German cuisine is a rich tapestry of hearty flavors, comforting textures, and time-honored traditions.
From crispy pork knuckles and savory sausages to creamy potato dishes and tangy red cabbage, German dinners are all about satisfying, soul-warming meals that bring people together.
Whether you’re looking to explore classic Bavarian specialties or discover lesser-known regional favorites, this collection of 24+ German dinner recipes offers a delicious gateway into the heart of Germany’s culinary heritage.
These recipes are perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or simply indulging in authentic flavors at home.
24+ Authentic German Dinner Recipes You Have to Try
Exploring these 24+ German dinner recipes is a wonderful way to experience the diverse and hearty flavors that define Germany’s culinary identity.
From tender rouladen and savory schnitzels to traditional soups and vibrant sides like sauerkraut and rotkohl, these dishes bring warmth and richness to your table.
Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight meal or a festive feast, these recipes offer something for every occasion and palate, ensuring that German comfort food can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a classic German pot roast known for its rich, tangy flavor from marinating the beef in a mixture of vinegar, spices, and herbs.
This slow-cooked dish is tender, flavorful, and traditionally served with red cabbage and potato dumplings, making it a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- Beef roast
- Vinegar (red or white)
- Onions, sliced
- Carrots, chopped
- Bay leaves
- Cloves
- Juniper berries (optional)
- Beef broth
- Sugar
- Oil or lard
Instructions:
Marinate the beef in a mixture of vinegar, water, sliced onions, carrots, bay leaves, cloves, and juniper berries for several days in the refrigerator. Remove the meat from the marinade and brown it in oil or lard. Add the marinade and beef broth to the pot, then simmer gently until the meat is tender. Thicken the sauce with a bit of sugar and flour if desired. Serve with traditional sides like red cabbage and potato dumplings.
This dish offers a wonderful balance of sour and savory flavors with tender meat that melts in your mouth, embodying the heartiness and tradition of German cuisine.
Rouladen
Rouladen are thin slices of beef rolled around a filling of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles, then braised to tender perfection.
This German comfort food is rich, savory, and perfect for a special dinner that impresses with its layers of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Bacon strips
- Onions, chopped
- Pickles, sliced
- Mustard
- Beef broth
- Flour for thickening
- Oil or butter
Instructions:
Spread mustard on the beef slices, then layer with bacon, onions, and pickles. Roll up and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Brown the rouladen in a pan, then add beef broth and simmer covered until tender. Remove the rouladen and thicken the sauce with flour. Serve with mashed potatoes or red cabbage.
Rouladen’s blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors along with its tender texture makes it a beloved classic that’s perfect for hearty dinners and family gatherings.
Kartoffelsalat
Kartoffelsalat, or German potato salad, is a flavorful side dish often served warm alongside many traditional German dinners.
Unlike creamy American versions, this salad uses a tangy vinegar and bacon dressing, making it bright and savory with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (waxy variety)
- Bacon, diced
- Onions, finely chopped
- Vinegar
- Mustard
- Sugar
- Beef broth or water
- Fresh chives or parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Boil potatoes until tender, peel while warm, and slice thinly. Cook bacon until crisp, then sauté onions in the bacon fat. Mix vinegar, mustard, sugar, and broth or water to create the dressing. Toss potatoes with the bacon, onions, and dressing while still warm. Garnish with fresh herbs and season to taste.
This potato salad’s tangy, smoky flavors and warm texture make it an ideal accompaniment to German meats and sausages, bringing a perfect balance to any dinner plate.
Jägerschnitzel
Jägerschnitzel is a popular German dish featuring breaded pork or veal cutlets topped with a rich mushroom gravy.
The hearty sauce and crispy schnitzel combine to create a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s beloved throughout Germany.
Ingredients:
- Pork or veal cutlets
- Flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for breading
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Onion, diced
- Butter or oil
- Beef or vegetable broth
- Sour cream or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Pound the cutlets thin, then bread them by dipping in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Fry the schnitzels until golden and crispy. In a separate pan, sauté onions and mushrooms in butter or oil. Add broth and simmer, then stir in sour cream or cream to create the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the schnitzels topped with mushroom gravy, alongside spaetzle or potatoes.
Jägerschnitzel offers a delicious contrast between crispy, tender meat and creamy, earthy mushroom sauce—a classic that perfectly captures traditional German comfort food.
Bratwurst with Sauerkraut
Bratwurst with sauerkraut is a quintessential German dinner pairing savory sausages with tangy fermented cabbage.
