25+ Best German Recipes for Traditional Meals

Germany is located in the heart of Europe, so German recipes are rich, harmonious, and mostly still boldly Western. The food is mostly fast food that is easy to cook, easy to carry, and is made from familiar ingredients from all over Germany.

The style of eating and serving here is also quite diverse, from popular dishes served outdoors to excellent dishes in luxury restaurants and cafes. What if you tried these German recipes at home? Keep reading to find out!

Curious About German Recipes? Find The Answer Right Here

German dishes are a skillful combination of familiar ingredients to create a unique variety of dishes. Specifically, I will provide you with German recipes for main dishes, side dishes, and famous drinks. Let’s check it out!.

German Recipes For Main Dishes:

For Breakfast:

1. Potato Pancakes (German Kartoffelpuffer)
2. German Eggs in Mustard Sauce
3. Sticky German Cinnamon Buns (Schnecken)
4. German Apple Pancake
5. German Waffles
6. German Bratkartoffeln (Cottage Potatoes With Bacon)

For Lunch:

7. Kielbasa and Potato Skillet
8. Reuben Brats
9. German Sauerbraten

For Dinner:

10. Bratwurst Super
11. Pork and Sauerkraut
12. Bratwurst and Vegetable Soup
13. Swiss Steak
14. German Potato Dumplings
15. Sheet-Pan Kielbasa and Vegetables
16. German Sausage and Cabbage Soup
17. Bavarian-Style Beef and Sauerkraut
18. Pork With Sauerkraut and Kielbasa

German Side Dish Recipes:

19.  Kartoffelbrei (Mashed Potatoes)
20. Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad)
21. Obatzda (German Cheese Spread)
22. Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)
23. Grüne Bohnen (German Green Beans)
24. Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage)

Traditional German Drinks:

25. Apfelschorle
26. Glühwein
27. Peach Schnaps

18 German Recipes For Main Dishes To Keep You Full

The main course is always an important dish in the meal to help fill your hungry stomach. Begin your meal with some delicious German first courses. This way, you’ll have a fulfilling meal that will satisfy your palates to the very last bite.

Start Your Day With These German Recipes For Breakfast

To start a new day, you need a lot of energy. These easy-to-make dishes will not take much of your time but will still give you enough energy for a new day full of enthusiasm.

1. Potato Pancakes (German Kartoffelpuffer)

Potato pancakes are very popular in Eastern European countries. Each country will have its own recipe, and so is Germany. In this country, potato pancakes are called Kartoffelpuffer and are a famous German street delicacy. 

This potato pancake is easy to make and tastes better with apple sauce. Your breakfast will be full of energy when eating french fries with a boiled egg.

In addition to breakfast, the cake is often served at Christmas or other festivals in Germany. It can be said that this is an extremely popular dish in this country.

2. German Eggs in Mustard Sauce

This is probably a very convenient German dish for a busy morning since it takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The dish is simple but still provides full nutrition. The protein in eggs can completely replace meat.

Hard-boiled eggs may be familiar to all families. However, what makes this dish special is the mustard sauce. The pungent taste of mustard when adding a few other spices will make your sauce completely different from other common sauces.

3. Sticky German Cinnamon Buns (Schnecken)

Due to its snail shape, this traditional German cake is called Schnecken. In German, “Schnecken” means snail. The cinnamon roll cake topped with a mixture of honey and pecans will make you unable to help but complement it.

Although not too difficult to do, there are things you need to keep in mind. For the bread to have enough expansion and softness, you need to prepare the cake dough one day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just pay attention to this important step. I believe you will easily make this super delicious cake.

4. German Apple Pancake

This German apple pancake is a traditional Christmas treat. You absolutely can serve it to make dishes for guests. No one can deny the appeal that this cake brings.

There are many different apple pancake recipes. However, the point that makes this German recipe different is the fragrant butter. You will definitely be attracted by the fatty and sweet taste of this cake.

Making this cake will take some time, so consider making it first in the evening and reheating it in the microwave the next morning for a delicious and enjoyable breakfast.

