A tradition dating back to 16th century Bavaria, beer gardens are a warm weather gathering tradition that's still going strong. (Even in Milwaukee, where TOH is based!) While original beer garden patrons brought their own food, today they're more likely to nosh on a giant pretzel, cheese dip or wurst. Enjoy these authentic German recipes.
30 German Beer Garden Copycat Recipes
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
1/30
Soft Giant Pretzels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
You’ll want to get your hands on these famous copycat bread recipes, too.
2/30
Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband is not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as a party appetizer or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 643 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
3/30
German Red Cabbage
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
4/30
Slow-Cooked Reuben Brats
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 733 calories, 50g fat (16g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1643mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
5/30
German Beer Cheese Spread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 95 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
6/30
Pork Schnitzel
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make big fans whenever I serve this pork schnitzel recipe. German-style schnitzel is usually made with veal. I substituted pork to save money without sacrificing flavor. —Diane Katzmark, Metamora, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 341 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 687mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
7/30
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
8/30
Fish and Fries
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"Tuck in" as if you're in a traditional British pub. These oven-baked, moist fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned and also baked, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
9/30
Deep-Fried Cheese Bites
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 257 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
10/30
Pickled Beets
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The pickled beets my mother made came from our garden and were canned for the winter months. Even as a child I loved beets because they brought so much color to our table. —Sara Lindler, Irmo, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 71 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
11/30
Potato Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
45 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 106 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/30
Apple Strudel
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
2 strudels (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 285 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
13/30
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a satisfying meal-in-a-bun I take to tailgate parties, picnics, cookouts and more. I wrap the stuffed hot dogs in foil, then in paper, to transport them.—Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed hot dog: 363 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1130mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
14/30
Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 582 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1473mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
15/30
Refrigerator Garden Pickles
Total Time
35 min
Servings
7 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Canning isn't necessary for these crisp-tender, tangy pickles. Keep them in the fridge and eat them up within a month. —Linda Chapman, Meriden, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 55 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
16/30
Caraway Seed Rye Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 loaves (10 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 126 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
17/30
Batter-Up Walleye
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is more rewarding than celebrating the day's catch with friends when you share this fresh dish. Substitute your favorite pan fish! —Alesha Oster, Williston, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 316 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
18/30
Grandma's Baked Ham Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is another tried-and-true recipe I found in my grandma’s recipe box. I love seeing her handwriting on faded notecards. — Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 338 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 971mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
19/30
Spicy Bavarian Beer Mustard
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a gift that has bite! This spicy beer mustard is great with pretzels or as a condiment for bratwurst. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 36 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/30
Reuben Rolls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came about one night when I was trying to think of a new and different snack to serve the next day. The empty platter at the party signaled that these rolls were a hit! —Darlene Abney, Muenster, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 31 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/30
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 bratwurst equals 533 calories, 27 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 825 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 20 g protein.
22/30
Parmesan & Garlic Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An even tastier way to eat fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic makes this side dish simple irresistible. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 199 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
23/30
Sausage Sauerkraut Supper
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With big, tender chunks of sausage, potatoes and carrots, this meal-in-one has old-world flavor that will satisfy the heartiest of appetites. A co-worker often made a big pot of this for our office staff, and it always disappeared in a hurry. —Joalyce Graham of St. Petersburg, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 517 calories, 37g fat (12g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1442mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
24/30
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/30
Vidalia Onion Relish
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Burgers and brats get the star treatment with this sweet onion topping. Bourbon adds a lovely caramel note, and the crushed pepper flakes turn up the heat. —Janet Roth, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 65 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
26/30
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
27/30
Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
28/30
Dijon Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom gave me the recipe for these savory chops with a sweet and tangy marinade. The apple juice and Dijon mustard complement the pork nicely. With a vegetable and some rice or pasta, you have a meal. —Babette Watterson, Atglen, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 295 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
29/30
Loaded Mac and Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We put a creative spin on classic mac and cheese by adding our favorite beer and bacon. Six tests later, we are happy. —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 398 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
30/30
Sloppy Ottos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My version of sloppy joes comes from an old family recipe. Make these sandwiches even more German by stacking everything on a pretzel bun. —Jason Koren, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 494 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1042mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