This simple yet flavorful meal celebrates the hearty, rustic flavors of Germany and is perfect for an authentic and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- Bratwurst sausages
- Sauerkraut
- Onion, sliced
- Butter or oil
- Mustard for serving
- Bread or potatoes on the side
Instructions:
Cook bratwurst sausages by grilling, pan-frying, or simmering in beer for extra flavor. In a pan, sauté onions in butter or oil, then add sauerkraut and warm through. Serve the bratwurst on a plate or bun with sauerkraut and mustard on the side, accompanied by bread or boiled potatoes.
This classic combination delivers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors, making it a beloved staple of German home cooking.
Spätzle with Cheese
Spätzle with cheese, or Käsespätzle, is a German take on macaroni and cheese, featuring soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.
This rich and comforting dish is a favorite in southern Germany and makes a hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- Spätzle noodles (homemade or store-bought)
- Emmental or Swiss cheese, shredded
- Onions, thinly sliced
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook spätzle noodles until tender and drain. In a baking dish or skillet, layer the noodles with shredded cheese. Sauté onions in butter until golden and crispy. Bake or heat the layered noodles and cheese until melted and bubbly. Top with fried onions and garnish with fresh herbs.
Käsespätzle offers a creamy, cheesy indulgence combined with crunchy onions, making it a rich and satisfying dinner that showcases the hearty flavors of German cuisine.
Rinderrouladen
Rinderrouladen are traditional German beef rolls filled with bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles, then slow-cooked until tender.
This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for a comforting, hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Bacon strips
- Onions, chopped
- Pickles, sliced
- Mustard
- Beef broth
- Oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Spread mustard on beef slices, then layer with bacon, onions, and pickles. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks. Brown in a pan with oil or butter, then add beef broth and simmer until tender. Remove rolls, thicken sauce if desired, and serve with traditional sides like red cabbage or mashed potatoes.
Rinderrouladen offer a delicious combination of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, making them a beloved German classic that’s perfect for special dinners or family meals.
Kartoffelpuffer
Kartoffelpuffer, or German potato pancakes, are crispy and golden on the outside with a soft interior.
Often served with applesauce or sour cream, they make a tasty and versatile dinner side or light meal.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes, grated
- Onion, grated
- Eggs
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix grated potatoes and onion with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan, spoon the mixture to form small pancakes, and fry until golden and crisp on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with applesauce or sour cream.
These potato pancakes bring a comforting crunch and mild flavor, perfect alongside sausages or hearty stews for a true German dining experience.
Schweinebraten
Schweinebraten is a classic German roasted pork dish known for its crispy crackling and juicy meat.
Often seasoned with garlic, caraway seeds, and herbs, it’s traditionally served with gravy, potatoes, and sauerkraut.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or roast with skin
- Garlic cloves
- Caraway seeds
- Onion, quartered
- Carrots, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Beer or broth for roasting liquid
Instructions:
Score the pork skin and rub with salt, garlic, and caraway seeds. Place pork in a roasting pan with onions and carrots. Roast at high heat initially to crisp the skin, then lower the temperature and cook until tender. Baste with beer or broth periodically. Serve sliced with gravy and traditional sides.
Schweinebraten is a flavorful, hearty centerpiece that captures the essence of German comfort food, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions.
Königsberger Klopse
Königsberger Klopse are traditional German meatballs made from ground veal or beef, served in a creamy white sauce with capers.
This dish offers a unique balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it a comforting and elegant dinner choice.
Ingredients:
- Ground veal or beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
- Capers
- Butter
- Flour
- Lemon juice
- Beef broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix ground meat with onion, egg, and bread crumbs, then shape into small meatballs. Boil the meatballs gently in broth until cooked. In a separate pan, prepare a white sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in broth and cream. Stir in capers and lemon juice for tanginess. Add the meatballs to the sauce and warm through. Serve with boiled potatoes or rice.
Königsberger Klopse are tender and flavorful meatballs in a luscious sauce, perfect for those seeking a traditional yet slightly sophisticated German dinner.
Maultaschen
Maultaschen are German stuffed pasta pockets, similar to ravioli, filled with a mixture of meat, spinach, onions, and herbs.
They can be served in broth, pan-fried, or baked, offering a versatile and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients:
- Pasta dough
- Ground beef and pork
- Spinach, cooked and chopped
- Onions, sautéed
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Prepare pasta dough and roll thin. Mix ground meat, spinach, onions, eggs, bread crumbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to make the filling. Cut dough into squares, place filling in the center, and fold to seal. Cook in boiling water until they float, then serve in broth or pan-fry with onions.
Maultaschen combine hearty fillings with tender pasta, making them a comforting and flexible German dinner dish perfect for any occasion.
