family and friends. Whether you want to try your hand at traditional dishes or modern twists on favorites, there is something for everyone.

From savory meats to sweet treats, German recipes emphasize fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Exploring these recipes can inspire your cooking and provide a way to celebrate special occasions or everyday meals with loved ones.

Dive into the world of German cuisine and discover the joy of cooking these beloved dishes.

1) Authentic German Pretzels

Making authentic German pretzels at home is easier than you might think. These soft, chewy treats are perfect for snacking or serving at a gathering. With a bit of practice, you’ll impress your friends and family.

To start, you’ll need simple ingredients. The key is the lye bath that gives pretzels their unique flavor and color. If you can’t find food-grade lye, baking soda can be a substitute, though it may not taste quite the same.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ cup food-grade lye or baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• Coarse salt for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Mix in flour and salt, knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Shape the dough into pretzels and dip in a lye bath or baking soda solution.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

2) Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce

Schnitzel with mushroom sauce is a classic German dish that you will love. You can use pork, veal, or chicken for the schnitzel, which is breaded and fried to a golden brown. The mushroom sauce adds a rich and savory flavor.

To make the sauce, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter. Then, add some broth and cream to create a smooth, delicious gravy. Pour it over the cooked schnitzel for a comforting meal.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with potatoes or noodles to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 pork, veal, or chicken cutlets
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oil to 330°F (165°C).
2. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge the cutlets in breadcrumbs.
4. Fry the cutlets until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the cutlets and keep warm.
6. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until tender.
7. Add broth and cream, stirring until well combined.
8. Pour the mushroom sauce over the schnitzel and serve hot.

3) Traditional Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is one of Germany’s most beloved dishes. It brings together a simple cut of beef and transforms it into a delicious meal through a long marinating process. The beef is often marinated in a mix of vinegar, wine, and spices for several days to create a rich flavor.

You will braise the marinated beef until it’s fork-tender. The result is a sweet and sour gravy that perfectly complements the meat. This dish is often served with potatoes or red cabbage.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds beef rump roast
• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup vinegar
• Spices (bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix vinegar, wine, and spices in a bowl.
2. Add the beef to the mixture and marinate for 4-7 days in the refrigerator.
3. Remove the beef and pat it dry.
4. Sear the beef in a pot until browned.
5. Add onions, carrots, and garlic, then pour in the marinade.
6. Cover and slowly braise at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours until tender.

4) German Potato Salad

German potato salad is a warm and tangy dish. It features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a delicious vinegar-based dressing. This dish is perfect for any gathering or as a side for your favorite main meal.

To make it, you’ll want small red potatoes so they hold their shape well. The bacon adds flavor and crunch, while onions bring a touch of sweetness. The mustard in the dressing gives it a nice kick.

You can serve this potato salad warm or at room temperature. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 3 cups red potatoes, diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon and sauté onions in the bacon fat.
4. Add water, vinegar, sugar, and mustard. Stir well.
5. Combine the potatoes with the bacon and dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

5) Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

Bratwurst with sauerkraut is a classic German dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This meal combines juicy bratwurst sausages with tangy sauerkraut for a delightful flavor experience. You can easily add onions and apples for extra sweetness.

To prepare this dish, start by cooking the bratwurst until they’re browned. Then, add the sauerkraut, onions, and apples to the pan. Let everything simmer together for about 30 minutes. The flavors will blend nicely.

You can serve the bratwurst and sauerkraut with bread or potatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 bratwurst sausages
• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 apple, 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 on all sides.
3. Add onions and apples, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in sauerkraut and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

6) Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert. It features layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream. This dessert is both rich and delicious.

To make this cake, you will need chocolate sponge cake soaked in cherry syrup. Cherries are often used fresh or as a topping. The whipped cream adds a lightness to the rich flavors.

This cake is perfect for celebrations or a special treat at home. Enjoy making this delightful dessert for your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup cherries, pitted
• 1 cup whipped cream
• ½ cup cherry syrup or Kirsch (cherry brandy)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two round cake pans.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add butter and eggs, then mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Allow cakes to cool before removing from pans.
7. Layer the cakes with cherry syrup, cherries, and whipped cream.
8. Decorate the top with more cherries and whipped cream.

7) German Apple Strudel

German Apple Strudel is a classic dessert that many people love. It features spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Making it at home can be a fun experience.

To start, gather the ingredients. You’ll need apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and dough. The dough can be made from scratch or store-bought if you’re short on time.

When it comes to baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough, fill it with the apple mixture, and roll it up tightly. Brush the top with melted butter for that perfect golden finish.

Bake your strudel for about 30-40 minutes until it is nicely browned. Let it cool a bit before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 800 g apples
• 120 g sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• Dough (homemade or store-bought)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the dough or use store-bought.
3. Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins.
4. Roll out the dough and add the apple mixture.
5. Roll the dough tightly around the filling.
6. Brush with melted butter.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

8) Rouladen with Gravy

Rouladen is a classic German dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. You can make this by rolling thin slices of beef with a tasty filling. Common ingredients include bacon, onions, and pickles.

The beef rolls are then seared and simmered in a rich gravy. This makes the meat tender and flavorful. Serve the rouladen with mashed potatoes or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of beef (round or flank)
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 pickles, sliced
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spread mustard on each beef slice.
3. Add bacon, onions, and pickles.
4. Roll up the beef tightly and secure with toothpicks.
5. Sear the rolls in oil until browned.
6. Add broth and simmer for 1.5 hours.
7. Mix flour with some broth and add to thicken the gravy.

9) Obatzda Cheese Spread

Obatzda is a delicious German cheese spread that you can enjoy at any gathering. This classic dish comes from Bavaria and is perfect for snacking with pretzels.

To make Obatzda, you will need Camembert cheese, butter, and a splash of beer. Add some cream cheese for a smoother texture, along with spices like paprika and onions for flavor.

You can serve it with fresh bread or pretzels. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) Camembert cheese
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• 2 oz (57 g) butter, softened
• 2 tbsp beer
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Chives for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the Camembert cheese, cream cheese, and butter.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the beer, paprika, and onion.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
6. Serve with pretzels or bread. Enjoy!

10) Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Kohlrouladen)

Kohlrouladen, or stuffed cabbage rolls, are a beloved dish in German cuisine. These rolls are made by wrapping cabbage leaves around a savory filling of ground meat and rice.

The filling often includes a mix of ground beef and pork, mixed with onions and spices. The rolls are then baked in a tomato or gravy sauce, adding a delicious flavor.

This dish is hearty and perfect for family dinners. It’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

• 1 medium to large head of green cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Tomato sauce or broth for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully remove the cabbage leaves. Then, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix the meats, rice, onion, and spices.
4. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf, and then roll tightly.
5. Arrange them in a baking dish. Then, cover with tomato sauce or broth.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.