23 Traditional German Recipes: A Taste of Deutschland

Germany, situated at the heart of Central Europe, boasts a culinary heritage that has also left an indelible mark on Europe and beyond.

German cuisine, celebrated for its hearty and flavorful dishes, reflects the country’s rich history and diverse regions. From sausages and schnitzels to comforting soups and delicious desserts, these traditional German recipes serve as a delightful window into the culture and gastronomy of this influential nation.

1
Three rouladen beef rolls on a white plate covered in gracy. One is cut in half to reveal the pickle and bacon inside.
Authentic German Rouladen
Traditional German rouladen: tender beef rolls enveloping a flavorful filling of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles; all simmered to perfection in a rich gravy.
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2
A bowl of German spaetzle dumplings.
Authentic German Spaetzle (Easy)
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3
A plate of cheesy spaetzle, or German käsespätzle.
Käsespätzle (German Cheese Spaetzle)
Käsespätzle, or German cheese spaetzle, are homemade noodle dumplings smothered in gooey cheese and caramelized onions before being baked until bubbly.
Check out this recipe
4
The finished and plated German sauerkraut.
German Sauerkraut
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5
Cheesy and saucy German Gypsy schnitzel or zigeunerschnitzel on a cast iron skillet.
German Gypsy Schnitzel Zigeunerschnitzel
This easy Zigeunerschnitzel recipe features pork schnitzel cooked in a flavorful pepper sauce for an authentic German meal at home. Simple ingredients and big flavor every time.
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6
German meatloaf sliced and ready to serve.
Traditional German Meatloaf (Hackbraten)
Perfectly moist and packed with flavor, this traditional German meatloaf, or hackbraten, recipe combines ground pork and beef with a blend of spices and a savory glaze for a hearty dish
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7
A German chocolate cake made in a bundt pan sitting on a plate with toasted coconut, frosting, ganache, and nuts on top.
German Chocolate Bundt Cake
This German Chocolate Bundt Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake topped with decadent coconut-pecan frosting and a smooth chocolate ganache drizzle.
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8
A bowl full of German split pea soup with vegetables, potatoes, split peas, and ham.
German Split Pea Soup (Erbsensuppe)
This classic, hearty split pea soup has been a staple in German kitchens for generations, celebrated for its rich flavors and nutritious but budget-friendly ingredients.
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9
Creamy finished hunter's sauce, or jagersauce.
Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce (Jägersoße)
German Jägersoße (Hunter's sauce) or Jägersauce is a rich and flavorful gravy made with mushrooms and onions.
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10
Crispy schnitzel covered in a rich and creamy mushroom gravy served on a plate.
Jägerschnitzel: Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy
Learn how to make authentic German Jägerschnitzel with crispy pork schnitzel and a rich, savory mushroom hunter’s sauce.
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11
German potato salad covered in fresh chives and caramelized onions and bacon.
German Potato Salad
A traditional German recipe for potato salad made with bone broth, bacon, and contrasting vinegar and mustard flavors with fresh herbs.
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12
A wooden bowl filled with 5 liver dumplings and beef bone broth. There is a loaf of sourdough bread next to the bowl.
Traditional Liver Dumpling Soup
Traditional liver dumpling soup or Leberknödelsuppe is my favorite nourishing soup recipe — it's both budget-friendly and kid-friendly!
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13
A pile of German frikadellen meatball patties on a bed of lettuce.
Authentic Frikadellen (German Meatball Patties)
Authentic Frikadellen are savory German meatball patties made from a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices, onions, and breadcrumbs, then pan-fried to golden perfection. These versatile patties can be enjoyed hot or cold, served with sides like mashed potatoes or sauerkraut, or in a fresh bread roll.
Check out this recipe
14
Pancakes stuffed with cooked, spiced apple slices and covered in powdered sugar.
German Apple Filled Pancakes (Apfelpfannkuchen)
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15
Creamy German cucumber salad in bowl full of fresh dill.
Creamy German Cucumber Salad
Creamy German cucumber salad is refreshing and simple summer salad full of dill.
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16
German schnitzel served on a plate.
German Schnitzel (Schweineschnitzel)
Authentic German Schnitzel made with crispy breaded pork cutlets, fried to golden perfection.
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17
A bowl full of chunky, creamy German potato soup with lots of veggies and bacon.
German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
This authentic and hearty soup is full of root vegetables, bone broth, and smoky bacon. It is a delicious and comforting soup that the whole family will love.
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18
German Königsberger Klopse meatballs in a creamy lemon and caper sauce served on a blue plate.
Königsberger Klopse: German Meatballs in Creamy Caper Sauce
This is the authentic recipe for classic German Königsberger Klopse, or meatballs in a lemon and caper sauce. Königsberger Klopse meatballs are unique in that they are poached.
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19
German bread dumplings or semmelknodel in a bowl.
German Bread Dumplings (Semmelknödel)
German bread dumplings are a simple but flavorful Bavarian side dish that is especially delicious when smothered in gravies or sauces.
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20
A big bowl of rich, red stew broth with a whole rabbit leg inside. The stew is garnished with fresh parsley.
German Rabbit Stew Hasenpfeffer
Authentic German Rabbit Stew Hasenpfeffer. A traditional Bavarian stew of marinated rabbit, and rich seasonings.
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21
German sauerbraten covered in the rich gravy on a plate served with spaetzle and rotkohl.
Sauerbraten (German Beef Roast)
Sauerbraten is a beef pot roast that is marinated for several days before being cooked to tender, saucy perfection and served with a delicious gravy.
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22
A large plate full of shredded and braised red cabbage or rotkohl.
Rotkohl German Braised Red Cabbage
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23
A platter of German potato dumplings.
German Potato Dumplings Kartoffelklöße
Learn how to make authentic German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelklöße) with simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and nutmeg. Perfect side dish for family meals!
Check out this recipe

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