31 Mouth-Watering German Foods You’ll Love

One of the best parts of vacation is exploring new cuisines, and German food recipes are simply irresistible.

But, although visiting would be a real treat, you can recreate the magic of German food right in your very own kitchen without leaving your home.

These German food recipes will help you get a taste of the culturally rich country, and you won’t need a plane ticket or your passport!

Are you up for the challenge of cooking a lovely German meal? There’s no cause for alarm; these recipes are simple, and anyone can recreate them with zero stress.

Of course, you don’t need to travel to Germany to find ingredients; you can find every significant ingredient used here in any store around you.

Here’s an extensive list of German food recipes and dishes that you can try, along with their total calories and preparation times.

Quick Table: Mouth-Watering German Foods

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
German Goulash	614	3 Hours 10 Minutes
German Potato Salad	252	50 Minutes
German Spaetzle With Mushroom Sauce	531	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Bavarian Roast Pork	230	7 Hours
Germa Krautstrudel	137	30 Minutes
Kartoffelpuffer/ German Potato Pancakes	219	25 Minutes
Ale-Braised Bratwurst And Sauerkraut	345	40 Minutes
German Beef Rouladen	243.7	2.5 Hours
Sauerbraten	470	4 Days 2 Hours 30 Minutes
German Schnitzel	407	30 Minutes
German Currywurst	294	10 Minutes
German Spaghetti	609.17	30 Minutes
German Apple Strudel	230	40 Minutes
German Cheese Spaetzle	421	1 Hour
Classic German Pretzels	266	2 Hours 15 Minutes
German Cucumber Salad	199	10 Minutes
Rotkohl	131	1 Hour 25 Minutes
German Apple Fritters	277	50 Minutes
German Apple Cake	351	1 Hour 55 Minutes
Bread Dumplings	262	45 Minutes
Flammkuchen	1161	40 Minutes
German Carrot Salad	129	20 Minutes
German Pancakes	227.7	7 Minutes
German Potato Soup	318	40 Minutes
German Fried Potatoes	343	47 Minutes
Frikadellen	483	55 Minutes
Maltaschen	460	1 Hour 30 Minutes
German Onion Tart	395	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Roasted Pork Shank	815	2 Hours 10 Minutes
Vanillekipferl	94	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Bauernbrot	176.1	4 Hours 15 Minutes

German Food Recipes

1. German Goulash

Hot chocolate is nice on a cold day, but a warm plate of German Goulash will be the best thing you’ve ever tasted. Packed with many rich flavors, the looks and aroma of this stew will have everyone running into your kitchen.

It’s also tasty and healthy, with its numerous healthy vegetables and lean meat.

In addition, you can freeze your German Goulash for up to four days, saving you the stress of cooking a fresh meal the next day. Not to mention, the leftover still tastes just as good!

Calories Per Serving: 614

Preparation Time: 3 Hour 10 Minutes

2. German Potato Salad

Swap your regular potato salad and try this Bavarian version. It pairs with just about any meal you can think of, or you could even eat it as it is. This recipe infuses every bite of the potatoes with all the flavor you need.

Moreover, you need only a handful of ingredients for this recipe – bacon, onions, vinegar, and staple potatoes. It’s easy and fast to cook, so you’ll have a sumptuous but uncomplicated meal ready in under an hour.

Calories Per Serving: 252

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

3. German Spaetzle With Mushroom Sauce

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Everyone knows dinner can get repetitive and monotonous, so here’s something to spice up your kitchen menu.

If you’re unfamiliar with the word spaetzle, it’s just pasta. Serve with this delectable mushroom sauce, and you’ll be in for a treat.

Calories Per Serving: 531

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

 4. Bavarian Roast Pork

Oktoberfest is a big deal in Germany, and Bavarian roast pork is an ageless recipe that has always accompanied the celebration. If you can’t make it to Munich this year, you can bring a slice of Munich to you with this recipe.