Eisbein
Eisbein is a traditional German dish featuring slow-cooked pork knuckle with crispy skin.
It’s typically served with sauerkraut and mashed peas or potatoes, offering a robust and satisfying meal rooted in German culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
- Pork knuckle (ham hock)
- Onions
- Carrots
- Bay leaves
- Juniper berries
- Salt and pepper
- Sauerkraut and peas for serving
Instructions:
Simmer the pork knuckle in water with onions, carrots, bay leaves, and juniper berries until tender. For crispy skin, roast or broil the knuckle briefly after simmering. Serve with sauerkraut and mashed peas or potatoes.
Eisbein is a hearty, flavorful dish showcasing tender meat and crispy skin, ideal for those looking to experience authentic German comfort food.
Leberknödel Soup
Leberknödel soup is a traditional German broth-based soup featuring liver dumplings made from ground liver, bread, and spices.
It’s a warming and hearty dish, often enjoyed as a starter or light dinner.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or pork liver
- Bread crumbs
- Onion, finely chopped
- Parsley
- Eggs
- Beef broth
- Salt, pepper, and marjoram
Instructions:
Mix ground liver with soaked bread crumbs, onions, parsley, eggs, and seasoning. Shape into dumplings and gently cook them in simmering beef broth until they float. Serve the dumplings in the hot broth garnished with fresh parsley.
Leberknödel soup offers a rich, comforting taste with tender dumplings and flavorful broth, perfect for chilly evenings or a traditional German meal experience.
Flammkuchen
Flammkuchen, often called German-style pizza, features a thin, crispy crust topped with crème fraîche or cream cheese, onions, and bacon.
It’s a popular dish in the Alsace region and throughout Germany, ideal for a casual and delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
- Thin pizza dough
- Crème fraîche or cream cheese
- Onions, thinly sliced
- Bacon, diced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to high heat. Roll out dough thinly and spread a layer of crème fraîche or cream cheese. Top with sliced onions and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the toppings are cooked.
Flammkuchen is crispy, creamy, and savory, making it a perfect quick and satisfying dinner that combines simple ingredients into something deliciously memorable.
Berliner Pfannkuchen
Berliner Pfannkuchen, known outside Germany as jelly-filled doughnuts, are a sweet treat often enjoyed as a dessert but can also be part of a festive dinner or special occasion meal.
They feature a soft, fried dough filled with jam and dusted with sugar.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Milk
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Butter
- Jam or fruit preserves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Prepare a yeast dough and let it rise. Roll out and cut into rounds, then fry in hot oil until golden. Fill with jam using a piping bag once cooled, and dust with powdered sugar.
While traditionally a dessert or breakfast item, Berliner Pfannkuchen can add a sweet finish to a German-inspired dinner or be served as part of a festive meal.
Weisswurst with Pretzels
Weisswurst is a traditional Bavarian sausage made from finely minced veal and pork back bacon, flavored with fresh parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger, and cardamom.
This mild and tender sausage is typically enjoyed for dinner or brunch alongside soft pretzels and sweet mustard.
Ingredients:
- Weisswurst sausages
- Fresh pretzels
- Sweet mustard
- Water or beer for poaching
Instructions:
Bring water or beer to a gentle simmer, then poach the Weisswurst sausages until heated through (avoid boiling). Serve hot with soft pretzels and a side of sweet mustard for dipping.
Weisswurst with pretzels offers a delicate, mildly spiced flavor balanced by the salty pretzels and tangy mustard—a comforting and iconic German meal perfect for casual dining.
Schweinshaxe
Schweinshaxe, or roasted pork knuckle, is a traditional German dish featuring crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
It is often accompanied by potato dumplings and sauerkraut, making it a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- Pork knuckle
- Salt and pepper
- Caraway seeds
- Onion, garlic, and herbs for roasting
- Sauerkraut and potato dumplings for serving
Instructions:
Score the pork knuckle skin and season generously with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Roast in the oven with onions, garlic, and herbs until the skin is crisp and the meat tender. Serve with traditional sides like sauerkraut and potato dumplings.
Schweinshaxe is a flavorful centerpiece that exemplifies rustic German cuisine, offering crispy textures and rich, juicy meat for a truly comforting dinner experience.
Kartoffelsuppe
Kartoffelsuppe, or German potato soup, is a creamy and hearty soup made with potatoes, vegetables, and often bacon or sausage.
It’s a warming and filling dinner option perfect for colder days.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes, diced
- Carrots, celery, and onions, chopped
- Bacon or sausage (optional)
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Cream or sour cream
- Fresh herbs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook bacon or sausage if using, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the rendered fat. Add diced potatoes and broth, simmering until vegetables are tender. Puree part of the soup for creaminess, then stir in cream or sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.
