Being Lutheran with German heritage on both sides of my husband’s family, we enjoy lots of German food. Which means, we eat a lot of cabbage and sausage! Every year, our church holds a celebration of food for Oktoberfest – German Food Recipes.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day folk festival held each September in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It started out as a wedding celebration in Bavaria when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony in October 1810.
Nowadays here in America, you can expect to see community celebrations in parks with small tents, hear Polka music from Oompah bands, see folks walking around in traditional costume such as men in lederhosen and women in dirndls. Oh, and maybe an alpine hat or a Viking helmet or two.
Our Favorite German Food Recipes
As for foods, you might see lots of pork, sausage, and bratwurst, soft pretzels, and dumplings. Expect large quantities of cabbage and sauerkraut, cheese spreads, kuchens, and strudels. And of course, German beer. Here are a few of our family’s favorite German recipes.
Snacks or Appetizers – Lets Get the Party Started!
1
Sourdough Pretzels with Mustard Dip
We love Sourdough Pretzels with Mustard Dip at any time of year–not just during baseball season. They are best served warm, fresh from the oven.
Check out this recipe
2
Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Beer-Battered Onion Rings are so delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Light and crunchy with thick slices of sweet onion. And the dipping sauce is pretty amazing, too!
Check out this recipe
A Few Side Dishes – Can you say Cabbage?
3
Red Cabbage with Apples
Red cabbage is a traditional German recipe that you will see at nearly every Oktoberfest. The addition of apples compliments this cabbage dish quite well.
Check out this recipe
4
German Style Cabbage Salad
This cooked cabbage salad is a nice alternative to the creamy coleslaw recipes that abound in the summer. Perfect for your next German Oktoberfest celebration!
Check out this recipe
5
German Spaetzle with Cabbage
We’ve been making spaetzle in our home for many years. This German pasta Spatz means Little Sparrows. You won't want to celebrate Oktoberfest without this side dish.
Check out this recipe
6
German Cabbage with Bacon
This German Cabbage with Bacon recipe is a tangy, delicious side dish to serve your family, especially good with a pork or corned beef dinner. Filled with cabbage, onion, bell peppers, and bacon, it’s perfect for your next Oktoberfest celebration!
Check out this recipe
German Main Dishes and Soups
7
Pork Schnitzel with Cream Sauce
Pork Schnitzel is one of our favorite comfort dinners. It works well for a Sunday dinner or for your next Oktoberfest celebration.
Check out this recipe
8
Bierocks with Sausage and Cabbage
Unlike most bierock recipes, this one uses sausage instead of ground burger. I like to serve them with Country Potato Soup or Creamed Cabbage Soup.
Check out this recipe
9
Bratwurst with Roasted Vegetables
Bratwurst with Roasted Vegetables is an amazingly easy sheet pan dinner to prepare for your family. Packed with vegetables, it's loaded with roasted potatoes, green peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and brussels sprouts.
Check out this recipe
10
German Venison Rouladen
This dish is fabulously flavorful and possibly my new favorite German food. If you’re not familiar with Rouladen, think thin slices of venison rolled up around bacon, onion, and cornichons (German pickles), then slow-cooked in wine until they are fork-tender. Delicious!
Check out this recipe
11
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is a favorite family recipe and is a great choice for a potluck dinner. Similar to stuffed peppers with a beef and rice base, then enveloped inside cabbage leaves and topped with a spiced tomato sauce.
Check out this recipe
12
German Style Meatballs
Here is a family favorite we make for our annual German Dinner at church. Great with Bierocks and Spaetzel. Flavorful meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce, loaded with sauerkraut and cranberries.
Check out this recipe
13
Kielbasa Sauerkraut and Potatoes
A one-pot, quick and easy meal, sure to please your entire family! We love the combination of kielbasa, potatoes, and cabbage. And we love the sweet and sour flavors often found in German Cuisine.
Check out this recipe
14
Creamy Cabbage and Bratwurst Soup
Creamy Cabbage and Bratwurst Soup is a recipe I made when I had some cabbage sitting in my refrigerator. Although creamy, there is a lightness to it that seems perfect for a cool evening. Serve with a hard crusty bread such as my Tangy Sourdough Bread.
Check out this recipe
Time for Dessert – Apples, Fritters, and Kuchens
15
Fried Apples
Fried apples are so delicious and the perfect comfort food to welcome in the autumn season.
Check out this recipe
16
Blueberry Kuchen
A moist dessert, filled with a pint of fresh, plump blueberries and topped with a streusel topping.
Check out this recipe
17
Traditional Apple Crisp
Here is an old family recipe I hope you’ll enjoy. Serve with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice-cream.
Check out this recipe
18
Twisted Apple Speculaas Bread
Make this Twisted Apple Speculaas Bread when you want to impress your family or friends. It’s the perfect bread to serve during the holiday season, as it makes two delightful loaves that are so pretty with their twisted form.
Check out this recipe
19
Apple Cider Fritters
Apple Cider Fritters is a delicious recipe we enjoy in the fall that I make using my dad’s fresh apple cider. I’m not sure there is a better way to welcome in Autumn than by enjoying one of these lovelies.
Check out this recipe
20
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are baked instead of fried, and then dipped in butter and coated in a sugar-cinnamon mixture. Sweet, moist, and full of apple flavor.
Check out this recipe
If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to attend at least one Oktoberfest in your life–and be sure to try some of these recipes.
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