Drizzle some honey and mustard over your juicy pork for more of that German authenticity. It does take some time to cook, but it’s worth it! Watch this video for an in-depth visual guide.

Calories Per Serving: 230

Preparation Time: 7 Hours

5. German Krautstrudel

This German food recipe is a simple cabbage roll – it won’t take up so much of your time. Plus, cabbages in your meal will always be healthy.

Fill your rolls with some smoky bacon and caraway seeds to enhance the great taste of the sautéed cabbage roll. Moreover, it’s also low in calories and light, so it’s perfect for you if you’re health-conscious.

Calories Per Serving: 137

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

6. Kartoffelpuffer/ German Potato Pancakes

I’m sure you’re used to regular flour pancakes. However, German Potato pancakes are even better! Here, we have light, fluffy pancakes from the sweetest, artfully-seasoned potatoes.

Note that you should take a couple of precautions before frying your kartoffelpuffer. So, view the recipe below to know the dos and don’ts for getting the best texture for your German potato pancakes.

Calories Per Serving: 219

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

7. Ale-Braised Bratwurst And Sauerkraut

It doesn’t matter what part of the world it comes from; comfort food is always a delight.

You’re probably no stranger to sausages; notwithstanding, German-style brats (mainly pork sausages) will have you singing for days!

For this recipe, pour some German ale over your lightly-browned brats to steep the sausages in sweetness. Then, complete your bratwurst with some sauerkraut to tie all the tastes together.

Calories Per Serving: 345

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

8. German Beef Rouladen

As the name implies, German beef rouladen is beef served with potato dumplings or red cabbage. But first, the best thing about this recipe is its variations and options for stuffing.

So, stuff your rouladen with whatever suits you best, whether it’s vegetables or cheese.

The beef is tasty, especially with the correct seasoning and cooking. However, the magic of this German recipe is in the accompanying gravy. 

Calories Per Serving: 243.7

Preparation Time: 2.5 Hours

9. Sauerbraten

For this recipe, you’ll spend many days marinating. However, your time and effort will result in meat that explodes into a hundred rich flavors in your mouth.

The ingredients are also accessible – primarily beef and the necessary vegetables and spices.

With Sauerbraten, you can get a real taste of Germany from your home. You don’t need to be a pro chef; just marinate and cook your beef. Subsequently, slice your meat and serve with the sauce over it. It’s perfect for dinner on a slow weekend.

Calories Per Serving: 470

Preparation Time: 4 Days 2 Hours 30 Minutes

 10. German Schnitzel

There’s no need to keep buying Schnitzel at expensive restaurants. Now, you can recreate a similar version at home (and make it to your taste). Moreover, this recipe is so simple to make; all you need is a cut of meat!

Beef is standard in German food, but any meat you have will do for this recipe. Also, it refrigerated well and tasted fantastic, whether cold or hot. It sounds like the best finger food for movie night!

Calories Per Serving: 407

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

RELATED: 15 German Chocolate Cake Recipes That Are Easy To Make

11. German Currywurst

Currywurst is a popular snack on German streets, but with this recipe, you can enjoy it at home too. The perfect mix of sweet and sour, this snack is like nothing you’ve ever tasted.

In addition, it’s simple and fast to make – heaven-sent on nights when you want a quick, one-pot, but tasty dinner.

To achieve this German delight, you only need sausages and tender but sweet pork bratwursts. Then, drizzle the tomato and curry sauce over tiny cuts of your cooked bratwurst and serve to everyone’s taste.

Calories Per Serving: 294

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

12. German Spaghetti

Move your regular spaghetti aside for a couple of weeks and introduce this German spaghetti to your kitchen menu.

Try this recipe out if you want to keep things familiar while adding a touch of German culture.

It features classic spaghetti but with German bratwurst, mustard, and a touch of beer to add the needed intrigue. Indeed, it may look different from the spaghetti you’re used to, but the taste is out of this world.

