01 of 15
Quark (Classic German Cheese)
Favored in much of Europe, but somewhat hard to find in the U.S., quark can be made at home with little money and effort. You can make it even more easily than yogurt, as a fun afternoon project that can teach the kids where cheese comes from. Eat it with fruit or however you may enjoy cottage cheese.
02 of 15
German Potato Noodles
If you have leftover spuds, use them up by making badische schupfnudeln, or potato noodles. Browning them in butter gives them a delightfully toasty crust that tastes wonderful alongside schnitzel or any roast protein.
03 of 15
Butternocken (Tasty Butter Dumplings)
Just five ingredients stand between you and these delightful little butter dumplings. Butternocken are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. You can also make ahead and freeze them, for later adding to any stew or soup that need a little extra something.
04 of 15
German Beef Rouladen
Germanrouladen tastes like a special occasion, but doesn't require any fancy cuts or techniques. Just thin slices of beef browned, then braised in a simple red wine sauce would sub in for your typical roast on a Sunday evening. Serve it with potatoes or noodles, preferably homemade spaetzle, on the side.
05 of 15
Simple Baked Fish With Apple
Catholics commonly eat fish on Ash Wednesday and throughout the Lent season, but this basic fish with apples tastes great all year round. In true German fashion, this simple baked fish with apple recipe does not shy away from bold flavors, with sinus-clearing horseradish as one of the main ingredients. Apple adds a hint of balancing sweetness.
06 of 15
Zurich Ragout (Zurcher Geschnetzelter)
While the may sound like a mouthful, the traditional veal stew Zurich ragout sure tastes wonderful. Consisting of veal, pork loin, or chicken, and mushrooms smothered in a creamy white sauce with parsley and lemon zest, it makes a lovely supper alongside a German white wine.
07 of 15
German-Style Mustard Pork Chops
These German-style mustard pork chops highlight one of Germany's favorite condiments. Dredged in seasoned flour then fried before covered in a wine and mustard sauce, this hearty one-pan meal packs a punch without taking a lot of time or complicated work.
08 of 15
Milchreis (German Rice Pudding)
Many countries in the world have their own take on rice pudding and Germany is no exception. For a satisfying and hearty dessert, combine short-grain rice, vanilla, milk, and sugar into a creamy, satisfying sweet. Milchreis takes just minutes to cook up on the stove and comes out wonderfully.
Continue to 9 of 15 below.
09 of 15
Alsatian Apple Cake
The Alsatian apple cake has a shortbread-like crust filled with apple slices and vanilla cream for a rich and creamy fall treat. It also doesn't require any fancy ingredients, so you may even have the goods in your kitchen already.
10 of 15
German Christmas Cardamom Cookies
With its spicy, slightly medicinal taste, cardamom first appeared in folk remedies in the Middle Ages. Today, bakers use it to flavor desserts like these distinctly floral rolled German cookies that you may enjoy as part of a Christmas platter or anytime you want a unique pick-me-up.
11 of 15
Jaegerschnitzel with Mushroom Sauce
Jaegerschnitzelorjägerschnitzel—also known as "hunter's cutlets" in English—refers to a thinly-pounded pan-fried meat cutlet with a creamy mushroom sauce. Lots of variations exist, so feel free to mix it up once you master the basics. Pork tastes great, but chicken or veal cutlets work, too.
12 of 15
German Sausage and Sauerkraut
Kielbasa, Knockwurst, or your favorite smoked German sausage pairs with sauerkraut and veggies in this German casserole that will stick to your ribs on a chilly or dreary evening. Caraway seeds give it a slightly herbal note that just begs for some rye bread on the side.
Continue to 13 of 15 below.
13 of 15
German Fried Meat Patties
Use up old rolls with this fried meat pattie, or frikadellen, recipe that really hits the spot with a cold lager, a side salad, and roast potatoes. Ground beef or chopped bacon or pork works well, as does day-old white bread. If you don't have any, cooked oatmeal would give it a little extra nutrition as a substitute.
