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Germany Cuisine

Europe • Western Europe

64 iconic dishes

Signature Germany Dishes

🍽️Main Dishes(27)

Berliner Pfannkuchen (Jelly Donuts)

Authentic Berliner Pfannkuchen, also known as jelly donuts, are a beloved carnival tradition in Germany. These sweet, fried dough pastries are typically filled with fruit jam and coated in sugar.

Medium•2 hours 55 minutes

Blutwurst (German Blood Sausage)

A hearty and traditional German blood sausage, often served pan-fried with sauerkraut. This recipe requires careful handling of ingredients and precise cooking for optimal texture and flavor.

Hard•3 hours 15 minutes

Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)

Classic German fried potatoes, also known as Bratkartoffeln, are a beloved side dish. This recipe focuses on achieving perfectly crispy potatoes with savory onions, and optionally, crispy bacon. Using cold, cooked potatoes is key to their texture.

Easy•45-50 minutes

Dampfnudeln with Sauerkraut

Traditional German savory steamed dumplings (Dampfnudeln) served with hearty sauerkraut and crispy pork belly. This recipe focuses on the Palatinate style, known for its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Medium•2 hours 30 minutes

Eisbein (German Pork Knuckle)

A classic German beer hall dish featuring tender, slow-cooked pork knuckles, traditionally boiled and sometimes finished with a crispy roast. Served with hearty sauerkraut and sharp mustard.

Medium•2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes

Falscher Hase (German Meatloaf with Hidden Eggs)

A classic German comfort food, 'Falscher Hase' translates to 'False Hare' and is a savory meatloaf with a surprise of hard-boiled eggs nestled inside. This recipe offers a detailed guide to creating this hearty and satisfying dish.

Easy•1 hour 45 minutes

Frikadellen (German Meat Patties)

Classic German pan-fried meat patties, also known as Buletten or Klopse, made from a flavorful mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned and bound with bread, onion, egg, and mustard. Perfect for a hearty meal or a picnic.

Easy•40 minutes

Kassler mit Sauerkraut (German Smoked Pork Chop with Sauerkraut)

A comforting and classic German dish featuring tender, cured smoked pork chops baked with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and aromatic spices. This recipe is simple to prepare and delivers a deeply satisfying flavor.

Easy•1 hour 35 minutes

Kohlrabi Schnitzel

A delicious vegetarian take on the classic schnitzel, using kohlrabi as the star. This modern classic offers a satisfying crunch and a tender interior, perfect for a meat-free meal.

Easy•45 minutes

Kohlroulade (German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

A comforting and classic German dish featuring tender cabbage leaves generously stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, then slow-braised in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal.

Medium•2 hours 15 minutes

Kohlrouladen (German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Hearty and comforting German cabbage rolls, filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, then braised in a rich tomato sauce. A perfect winter meal.

Medium•2 hours 15 minutes

KĂśnigsberger Klopse

KĂśnigsberger Klopse are tender, delicate meatballs originating from East Prussia, served in a rich, tangy white sauce infused with capers and lemon. A true German classic.

Medium•1 hour

Labskaus

A hearty and traditional German sailor's hash, originating from the port cities of Hamburg and Bremen. This dish is a flavorful mix of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beets, often served with pickled herring and a fried egg.

Easy•1 hour

Maultaschen

Authentic Swabian Maultaschen are large, square pasta pockets filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, spinach, and bread, traditionally enjoyed on Fridays.

Medium•1 hour 45 minutes

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

A classic Rhineland dish featuring tender, slow-braised beef marinated in a tangy vinegar mixture, served with a rich, slightly sweet sauce enriched with gingerbread and raisins. Traditionally served with potato dumplings (Klöße).

Hard•4-7 days (marinating) + 4 hours 15 minutes

Rinderroulade (German Beef Rolls)

Classic German Rinderroulade, also known as Rouladen, features thin slices of beef rolled around a savory filling of bacon, onions, and pickles, then slow-braised to tender perfection in a rich gravy. This dish is a beloved Sunday tradition.

