It doesn't have to be Oktoberfest to celebrate German cooking. Here are our best German recipes passed down by generations of home cooks.
43 Old-World German Recipes Worth Trying Today
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Country Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes, or latkes, are really versatile. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin
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2/43
Apfelkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 422 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/43
Potato Dumplings
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potato dumplings (called Kartoffel Kloesse in Germany) are a delightful addition to any German feast. The browned butter sauce is delectable.—Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
2 dumplings with 2 tablespoons sauce: 367 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
4/43
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.
5/43
Bavarian Pot Roast
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
6/43
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.
7/43
Almond-Filled Stollen
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
3 loaves (12 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making this during the holiday season for nearly 50 years. When we flew to Alaska one year to spend Christmas with our daughter’s family, I carried my stollen on the plane!—Rachel Seel, Abbotsford, British Columbia. If you like this, you must try these German Christmas dinner recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 278 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
8/43
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.
9/43
Apple Pork Loin
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 290 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
10/43
Sausage Sauerkraut Soup
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives great compliments. Everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 373 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1707mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
11/43
Raspberry Custard Kuchen
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 328 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
12/43
Green Beans with Bacon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 62 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
13/43
Cranberry Conserve
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm 95, and I still remember my grandmother from Germany making this lovely, delicious conserve for the holidays. She'd give it to family members and friends. It tastes great served as a relish alongside meat or even spread on biscuits.
-Mildred Marsh Banker, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 72 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
14/43
Potato Kielbasa Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It's especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 472 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
15/43
German Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast, too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup syrup: 428 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
16/43
Mulled Wine
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 379 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/43
Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 318 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
18/43
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.
19/43
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.
20/43
Pronto Potato Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Pancake lovers know these fluffy delights are not just for breakfast. Try serving these savory ones as a side dish with any main, or enjoy them solo topped with some homemade applesauce. They will not disappoint. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 263 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
21/43
Oktoberfest Strudels
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 strudels (3 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, being born and raised in Wisconsin, loves bratwurst sausages. So I tweaked this strudel recipe to include some of his favorite filling ingredients and it was an instant hit. Serve with extra mustard for dipping. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
22/43
Lebkuchen
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother's cookbook, and judging from the amount of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time. —Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 187 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/43
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.
24/43
German Plum Tart
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The buttery crust of this fruit-filled treat melts in your mouth. You can substitute sliced apples or peaches for the plums with great results. I've used this crust with blueberries, too. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
25/43
Potluck German Potato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a big hit at church potlucks. One man says he comes only so that he can eat my potato salad! —Kathleen Rabe, Kiel, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 194 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
26/43
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/43
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.
28/43
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.
29/43
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.
30/43
Bratwurst Supper
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few bratwurst recipes, I've found this meal-in-one is ideal for camping since it grills to perfection in a heavy-duty foil bag. Loaded with chunks of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, it's easy to season with onion soup mix and a little soy sauce. —Janice Meyer, Medford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 524 calories, 37g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1445mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
31/43
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.
32/43
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.
33/43
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.
34/43
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.
35/43
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.
36/43
Almond Spritz Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This almond spritz cookies recipe can be left plain or decorated with colored sugar and frosting. In our house, it just wouldn't be Christmas without some cookie press recipes.—Tanya Hart, Muncie, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
37/43
Slow-Cooker Sauerbraten
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is of German Lutheran descent, and although we enjoy this traditional beef roast, I never liked the amount of time and fuss it takes to make it. This recipe is so good and oh-so-easy. It's great served with dumplings, spaetzle, veggies or a salad. —Norma English, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 475 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
38/43
Chocolate Lebkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 238 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
39/43
Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burned ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 387 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
40/43
Sausage and Lentil Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
During the cooler months of the year, this soup makes regular appearances on our dinner table. It is approved by all, including my picky 6-year-old. —Kalyn Gensic, Ardmore, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 390 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1242mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 22g protein.
41/43
Apple Crostata
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 298 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
42/43
Standing Rib Roast
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with about 3 tablespoons jus: 323 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
43/43
Rich Fruit Kuchens
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 coffee cakes (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 242 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