5. German Waffles

In addition to eggs, waffles are also a typical recipe for breakfast in Germany. Mothers can make this cake very quickly for their children before going to school. The kids won’t resist these waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, along with these delicious flavors.

German waffle recipes don’t use melted butter or oil in the batter other than other recipes. Instead, its sweetness is a combination of buttercream and sugar. Add this to your reservoir of recipes made with waffle iron, I’m certain it’ll be a great treat for your friends and family.

In Germany, waffles are usually made in the shape of a heart. This does nothing but give the dish a beautiful appearance. If you have a different shape waffle maker at home, you can totally use them.

Check out this video to know: 

6. German Bratkartoffeln (Cottage Potatoes With Bacon)

Bratkartoffeln is a dish that you can often find served in German restaurants. The recipe for this traditional German food will include potatoes, of course. In addition, other ingredients are also essential, including eggs, onions, and bacon.

Many families often use leftover boiled potatoes to make this dish. Of course, you can absolutely use fresh potatoes to make this dish. The fresher the ingredients, the tastier the dish gets.

Just follow the instructions, you can bring this restaurant-standard dish to your kitchen easily.

German Recipes For Lunch You Should Not Miss

Many people do not take lunch seriously and often eat it through. However, this thinking is wrong. Every meal needs to be carefully prepared to help the body have enough energy to work. With these delicious dishes below, you definitely won’t want to miss lunch again.

7. Kielbasa and Potato Skillet

The kielbasa ingredient in this recipe is usually pre-cooked, and you can easily find it at the market or supermarket. So the preparation for this dish will also be quicker and easier.

When you combine kielbasa with potatoes using the skillet method, you will have a delicious dish for your lunch. This recipe is not too complicated, and you will be able to master it easily.

8. Reuben Brats

Brats will taste best when grilled on the griddle, but the crockpot method is also an appropriate choice if you don’t have time. There are also several ways you can cook brats in ovens to save your time. The taste of the dish will not be changed much.

Combining brats with sauerkraut, onions, and beer, the dish’s taste will be wonderful. However, the most important thing that makes this dish unique is the melted cheese. This is truly an addictive dish. You won’t be able to stop until your stomach can’t hold anymore.

Reuben Brats with a slow cooker is a very simple recipe. Give it a try! Check out this video to know:

9. German Sauerbraten

This dish is likened to the “national” dish of the Germans. When the beef is cooked soft, plus the spices are well seasoned, this dish brings the flavor to explode in your mouth.

The dish is even more delicious when served with Rotkohl and potatoes. This recipe may be slightly adjusted depending on the region. But overall, the balance between sweet and sour in the sauce is always guaranteed. You will still have a delicious dish even if the ingredients are slightly changed.

German Recipes For A Cozy Dinner

After a tiring day at work, you will want to come home and reward yourself with something. Try these German recipes. Maybe you’ll find something you love.

10. Bratwurst Supper

Still, with the main ingredients being sausages and other vegetables, this German dish will bring a rich flavor that makes it hard to ignore. It’s also a great additional dish alongside potato salad, a national favorite in German cuisine. And I’m sure you’ll love this unique flavor combination too.

The right seasoning is important when you make this dish at home. Follow the detailed recipes to get the most delicious dishes made by yourself.

A convenient bratwurst super recipe that you can make any time. Check out this video to know:

11. Pork And Sauerkraut

Pork and sauerkraut is a traditional German New Year’s Eve dish. The main ingredients of this German dish include pork and sauerkraut, as the name implies.

As for sauerkraut, depending on your taste, you can adjust with other seasonings. If you don’t like it too sour, you can add more sugar to balance the dish.

As for pork, choose meat that’s lean but still has a bit of fat. This way, the dish will not be too dry. One more secret for you is to sear the pork first. This will help your meat taste rich and attractive.

12. Bratwurst and Vegetable Soup

Germans especially love sausage, and it is present in almost all German recipes. With this soup, sausages will combine with many different vegetables to create an attractive dish.

This is an extremely healthy dish for your menu. The vegetables can also be easily changed according to your taste or according to the right season. It can be corn, tomatoes, kale, peas, or whatever other vegetables you think is appropriate.