Medium•3 hours 15 minutes

Rindsroulade (German Beef Roulade)

A classic German Sunday dinner dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around a savory filling of bacon, onions, and pickles, then slow-braised to tender perfection in a rich gravy.

Medium•3 hours 15 minutes

Rotkohl (German Braised Red Cabbage)

A classic German side dish of red cabbage braised with apples, onions, and warm spices, offering a delightful sweet and sour flavor profile. It's a quintessential accompaniment to holiday meals, especially Christmas.

Easy•1 hour 40 minutes

Rouladen

Classic German Rouladen are thin slices of beef, rolled around a savory filling of bacon, pickles, and onions, then slow-braised in a rich gravy. A hearty and traditional dish perfect for special occasions or a comforting Sunday dinner.

Medium•3 hours 15 minutes

Sauerbraten

Germany's iconic national roast: tender beef, marinated for days in a zesty blend of vinegar and spices, then slow-braised to perfection. The rich, savory gravy is thickened and subtly sweetened with crushed gingersnaps and finished with a touch of sour cream.

Medium•4 to 6 days (including marinating)

Schnitzel Holstein

Crispy, golden-brown breaded veal cutlets, pan-fried to perfection and traditionally topped with a sunny-side-up egg, salty anchovy fillets, and briny capers. A rich and satisfying dish with Danish influences, perfect for a special meal.

Medium•45 minutes

Schupfnudeln (German Potato Noodles)

Schupfnudeln are traditional Swabian finger-shaped potato dumplings, pan-fried until golden brown and slightly crispy. They are a comforting and versatile dish, often served as a side or a main course.

Medium•50 minutes

Schweinebraten (German Pork Roast with Crispy Crackling)

A classic Bavarian Sunday dish, this Schweinebraten features a succulent pork shoulder roasted to perfection with incredibly crispy crackling, served with a rich gravy made from the pan juices. It's a comforting and impressive centerpiece for any meal.

Medium•3 hours 45 minutes

Spätzle

Authentic German egg noodles, known as Spätzle, are soft, chewy dumplings originating from the Swabia region. A beloved comfort food, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Easy•35 minutes

Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescents)

Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth German vanilla crescent cookies, a beloved Christmas tradition. These buttery, almond-infused cookies are lightly sweetened and dusted with vanilla sugar.

Easy•1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling and cooling)

Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Stars)

Delicate and fragrant German cinnamon star cookies, a classic Christmas treat. These cookies feature a crisp almond base topped with a sweet meringue glaze.

Medium•42-45 minutes (plus chilling time)

Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Tart)

A classic German savory tart, Zwiebelkuchen features a rich filling of slowly cooked onions and crispy bacon nestled in a buttery crust. It's a beloved tradition, especially during wine festivals in autumn.

Medium•1 hour 30 minutes - 1 hour 35 minutes

🥟Appetizer Dishes(11)

Handkäse mit Musik

A traditional Hessian specialty from Frankfurt, Handkäse mit Musik features a firm, sour milk cheese marinated in a tangy raw onion vinaigrette. The 'Musik' in the name humorously refers to the digestive sounds that may follow, a common and accepted part of enjoying this dish, often paired with local apple wine (Apfelwein).

Easy•20 minutes + at least 30 minutes marinating

Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

Authentic German Kartoffelpuffer, also known as Reibekuchen or Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden-brown potato pancakes, a beloved street food classic perfect for any occasion.

Easy•45-50 minutes

Leberkäse

A classic Bavarian meatloaf, often served as a thick slice in a bread roll. Despite its name, traditional Leberkäse does not contain liver.

Medium•1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

LeberknĂśdel (German Liver Dumplings)

A classic Bavarian dish of tender liver dumplings gently simmered in a rich beef broth. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a light main course.

Medium•1 hour 5 minutes

Matjeshering (Young Herring with Onions and Cream)

A classic Northern German dish featuring tender young herring fillets, thinly sliced onions, and a creamy apple sauce, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. This recipe is a celebration of spring and the fresh catch from the sea.

Easy•20 minutes

Obatzda

A classic Bavarian cheese spread, perfect for beer gardens and gatherings. It's a delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy blend of ripe Camembert, butter, and cream cheese, seasoned with paprika and often topped with fresh onions.