Calories Per Serving: 609.17

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

13. German Apple Strudel

For dessert lovers like me, there are also options for you. Here, we have a delicious apple strudel made from simple baking ingredients anyone will have in their kitchen.

This German dessert is, again, easy to make. Moreover, it’s made with lots of quality melted butter to make your strudel melt and dissolve in your mouth. To serve, pair it with any dessert topping or some ice cream.

Calories Per Serving: 230

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

14. German Cheese Spaetzle

Do you love macaroni and cheese? Then, check out the German version. From Swabia, Germany, this delicious meal features baked homemade spaetzle (egg noodles), gooey melted cheese, and, most importantly, lots of caramelized onions.

What’s more, if you can’t make your spaetzle at home, don’t worry, you can always buy some. Lastly, just like mac and cheese, leftovers taste no less remarkable. Make sure to use quality cheese for the best results.

Calories Per Serving: 421

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

15. Classic German Pretzels

Pretzels aren’t strange to anyone. They’re widely known worldwide, and you can easily spot them in bakeries because of their distinct shape. But, if you want utterly German pretzels, this is your recipe.

With this authentic recipe, you’ll get feather-soft pretzels on the inside while maintaining the classic deep brown on the outside. Also, this recipe skips lye to give you the safest cooking experience while yielding stellar results.

Calories Per Serving: 266

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes

16. German Cucumber Salad

German cuisine has everything you can think of, including salads. This recipe features nothing but cucumbers and the corresponding creamy German dressing.

Like most of these recipes, it’s easy – you don’t need cooking skills to fix a plate.

German cucumber salad is without equal at any time of the year, but it’s best served on a hot day (cucumbers are cool, after all). Also, don’t forget some fresh dill; your salad isn’t complete without it. Watch this video to learn more.

Calories Per Serving: 199

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

17. Rotkohl

This German food is as beautiful as it sounds and tastes even better. Rotkohl is a red cabbage dish, usually prepared with apples, onions, vinegar, and sugar or apple cider.

Although this will take some time to make, your body will love the nutrients packed in just one serving. Plus, it’s delicious and versatile, too, as it pairs well with many German dishes.

Calories Per Serving: 131

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

18. German Apple Fritters

If you love apples as much as the Germans in Frankfurt, these apple fritters are your new favorite snack.

Just coat your apple slices in thick, creamy batter and fry till they’re a lovely golden brown. Serve your apple fritters with a thick, delicious vanilla sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 277

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

19. German Apple Cake

There are still more apple-inspired recipes for you. Here, we have an authentic Bavarian apple cake. 

This recipe features a regular butter cake base with apple slices on top of the cake batter. Of course, it’s ideal for any time of the day or as dessert. 

Calories Per Serving: 351

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 55 Minutes

20. Bread Dumplings

Stop throwing stale bread away; turn it into these delightful Bavarian bread dumplings! German bread dumplings are light and fluffy. Plus, they’re versatile; you can enjoy them with any sauce.

Also, they’re quick and easy to prepare. This recipe is a superb dinner option when you have a leftover stew or sauce to repurpose.

Calories Per Serving: 262

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

21. Flammkuchen

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Imagine pizza but with a German twist? That’s what you have in Flammkuchen. It’s a sour cream pizza topped with bacon and onions.

Meanwhile, you’d think Flammkuchen has its specific times, but no. This dish is suitable for any occasion. Check out the recipe below to see the steps to take when making your Flammkuchen.

Calories Per Serving: 1161

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

22. German Carrot Salad

Cucumbers may not be your thing, but that’s not to say there’s no German salad for you. Meet the carrot salad or karottensalat. This salad is light, sweet, and, of course, maintains the crunch in your carrots.

There’s still more! Although carrots are the star of the show here, this recipe also features some sneaky apples, orange juice, and lemon juice. Read the recipe to see how you can enjoy this light, healthy salad.

