Skip to content

Top Navigation

Allrecipes Allrecipes
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Create a Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Help this link opens in a new tab

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Help this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Login
Get Allrecipes Magazine
Pin FB

Explore Allrecipes

Allrecipes Allrecipes
  • Find a Recipe
    Find a Recipe

    Include these ingredients

    Filter by Ingredients

    Do not include these ingredients

    Filter by Ingredients
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Kitchen Garden

      The Kitchen Garden

      Take your love of food to the next level by growing your own. Our first ever Allrecipes gardening guide gives you tips and advice to get you started. Read More
    • Order Your Recipe Ingredients Online With One Click

      Order Your Recipe Ingredients Online With One Click

      Shop your favorite recipes with grocery delivery or pickup at your local Walmart. Read More
    • 15 Asparagus Pasta Recipes You'll Want to Make on Repeat

      15 Asparagus Pasta Recipes You'll Want to Make on Repeat

      Read More
  • 100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    See All 100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    15 Brunch Casseroles for Easy Springtime Weekends

    15 Brunch Casseroles for Easy Springtime Weekends

    • Breakfast Burrito Recipes
    • Breakfast Casserole Recipes
    • Crepe Recipes
    • Egg Recipes
    • French Toast Recipes
    • Frittata Recipes
    • Granola Recipes
    • Omelet Recipes
    • Overnight Oat Recipes
    • Pancake Recipes
    • Quiche Recipes
    • Waffle Recipes
  • Lunch Recipes

    Lunch Recipes

    See All Lunch Recipes
    10 Pasta Salads to Perk up Your Weekday Lunch

    10 Pasta Salads to Perk up Your Weekday Lunch

    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Sandwich Recipes
    • Sandwich Wraps and Roll-Up Recipes
    • School Lunch Ideas and Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes

    Dinner Recipes

    See All Dinner Recipes
    15 Garlic Chicken Thigh Recipes to Make for Dinner

    15 Garlic Chicken Thigh Recipes to Make for Dinner

    • Dinner Fix
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Chicken Breast Recipes
    • Chicken Thigh Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Ground Beef Recipes
    • 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Pork Tenderloin Recipes
    • Turkey Recipes
    • Ground Turkey Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Salmon Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    See All Appetizer & Snack Recipes
    7 Refreshing Pineapple Salsa Recipes

    7 Refreshing Pineapple Salsa Recipes

    • Baked Brie Recipes
    • Bruschetta Recipes
    • Chicken Wing Recipes
    • Crab Cake Recipes
    • Deviled Egg Recipes
    • Fruit Dip Recipes
    • Guacamole Recipes
    • Hummus Recipes
    • Jalapeno Popper Recipes
    • Meatball Appetizers
    • Nacho Recipes
    • Salsa Recipes
    • Stuffed Mushroom Recipes
  • Bread Recipes

    Bread Recipes

    See All Bread Recipes
    8 Dutch Oven Bread Recipes That Are Better Than the Bakery

    8 Dutch Oven Bread Recipes That Are Better Than the Bakery

    • Banana Bread Recipes
    • Biscuit Recipes
    • Bread Machine Recipes
    • Cornbread Recipes
    • Doughnut Recipes
    • Muffin Recipes
    • Pumpkin Bread Recipes
    • Quick Bread Recipes
    • Sourdough Bread Recipes
    • Yeast Bread Recipes
    • Zucchini Bread Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes

    Dessert Recipes

    See All Dessert Recipes
    Strawberry Desserts to Make When You Can't Get Fresh Strawberries

    Strawberry Desserts to Make When You Can't Get Fresh Strawberries

    • Cake Recipes
    • Carrot Cake Recipes
    • Cheesecake Recipes
    • Chocolate Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Cupcake Recipes
    • Frosting and Icing Recipes
    • Ice Cream Recipes
    • Peach Cobbler Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
    • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipes
    • Pound Cake Recipes
    • Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes
    • Sweet Spot
  • Drink Recipes

    Drink Recipes

    See All Drink Recipes
    22 Fruity Margarita Recipes

    22 Fruity Margarita Recipes

    • Bloody Mary Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Coffee Drink Recipes
    • Jell-o Shot Recipes
    • Margarita Recipes
    • Martini Recipes
    • Punch Recipes
    • Sangria Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
  • Main Dish Recipes