To save cooking time, you can chop ingredients to help them cook faster. When eating, you can serve it with green salad and bread. Thus, the dish will create the best taste that it should have.

13. Swiss Steak

Steak has always been a dish that I absolutely love. And with this German version of the classic recipe from Switzerland for steak, I’m certain that everyone will fall head over heels with it. Forget about old-fashioned steak recipes, and try your hand at this fantastic dish.

Perhaps you will be confused a bit by the word “Swiss” in the name of this dish. Swiss is actually making meat cooked and tender by braising with tomatoes and cooking with potatoes and carrots. Thus, the ingredients will be vibrant, creating harmony for the dish.

14. German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)

This potato dumpling is potato balls cooked with a sauce. It looks simple, but this dish contains a lot of ingredients and many different steps.

First, you need to mash the potatoes and mix them with flour, eggs, nutmeg, bread crumbs, and seasoning with salt. Once well mixed, you can take out each portion and roll it into a nice round ball.

You can eat these potato dumplings with a sauteed onion butter sauce with mushrooms or served with bacon. Try and pick something you like to serve with it.

Learn how to make delicious German potato dumplings easily. Let’s see this video:

15. Sheet-Pan Kielbasa And Vegetables

This is a dish that combines sausages and many vegetables in an effortless way to make in less than 45 minutes. You can empty the refrigerator to find the necessary vegetables for this dish, be it potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, peas, etc. Anything you think you can put in, but don’t forget the sausages.

With so many ingredients, you should choose a pan that is large enough to make sure it all spreads evenly. And for potatoes or tubers, place their cut side down on the surface of the pan.

16. German Sausage And Cabbage Soup

Continuing is still a dinner dish with sausages and vegetables, but not as dry as a sauté but a soup. You can add or subtract other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and so on. But two indispensable ingredients are still sausage and cabbage.

With a simple cooking method, the table can completely turn familiar ingredients into a rich and delicious dish. For a more delicious dish, you can serve it with barley bread or serve with butter and cream cheese.

17. Bavarian-Style Beef And Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut can be combined with many different types of meat, the most common of which is pork. However, this Bavarian-style beef and sauerkraut dish will bring a new breeze that you will surely love. Just replace pork with beef. The taste of the dish will have a marked difference.

The secret to this dish is the slow cooker. When using this type of pot, all the ingredients can fully absorb the spices and bring you a blend of the typical flavors that should be present in the dish. At the same time, the meat is also much softer.

The sauce also plays an important role in making this dish special. Remember to let the sauce sit for about 15-20 minutes before turning off the heat so that it can thicken and blend into your dish.

18. Pork With Sauerkraut And Kielbasa

If you want to try sauerkraut with pork, you can try this. In addition, this dish also has Kielbasa sausage, a prevalent ingredient in Germany. Still cooked in the slow cooker, this dish can satisfy the pickiest of eaters.

All ingredients are balanced in one dish, which is both delicious and nutritious. You can also serve this with slices of rye bread for dinner. This dish with a glass of beer will make your dinner more wonderful than ever.

Top 6 German Side Dishes You Need To Try

In addition to the attractive main dishes, the side dishes from the rich cuisine of Germany will also make the meal much more enticing. Let’s see what side dishes are popular in Germany.

19. Kartoffelbrei (Mashed Potatoes)

Of course, the main ingredient of this dish is potatoes. Alternatively, you can add some applesauce and bacon to add a touch of German cuisine to this mashed potato.

Remember to boil the potatoes with the skin on. This helps the potatoes retain their flavor and not get wet when mashed. A little apple is boiled and mashed with potatoes to add sweetness to the dish.

When serving, scoop the mashed potatoes into a bowl, sprinkle some onions and bacon on top. Food that looks good will make you more ready to enjoy its taste.

20. Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad)

This potato salad is a specialty of the South of Germany. Without using mayonnaise as in other recipes, this salad will use a sauce made from mustard, vinegar, onions, and broth. This is the highlight of this German recipe.

The boiled potatoes are soaked in beef broth, which gives them a rich flavor. You can eat these while they are still warm. However, if you keep it in the fridge until the next day, it will taste better than you can imagine.