Calories Per Serving: 129

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

23. German Pancakes

Although these pancakes aren’t heavily different from the ones you’ve known, you can treat your kids and get them pumped for school. You could sprinkle any seasoning of your choice and coat them in extra butter for some variety. 

Serve these pancakes with anything on your breakfast menu, including fruits and cereals.

Calories Per Serving: 227.7

Preparation Time:  7 Minutes 

24. German Potato Soup

You didn’t think there’d be no soups, did you? Here, we have a simple, filling potato soup with a colorful mix of veggies to keep you healthy and strong. 

This potato soup goes well with any bread you have handy. Alternatively, you could enjoy the creamy soup as it is.

Calories Per Serving: 318

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

25. German Fried Potatoes

Almost every culture has a fried potato dish, and Germany isn’t left out either. But, unlike plain fries, this German variety toasts your leftover boiled potatoes in butter and sizzling bacon fat. 

Additionally, using cooked potatoes will save you loads of frying time. Finally, season and garnish your meal to your taste.

Calories Per Serving: 343

Preparation Time: 47 Minutes

26. Frikadellen

Meet hamburger’s older sibling – the frikadellen. This centuries-old recipe features deliciously seasoned meat patties. If you love meat, especially beef, this recipe will delight you. 

The most significant advantage to the Frikadellen is that it freezes incredibly well. You can store these in your freezer for up to three months!

Calories Per Serving: 483

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

 27. Maultaschen

Who said pasta should be for the Italians alone? Try out the German version of ravioli in a broth or with plain old butter. You can’t go wrong adding this to your menu if you have an upcoming wedding or fancy dinner.

Calories Per Serving: 460

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

28. German Onion Tart

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They’ll make you cry, but onions remain one of the world’s most popular aromatics for spicing food. However, this recipe brings onions to the forefront rather than relegate them to a mere food garnish or spice.

Enjoy your warm slice of onion tart with a glass of white wine no matter the time of year.

Calories Per Serving: 395

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

29. Roasted Pork Shank

Recreate a piece of Oktoberfest’s staple meat in your home with a roasted pork shank. This recipe will show you how to get the perfect crispy, brown skin, and tender, juicy insides from your kitchen oven. 

Serve your meat alongside any German delicacy of your choice.

Calories Per Serving: 815

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

30. Vanillekipferl

Christmas routines can be charming, but occasionally switching things up is fun. For example, substitute your Christmas cookies with these German vanilla crescent cookies made from real groundnuts. 

They’re not as easy as your typical cookie, but they’re unique, and the dusting of white vanilla sugar looks unbelievable. Also, this recipe is egg-free, so you’re in order.

Calories Per Serving: 94

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

31. Bauernbrot

Bauernbrot is a German bread made with rye. Generally, unless you’re a pro, it’s easy to mess bread up.

However, with this recipe, everything is so much easier! It also combines some healthy seasonings and spices to give your bread a burst of flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 176 .1

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutess

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest appeared multiple times in this article and probably looked jumbling if you’re not used to German culture. Briefly, Oktoberfest is an annual, two-week-long German festival.

Parades, drinking, dancing, and food accompany the celebration. Usually, it ends in the first week of October.

What’s The Most Common German Food?

There are a lot of popular German foods, but the most common worldwide is Wurst. Likewise, there are multiple ways to cook Wurst, and each method tastes impressive. Just find one that is convenient and suits you and your family.

Are German Recipes Vegetarian?

The Germans love their meat, just like most other cultures, but it doesn’t mean there’s nothing for vegetarians. German cuisine has vegetarian-friendly soups like potato soup and numerous meatless salads like the red cabbage salad or Rotkohl.

Similarly, there’s German bread and a range of vegetarian-friendly desserts.

What’s The Most Popular Cooking Method?

There’s no strict restriction on how to cook meals; there are multiple cooking methods in German cuisine. Despite this, follow the recommended procedures in the recipes if you’re new to German food.