    Main Dish Recipes

    See All Main Dish Recipes
    25 Oven-Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes Ready In Under 1 hour

    25 Oven-Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes Ready In Under 1 hour

    • Beef Stroganoff Recipes
    • Casserole Recipes
    • Enchilada Recipes
    • Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
    • Pork Chop Recipes
    • Shepherd's Pie Recipes
    • Shrimp Scampi Recipes
  • Salad Recipes

    Salad Recipes

    See All Salad Recipes
    16 DIY Dressings for Green Salads

    16 DIY Dressings for Green Salads

    • Chicken Salad Recipes
    • Coleslaw Recipes
    • Cucumber Salad Recipes
    • Egg Salad Recipes
    • Fruit Salad Recipes
    • Pasta Salad Recipes
    • Potato Salad Recipes
    • Spinach Salad Recipes
    • Tuna Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes

    Side Dish Recipes

    See All Side Dish Recipes
    10 Delicious Side Dishes for Enchiladas

    10 Delicious Side Dishes for Enchiladas

    • Baked Bean Recipes
    • Broccoli Side Dish Recipes
    • Mashed Potato Recipes
    • Pasta Sauce Recipes
    • Potato Side Dish Recipes
    • Rice Side Dish Recipes
    • Salad Dressing Recipes
    • Scalloped Potato Recipes
    • Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
  • Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    See All Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes
    12 Hearty Hominy Soup Recipes

    12 Hearty Hominy Soup Recipes

    • Beef Stew Recipes
    • Cabbage Soup Recipes
    • Chicken and Dumpling Recipes
    • Chili Recipes
    • Corn Chowder Recipes
    • Gumbo Recipes
    • Jambalaya Recipes
    • Potato Soup Recipes
    • Taco Soup Recipes
    • Tomato Soup Recipes
    • More Soup Recipes
    • More Stew Recipes
  • Cooking Style

    Cooking Style

    See All Cooking Style
    10 Instant Pot Shrimp Recipes

    10 Instant Pot Shrimp Recipes

    • 5 Ingredient Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • BBQ & Grilling Recipes
    • Cooking for Two
    • Family Dinner Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid-Friendly Recipes
    • Leftover Recipes
    • Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Diet & Healthy Recipes

    Diet & Healthy Recipes

    See All Diet & Healthy Recipes
    15 Keto Instant Pot Recipes

    15 Keto Instant Pot Recipes

    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Keto Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Low Carb Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Whole30 Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    15 Best Ramadan Recipes

    15 Best Ramadan Recipes

    • Holiday Planning
    • Cocktail Hour
    • Good Times, Good Food
    • New Year's Recipes
    • Recipes for Super Bowl(R)
    • Valentines's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Mother's Day Recipes
    • 4th of July Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
  • World Cuisine

    World Cuisine

    See All World Cuisine
    12 Best Persian Recipes to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation

    12 Best Persian Recipes to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation

    • Chinese Recipes
    • Filipino Recipes
    • German Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Russian Recipes
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Global Kitchen
  • Kitchen Tips

    Kitchen Tips

    See All Kitchen Tips
    6 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Cast Iron Skillets

    6 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Cast Iron Skillets

    Keep your cast iron pans in tip-top shape by avoiding these no-nos.
    • All About Ingredients
    • Baking
    • Bake It Up A Notch
    • Buying
    • The Allrecipes 2021 Spring Cleaning Handbook
    • Gardening
    • How To
    • Substitutions
    • Tools and Techniques
    • You Can Cook That
  • Allrecipes Magazine Recipes
  • Food Wishes with Chef John
  • Homemade Podcast
  • Trusted Brands
  • Food News and Trends

    Food News and Trends

    See All Food News and Trends
    We Tried 8 Canned and Frozen Biscuits and These Were the Best

    We Tried 8 Canned and Frozen Biscuits and These Were the Best

    Which premade biscuits are worthy of your breakfast?
    • Cooks to Follow
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews and Buying Guides
    • Recalls

Profile Menu

Get Allrecipes Magazine this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Create a Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Help this link opens in a new tab

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Help this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE

16 German Recipes That Are Comfort Food Favorites

By Carl Hanson
March 12, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Jaeger Schnitzel

German cuisine is big on comfort foods! With an emphasis on meat and potatoes, German cooking feels familiar, like much of American comfort food; but its focus on sweet and sour flavors is strictly German. You'll enjoy it in popular German dishes like sauerbraten, which combines a sour marinade with a sweet sauce. Roasted meats (braten), schnitzels, and sausages (there are more than 1,000 varieties of sausage) are also star players on the German dinner plate. We've lined up a bunch of our very favorite, comforting German recipes.

Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jaeger Schnitzel

Jaeger Schnitzel with gravy, mashed potatoes, and red cabbage
Credit: naples34102
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Breaded cubes of pork are fried and combined with mushrooms and hunter gravy. "This is wonderful," says Helene. "Serve over a bed of noodles, with a salad and a hunk of thick crusty bread."

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage

Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chicken thighs are baked with red cabbage, bacon, and apple in a sweet and sour sauce. "I adore Bavarian cuisine," says HerbanSpoons. "And since there's no good German food here (while I lived in San Francisco, my husband and I ate at wonderful German/Hungarian restaurants there), I have to make my own...This recipe is crazy simple."

2 of 17

3 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel on a plate with lemon
Credit: Allrecipes Photo
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"This easy German recipe is one of our favorites," says Loves2CookinMN. The recipe calls for veal cutlets. But as Loves2CookinMN points out, "Boneless pork chops can be substituted for veal and taste excellent!"

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beef Short Ribs Sauerbraten

Beef Short Ribs Sauerbraten
Credit: nwhite949
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"The 24-hour marinade ensures these succulent short ribs have that signature tanginess of Sauerbraten," says Chef John. "Gingersnaps give the sauce a beautiful texture and add a sweet spiciness."

4 of 17

5 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beer Glazed Brats and Sauerkraut

Beer Glazed Brats and Sauerkraut
Credit: lutzflcat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A flavorful beer glaze coats bratwurst or knockwurst sausages and onions served over sauerkraut. "We love this dish served on potato rolls with spicy hot German mustard, Swiss cheese, and ice cold beer on the side," says JTk364.

5 of 17

6 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chef John's Beef Rouladen

Chef John's Beef Rouladen
Credit: lutzflcat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"For something that looks and tastes as impressive as this beef rouladen, it's actually one of the simplest stuffed meat recipes I know," says Chef John. "You can pretty much use any cheap cut of beef; I used round steak, but rump, chuck, flap meat, and other similar cuts will work work."

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lengenberg's Boiled Potatoes

Lengenberg's Boiled Potatoes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Like Americans, German love their potatoes. But it wasn't always so. In the mid-1700s, Frederick the Great of Prussia forced dubious peasants to plant the curious kartoffel. Fondness followed, but gradually. Here, basic boiled potatoes are dressed simply with parsley. They're the perfect complement to bratwurst with mustard or schnitzel. For a special treat, serve them with Uli's Onion Bacon Sauce and Apple Red Cabbage.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grammy's German Potato Salad

a bowl of chunky potato salad made with white potatoes and garnished with chopped parsley
Credit: lutzflcat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mayo-free German-style potato salad is served warm in a tangy dressing made with cider vinegar and dry mustard. "We loved it," says Helene. "Simple to make and oh-so delicious. It was an easy to make side to go with our meal."

8 of 17

9 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

German Beet Salad with Caraway Seeds

German Beet Salad with Caraway Seeds
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"This is a traditional German beet salad with a simple apple cider vinegar dressing and caraway seeds," says Naschkatze. "You can also make it with roasted beets, but in Germany the beets are usually boiled."

 

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

German Hamburgers (Frikadellen)

It's the original hamburger! "These are served like a flattened meatbal," says Amy. "My Aunt in Hamburg, Germany taught me this recipe and I've been making them ever since. I also like to use this recipe to make Swedish meatballs (but omit the paprika). Serve with steamed string beans and tossed salad. Or serve on a Kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, pickled cucumbers, finely sliced deep fried onions and curry ketchup."
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's the original hamburger! "These are served like a flattened meatbal," says Amy. "My Aunt in Hamburg, Germany taught me this recipe and I've been making them ever since. I also like to use this recipe to make Swedish meatballs (but omit the paprika). Serve with steamed string beans and tossed salad. Or serve on a Kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, pickled cucumbers, finely sliced deep fried onions and curry ketchup."