14 of 15
Fluffy German Pancake
Also known as Dutch babies, this fluffy giant German pancake will turn breakfast or brunch into an occasion. The pancake puffs up like a souffle while baking, but will deflate pretty quickly once it cools. Serve it with fruit or omit the sugar and add savory ingredients like ham or bacon.
15 of 15
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
For the German answer to comfort food, turn to kohlrouladen, or German stuffed cabbage rolls. This recipe calls for ground beef, but you can use any chopped meat in the filling that you like. Tomato sauce would add a little extra flavor to the stuffing, if you prefer.
FAQs
What is the national dish of Germany? ›
Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.
What is Germany's favorite food? ›- Brot & Brötchen. ...
- Käsespätzle. ...
- Currywurst. ...
- Kartoffelpuffer & Bratkartoffeln. ...
- Rouladen. ...
- Schnitzel. ...
- Eintopf. ...
- Sauerbraten.
Sauerbraten. Germans love their meat dishes, and Sauerbraten (meaning 'sour' or 'pickled' roast) is one of the country's national dishes.
What do Germans eat for lunch? ›Lunch foods
The main meal of the day is das Mittagessen, or lunch. The tradition is to have a hot meal during lunch. Sauerbraten, snitzels, Frikadellen (German meatballs), potatoes (such as Kartoffelsalat), green beans, soups, and stews are frequently served for lunch.
Most purchased and consumed beverages in Germany 2021-2023
Mineral water is by far the most purchased and consumed beverage in Germany. Around 86 percent of the population bought it in 2023. Germans are known for their preference of fizzy drinking water.
What is eaten with most German meals that is not considered a side dish? Bread. Bread can be made with or without yeast.
What do Germans eat in a day? ›This is because German families tend to eat their main meal during lunch. A typical Abendessen consists of a selection of whole-grain bread, cheeses, deli meats and sausages, and mustards and pickles (gherkins are very popular). The evening meal is accompanied by a salad and/or soup, depending on the season.
What is Germany's favorite fast food? ›The story behind currywurst, Germany's favourite fast food. Currywurst, the beloved German snack, was created in the late 1940s.
What is Germany's Favourite vegetable? ›The tomato is the most beloved vegetable in Germany. The average German eats about 57 pounds of them each year. Nevertheless, the tomato is still wrongly used as an ingredient in many drinks, where it loses its flavour.
What food is unique to Germany? ›- 12 Königsberger Klopse.
- 11 German Potato Salad.
- 10 Spätzle.
- 9 Bratwurst.
- 8 Schnitzel.
- 7 Currywurst.
- 6 Maultaschen.
- 5 Kartoffelpuffer.
What do Germans eat their fries with? ›
German fries may be served with schnitzel, or as an accompaniment to sausages, such as bauernwurst. Some restaurants serve them as a side dish.
What do German eat for Christmas? ›Treat guests to a traditional German Christmas dinner with classic dishes like roasted goose legs, braised red cabbage. and dumplings, and don't forget the mulled wine and platter of gorgeous, festive cookies.
What time is dinner in Germany? ›The typical meals are divided in a rather copious breakfast (6 am – 8 am), lunch (12 pm – 2 pm) and dinner (6 pm – 8 pm). Breakfast usually consists of bread that can be topped with cheese, cold cuts, jam, honey, Nutella etc., if you prefer something salty.
What is Russia's national dish? ›Pelmeni is considered the national dish of Russia. They are pastry dumplings are typically filled with minced meat and wrapped in a thin, pasta-like dough. They can be served alone, slathered in butter and topped with sour cream, or in a soup broth.
What is China's national dish? ›Peking Duck (The National Dish of China) 北京烤鸭 | Recipe | National dish, Peking duck, Recipes.
Is döner German or Turkish? ›The modern sandwich variant of döner kebab originated and was popularized in 1970s West Berlin by Turkish immigrants. This was recognized by the Berlin-based Association of Turkish Doner Manufacturers in Europe in 2011.
Is sauerkraut a German food? ›Germany is considered a sauerkraut nation - especially in international perception. During world war, English and American opponents even called Germans "Krauts". And the term is still used today. As a side note, however, the per capita consumption of sauerkraut is higher in the US and France than in Germany.