These German-inspired recipes will take you back to Oma's kitchen.
37 of Oma’s Best German Recipes
Updated on Jan. 31, 2022
Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)
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
1/37
2/37
Spaetzle Dumplings
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can use this spaetzle recipe with chicken gravy or simply buttered and sprinkled with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 223 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
3/37
Easy Sauerbraten
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy sauerbraten recipe is a tasty example of traditional German fare. Its definitive pickled tang is pleasing and sure to delight German food lovers. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 365 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
4/37
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.
5/37
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.
6/37
Grampa’s German-Style Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grampa was of German heritage and loved the Old-World recipes given to him by his mother. I made a few changes so I could prepare this dish in the slow cooker and give it a slightly updated flavor. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 552 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
7/37
Bee Sting Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bee sting cake (aka bienenstich) may look daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. Take each step at a time, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 601 calories, 33g fat (17g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
8/37
Bratwurst Dinner
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.
9/37
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.
10/37
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.
11/37
German Beef Rouladen
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Until I entered kindergarten, we spoke German in our home and kept many old-world customs. We always enjoyed the food of our family's homeland. Mom usually prepared this for my birthday dinner. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 481 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 54g protein.
12/37
Kuchen
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.
13/37
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.
14/37
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.
15/37
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.
16/37
German Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 455 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
17/37
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.
18/37
Deluxe German Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this for all occasions because it goes well with any kind of meat. When I take the warm salad to bring-a-dish events, there are rarely leftovers! —Betty Perkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 192 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
19/37
Buttery Spritz Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it's fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands-down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/37
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.
21/37
German Spice Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy spice cookies are great with coffee and taste even better the next day. The recipe has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 190 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
22/37
Oktoberfest Pork Roast
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was adapted from one my mom used to make when I was growing up. It has all of our favorite "fall" flavors, such as apples, pork roast, sauerkraut and potatoes. I often coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes and meat from sticking.—Tonya Swain, Seville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 562 calories, 29g fat (9g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 1290mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 43g protein.
23/37
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.
24/37
Homemade Sauerkraut
Total Time
45 min
Servings
40 servings (about 10 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You only need two ingredients (and a little patience) to make fresh, zippy homemade sauerkraut at home. Put down that jar and get those brats ready! —Josh Rink, Taste Recipes Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
0.250 cup: 11 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
25/37
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.
26/37
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.
27/37
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.
28/37
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
29/37
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.
30/37
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.
31/37
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.
32/37
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.
33/37
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.
34/37
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.
35/37
Bavarian Apple-Sausage Hash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
36/37
Stollen Butter Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family members enjoy my stollen so much and say it’s just too good to be served only on holidays. I created this buttery, less-sweet dinner roll version. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 198 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
37/37
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 278 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