10 of 17

11 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Curried Cottage Fries

Curried Cottage Fries
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bratkartoffeln, wedged potatoes seasoned with curry powder and paprika and baked until crispy, are Germany's answer to home fries. "Potato wedges with a kick! Great for those who love curry," says Melaknee.

11 of 17

12 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spätzle (aka Spaetzle)

Not feeling like potatoes? These tiny German "micro-dumplings" are made with a flour-based batter. "They cook in a just a few minutes," says Chef John, "and are great plain with browned butter or topped with slowly braised meat."
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Not feeling like potatoes? These tiny German "micro-dumplings" are made with a flour-based batter. "They cook in a just a few minutes," says Chef John, "and are great plain with browned butter or topped with slowly braised meat."

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)

German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)
Credit: Chef John
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"Soft, comforting potato dumplings drizzled in browned butter and topped with, sorry, not bacon, but something even better!" says Chef John. "For best results, roast, don't boil, the potatoes so they're nice and dry. Yes, you can top these dumplings with bacon anyway, and/or sautéed onions and mushroom sauce. I served mine with sausage and red cabbage."

13 of 17

14 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Braised Red Cabbage

Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Red cabbage is braised in wine and simple seasonings. The sour, sweet, and salty flavors go great with meaty German main dishes. "There are so many ways to tweak this recipe," says Chef John. "Raisins, currants, shallots, onions, leeks, apples, and pears are just a few things that rock in this recipe."

14 of 17

15 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

German Potato Pancakes

latkes topped with sour cream and chopped chives layered on a rectangular platter
Credit: LYNNINMA
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These traditional German potato pancakes fry up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Tasty for breakfast or dinner beside bratwurst with some sour cream and apple sauce on the side. "This recipe reminds me of the potato pancakes that my dad used to make," says luv2cook. "The potato fries up nicely and the onion adds a wonderful sweetness to the mixture. Yummy!

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pam's Bierocks

Bierocks on a white plate
Credit: DIZ♥
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet dinner rolls are stuffed with ground beef, onions, and cabbage. A great alternative to the Finnish pasty! "If you are looking for an authentic bierock recipe this one is spot on," says DIZ. "It's absolutely perfect from the bread dough to the meat filling. Don t forget the spicy German mustard. It's a must!"

16 of 17

17 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Papa Drexler's Bavarian Pretzels

Bavarian Pretzels on a wooden background
Credit: lili
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"Out of the oven, the first bite gives a crisp crunch and wonderful pretzel flavor with the softest dough in the middle," says Liddah. "Absolutely delightful!"

You might also like:

  • This Bavarian Snack Board Is the Perfect Light Meal or Snack
  • Around the World in 10 Complete Menus
  • More German Recipes

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Carl Hanson

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 17 Jaeger Schnitzel
    2 of 17 Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage
    3 of 17 Wienerschnitzel
    4 of 17 Beef Short Ribs Sauerbraten
    5 of 17 Beer Glazed Brats and Sauerkraut
    6 of 17 Chef John's Beef Rouladen
    7 of 17 Lengenberg's Boiled Potatoes
    8 of 17 Grammy's German Potato Salad
    9 of 17 German Beet Salad with Caraway Seeds
    10 of 17 German Hamburgers (Frikadellen)
    11 of 17 Curried Cottage Fries
    12 of 17 Spätzle (aka Spaetzle)
    13 of 17 German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)
    14 of 17 Braised Red Cabbage
    15 of 17 German Potato Pancakes
    16 of 17 Pam's Bierocks
    17 of 17 Papa Drexler's Bavarian Pretzels

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Allrecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Jobs this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Apps this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Global Communities

    Global Communities

    • Australia & New Zealand this link opens in a new tab
    • Canada this link opens in a new tab
    • Quebec this link opens in a new tab
    • United Kingdom & Ireland this link opens in a new tab
    • United States this link opens in a new tab
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithAllrecipes is part of the Meredith Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved.
    Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.allrecipes.com

    View image

    16 German Recipes That Are Comfort Food Favorites
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.