Easy•15 minutes

Quarkbällchen (German Quark Doughnuts)

Light and airy German quark balls, a popular bakery snack made from a simple dough, fried to a golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar. They are surprisingly quick to prepare and require no yeast.

Easy•35 minutes

Reibekuchen (German Potato Pancakes)

Authentic German Reibekuchen are crispy, golden-brown shredded potato pancakes, a beloved street food often enjoyed during festive occasions like Christmas markets. They are simple to make but require careful preparation for the best texture.

Easy•45-50 minutes

Rollmops (Pickled Herring Rolls)

Rollmops are a traditional German appetizer or snack consisting of pickled herring fillets rolled around a pickle spear, often with onion and spices. They are particularly popular as a 'hangover cure' due to the savory and tangy flavors.

Easy•24 hours (minimum, for pickling)

SemmelknĂśdel (German Bread Dumplings)

Classic German bread dumplings (SemmelknĂśdel) made from stale bread rolls, milk, eggs, and aromatics. These soft and flavorful dumplings are a perfect side dish, especially when served with rich gravies and roasts.

Easy•50 minutes

Thüringer Klöße (Thuringian Potato Dumplings)

Authentic Thüringer Klöße, a traditional German potato dumpling made from a unique combination of raw and cooked potatoes, often featuring a savory bread cube center. A regional specialty from Thuringia.

Medium•1 hour 10 minutes

🍰Dessert Dishes(10)

Apfelmus (German Applesauce)

A smooth, sweet, and comforting German applesauce, perfect as a side dish or topping. This recipe includes all the classic elements for a balanced flavor.

Easy•45-50 minutes

Apfelstrudel

A classic German Apfelstrudel featuring a delicate, paper-thin pastry encasing a warm, spiced apple filling. This recipe requires patience and a gentle touch for the dough, but the result is a truly rewarding dessert.

Hard•2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 20 minutes

Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)

A classic German cake featuring a rich yeast dough base, topped with a sticky, caramelized honey-almond mixture, and filled with a luscious vanilla custard. The name 'Bee Sting' is said to come from the legend that bakers threw dough at their overlords like bees stinging them, or that bees were attracted to the sweet aroma.

Medium•Approximately 3 hours (including rising and cooling)

Dampfnudeln (German Steamed Buns)

Soft, fluffy, yeasted dumplings steamed in milk and butter, traditionally served as a dessert in Bavaria. They develop a slightly crisp bottom during steaming.

Medium•1 hour 30 minutes

Dresdner Eierschecke

A traditional Saxon layered cake from Dresden, featuring three distinct layers: a yeast dough base, a creamy quark filling, and a rich egg custard topping.

Medium•1 hour 45 minutes

Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth)

A hearty and traditional Rhineland dish, Himmel und Erde translates to 'Heaven and Earth,' representing the sweetness of apples (heaven) and the earthiness of potatoes, served with savory blood sausage and caramelized onions. It's a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors.

Easy•1 hour

Lebkuchen (Nuremberg Style)

Authentic Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a rich and spiced gingerbread, traditionally made for Christmas. This recipe focuses on a dense, moist texture, often without flour, and is a staple at German Christmas markets.

Medium•Overnight (for dough resting) + 1 hour (active prep & baking)

Pfefferkuchen (German Pepper Cakes)

Authentic German Pfefferkuchen, also known as pepper cakes, are a traditional spiced gingerbread cookie, especially popular during the Christmas season. They are known for their distinct spicy kick, often more pronounced than other gingerbread varieties.

Medium•overnight + 1 hour

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau)

A classic and iconic German dessert, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, or Black Forest Gateau, features layers of rich chocolate sponge cake, soaked in Kirsch (cherry liqueur), filled with whipped cream and tart cherries, and adorned with chocolate shavings. A true indulgence.

Hard•3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling and setting)

Streuselkuchen (German Crumb Cake)

A classic German crumb cake, perfect for 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) on a Sunday afternoon. This recipe features a rich, buttery, and generous crumble topping over a soft yeast dough base.

Medium•Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (including dough rising time)
Germany Recipes - Traditional Germany Cuisine | world.food