21. Obatzda (German Cheese Spread)

You can easily find this Obatzda at traditional restaurants or supermarkets in the Bavarian region of Germany. However, in the US, it is difficult to find. So, try to make this recipe at home.

Basically, the main ingredients of this dish are camembert cheese, butter, and beer. If you’re making this for the kids at home, you can use non-alcoholic beer instead.

This is an extremely easy side dish that you will quickly learn how to cook in no time at all. When serving, you can also add chopped onions. But remember not to add too soon, or your dish will be bitter.

22. Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)

Cucumber salad is a refreshing dish that is extremely suitable for summer. With the main ingredients of cucumber, sour cream, vinegar, and fresh dill, this side dish will really awaken your taste buds.

With this salad, I recommend leaving it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This way, the food will be fresher and show all the flavors it should have when you put them in your mouth.

This super simple cucumber salad recipe will have you a delicious treat in minutes. Let’s see this video:

23. Grüne Bohnen (German Green Beans Soup)

This is a classic German soup usually eaten in winter. It only takes 10 minutes to complete this delicious and nutritious dish with three main ingredients: green beans, beef, and frozen soup vegetables. You can also add potatoes to make the dish more flavorful.

If you’re too lazy to cook for every meal, this will probably be one you’ll love. You can reheat them over and over again, and the taste will be even better. Even if you freeze them, they can keep for up to 3 months.

24. Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage)

This is an extremely eye-catching side dish with the red-purple color of cabbage. When seasoned and cooked with other ingredients like bacon, you’ll be able to create a cabbage dish full of balanced sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

This would be a favorite accompaniment to roasted or braised meats, so loved by Germans. To make this delicious dish, you need a certain technique. Please carefully review the steps to achieve the best results for your dish.

3 Most Popular German Drink Recipes

In addition to food, drinks also play an important part in creating a unique feature for German cuisine. Pair these sensational drinks with some authentic and classic German sweet treats for the ultimate indulgence. Is there any better way to enjoy your free time than this?

25. Apfelschorle (German Carbonated Apple Juice)

Apfelschorle is a carbonated fruit juice that is very popular in Germany and is suitable for many different dishes. The main ingredients to make this drink are apple juice and carbonated water. This would be an interesting combination.

This drink is not too sweet like pure apple because it has been diluted with carbonated water. You can easily find this type of water sold in supermarkets in bottled form. But you can completely make your own at home and adjust the proportions to your liking and taste.

26. Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

This is a fruit wine with the main ingredients being cranberries and oranges. You will see many people selling this wine alongside other lovely cookies on the streets of Germany at Christmas. Glühwein has a low alcohol content, mainly to keep warm.

There are many variations to this fruit wine. For example, in Northern Europe, it is customary to add raisins and blanched almonds to this drink. Or in some other countries, people also add cardamom, vanilla, and ginger to add a unique flavor to this wine.

Whatever the ingredients, you still have to pay attention to one very important point when making this wine at home. That is, do not let the wine boil, or they will run out. Surely this is not what you want, is it?

Looking for a Christmas drink? Try this German mulled wine recipe:

27. Peach Schnapps

It sounds like a peach liqueur, but in fact, peach schnapps is a wine with an alcohol content of up to 20 to 25% alc./vol. As the name suggests, the indispensable ingredient of this drink is peaches, which can be yellow or white peach. And what makes this drink alcohol is vodka.

In fact, it is often used to make cocktails other than drinking as a single beverage because of its high alcohol content. If you are at home, trying a little of this strong drink is not a bad choice.

Have You Chosen Your Favorite German Recipes To Update Your Menu?

With all the above German recipes, you have probably realized that sausage and potatoes are the souls of German dishes. Are these your favorite ingredients? If so, update your menu immediately with these recipes.

From familiar ingredients, if you know how to combine them, you can completely create attractive dishes for your family, from the simple to the more complex. Let’s see how far your cooking skills are.

I hope this article will bring you interesting recipes. If you know any other German recipes, don’t hesitate to leave a comment to share with other readers and me. Thanks a lot!