25 Traditional German Recipes to Try

German cuisine is as rich and varied as the country's history and regions. From hearty meats to delectable pastries, Germany's culinary traditions have influenced the world over. Whether you're in the mood for a warming stew, a perfectly crispy schnitzel, or an indulgent slice of cake, there's something in German cuisine for every taste. In this article, we’ll explore 25 traditional German recipes that you should try at least once.

1. Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)

Sauerbraten, often referred to as the "national dish of Germany," is a slow-cooked pot roast marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water, and spices. The marinade tenderizes the meat, infusing it with deep, tangy flavors. This dish is typically served with red cabbage and potato dumplings.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb beef roast

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 cup red wine vinegar

• 2 cups water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tsp salt

• 10 peppercorns

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Add the meat and marinate for at least 3 days in the fridge, turning occasionally.

2. After marination, brown the meat in a pan, then transfer to a large pot.

3. Sauté onions and carrots in the same pan, then add to the pot with the marinade.

4. Simmer for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.

5. Remove the meat and thicken the sauce with flour. Serve the roast sliced with the sauce and your favorite sides.

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2. Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is perhaps one of Germany's most famous dishes. This breaded and fried veal cutlet is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Traditionally served with a slice of lemon and a side of potato salad, it’s the perfect comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 4 veal cutlets (or pork if you prefer)

• 1 cup flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the veal cutlets with salt and pepper.

2. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the schnitzels until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

4. Serve with a wedge of lemon and a side of potato salad.

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3. Bratwurst

No discussion of German food would be complete without mentioning bratwurst. These sausages are made from pork, beef, or veal and are seasoned with a variety of spices. They're often grilled and served with mustard, sauerkraut, or in a bun.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground pork (or veal)

• 1/2 cup crushed ice

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions

• 1 tsp marjoram

• 1/2 tsp caraway seeds

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Sausage casings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the ground meat with crushed ice, onions, marjoram, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.

2. Stuff the mixture into sausage casings or form into patties.

3. Grill or pan-fry the bratwurst until browned and cooked through.

4. Serve with mustard and sauerkraut or in a bun.

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4. Kartoffelsalat (German Potato Salad)

Kartoffelsalat is a classic German side dish made with boiled potatoes, onions, and a tangy vinaigrette. While the recipe can vary by region, this dish is perfect alongside a schnitzel or bratwurst.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tsp mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then peel and slice them.

2. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable broth, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper, and pour it over the potatoes.

3. Add chopped onions and parsley, and toss gently to combine.

4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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5. Pretzels (Brezn)

Soft pretzels are an iconic German snack, often enjoyed with mustard or cheese. The dough is boiled in a baking soda solution before baking, giving it its characteristic dark, crisp crust.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• Coarse salt for topping

Instructions:

1. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

2. Mix in the flour and salt to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let rise for 1 hour.

3. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bring a pot of water to a boil with the baking soda.

4. Divide the dough into 8 portions, shape into pretzels, and boil each one in the soda solution for about 30 seconds.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with coarse salt.

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6. Rinderrouladen (Beef Roll-Ups)

Rinderrouladen is a traditional German dish made by wrapping thin slices of beef around mustard, pickles, onions, and bacon, then simmering in a rich gravy. It’s a comforting, hearty dish often served with potato dumplings.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)

• 4 tbsp mustard

• 4 slices bacon

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4 dill pickles, cut into strips

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef steaks with salt and pepper, then spread mustard on each one.

2. Place a slice of bacon, a few slices of onion, and pickle strips on each steak, and roll up tightly.

3. Brown the rolls in a pan, then add beef broth and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

4. Remove the rolls and thicken the sauce with flour. Serve the beef rolls with mashed potatoes or dumplings.

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7. Königsberger Klopse (Meatballs in White Sauce)

These savory meatballs are made with ground veal or beef, then simmered in a creamy white sauce with capers. A dish originally from the region of Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia), it’s a beloved comfort food in Germany.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground veal or beef

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp capers

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ground meat, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.

2. Brown the meatballs in a pan, then remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add beef broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Add the meatballs back into the pan and cook until they are cooked through.

5. Stir in heavy cream and capers, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with boiled potatoes.

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8. Leberkäse

Leberkäse, or "meatloaf," is a popular German deli meat that is savory, slightly spiced, and often served in thick slices. It’s typically served with mustard and a slice of bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb ground pork

• 1/4 lb bacon, finely chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 cup ice water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix together beef, pork, bacon, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Add ice water and mix until smooth.

4. Form the mixture into a loaf and bake for 1 hour.

5. Slice and serve with mustard and bread.

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9. German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)

Kartoffelsuppe is a traditional German soup made with potatoes, carrots, leeks, and smoked sausage. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 leek, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 2 smoked sausages, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, leek, and carrots in some oil until softened.

2. Add the

potatoes, broth, and sausage, and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley before serving.

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10. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)

Apple Strudel is one of Germany’s most beloved desserts. It’s a flaky pastry filled with apples, cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, baked until golden brown and served with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry or strudel dough

• 4 apples, peeled and sliced

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix the apples, sugar, raisins, and cinnamon in a bowl.

3. Roll out the dough and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Then, spread the apple mixture over the dough.

4. Roll up the dough, sealing the edges, and place on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Conclusion

German cuisine is diverse, hearty, and full of flavor. From savory meats to comforting stews and delicious pastries, these 25 traditional German recipes represent just a small sampling of what the country has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for a rich Sauerbraten, crispy schnitzel, or indulgent Apfelstrudel, these dishes will bring the tastes of Germany right to your kitchen. Give them a try, and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors of Germany!