Kartoffelsuppe is a satisfying, creamy soup with layers of flavor and texture, perfect as a standalone dinner or paired with crusty bread.
Hühnerfrikassee
Hühnerfrikassee is a classic German chicken stew made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy white sauce with vegetables like peas and carrots.
This comforting dish is traditionally served over rice, making it a hearty and warming dinner.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Carrots, peas, and mushrooms
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Cream
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook chicken until tender and shred into pieces. In a pan, sauté vegetables in butter, then stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and cream to form a creamy sauce. Add chicken back into the sauce and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Hühnerfrikassee’s smooth and mild flavors, combined with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, make it a beloved German comfort food perfect for family dinners.
Frikadellen
Frikadellen are German-style meat patties, similar to meatballs but flatter and often pan-fried until crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
They’re a versatile dinner option, great with potatoes, salad, or bread.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or pork
- Onion, finely chopped
- Bread crumbs
- Eggs
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix meat with onions, bread crumbs, eggs, mustard, salt, and pepper. Shape into flat patties and fry in oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a fresh salad.
Frikadellen offer a juicy, flavorful bite with a crispy crust, making them a satisfying and traditional German dinner choice.
Rotkohl
Rotkohl, or braised red cabbage, is a classic German side dish known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Often cooked with apples, vinegar, and spices, it pairs perfectly with meat dishes like roasts and sausages.
Ingredients:
- Red cabbage, shredded
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Onion, sliced
- Vinegar (apple cider or red wine)
- Sugar
- Bay leaves
- Cloves
- Butter or oil
Instructions:
Sauté onions and apples in butter or oil. Add shredded cabbage, vinegar, sugar, bay leaves, and cloves. Cover and simmer gently until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Rotkohl adds a vibrant, flavorful contrast to hearty German dinners, balancing rich meats with its sweet and tangy notes.
Bienenstich
Bienenstich, or “Bee Sting Cake,” is a beloved German dessert that can also be enjoyed as a special treat after dinner.
It features a soft yeast dough topped with a caramelized almond-honey crust and filled with a creamy custard or cream cheese filling, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- Yeast dough ingredients (flour, yeast, milk, sugar, butter, eggs)
- Honey
- Sliced almonds
- Heavy cream or custard for filling
- Sugar
Instructions:
Prepare a yeast dough and let it rise. Spread a mixture of honey, butter, sugar, and sliced almonds on top, then bake until golden. Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally and fill with cream or custard. Chill before serving.
Bienenstich is a deliciously sweet and nutty treat with a creamy center, making it a wonderful finish to any German-inspired dinner.
Labskaus
Labskaus is a traditional northern German dish made with corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, mashed together into a hearty, colorful meal.
It is typically served with pickled herring, a fried egg, and gherkins, offering a unique and flavorful dinner experience.
Ingredients:
- Corned beef
- Potatoes
- Beetroot, cooked and diced
- Onions, chopped
- Pickled herring (optional)
- Eggs
- Pickles
Instructions:
Boil potatoes and mash them. Fry onions until translucent. Mix corned beef, beetroot, onions, and mashed potatoes together. Serve with fried eggs on top, pickled herring on the side, and gherkins for garnish.
Labskaus offers a savory, tangy, and hearty meal that reflects the seafaring traditions of northern Germany, perfect for a robust and satisfying dinner.
Grünkohl mit Pinkel
Grünkohl mit Pinkel is a traditional German kale stew served with a special smoked sausage called Pinkel.
This dish is especially popular in northern Germany during the colder months and is a warm, hearty dinner that showcases seasonal greens.
Ingredients:
- Kale (fresh or frozen)
- Pinkel sausage or smoked sausage
- Onions
- Bacon or pork belly
- Mustard
- Potatoes
Instructions:
Cook bacon or pork belly until crispy. Add chopped onions and kale, then simmer until kale is tender. Add sliced Pinkel sausage and cook through. Serve the stew hot with boiled potatoes and mustard on the side.
This dish combines smoky sausage with hearty kale, delivering a flavorful and nutritious dinner that’s perfect for warming up on chilly evenings.
Conclusion
With over two dozen authentic German dinner recipes to choose from, you can easily create menus that celebrate the country’s rich food traditions. These recipes showcase a beautiful balance of rustic simplicity and flavorful complexity, highlighting ingredients like pork, potatoes, cabbage, and fresh herbs. Cooking these dishes allows you to bring a taste of Germany into your kitchen, making each meal an opportunity to savor comforting, satisfying food that’s stood the test of time.
