Austrian cuisine is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
It’s where comfort food meets old-world charm, with every dish carrying a story that’s been passed down through generations.
From hearty stews to delicate desserts, these recipes are packed with flavor and character.
If you’ve never ventured into the world of Austrian cooking, you’re in for a real treat.
This list brings together 11 authentic Austrian recipes that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Europe.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring some alpine magic into your kitchen? Let’s dive in.
1. Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese-Style Cutlet)
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken or veal cutlets (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Start by seasoning the cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each cutlet until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and a side of potato salad.
Why did this make it to our list?
Wiener Schnitzel is Austria’s signature dish. It’s simple, crispy, and downright irresistible. You can’t talk Austrian food without mentioning this classic.
2. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 package of phyllo dough
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins.
Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough, brush it with melted butter, and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly.
Repeat with 4-5 layers. Spoon the apple mixture onto one side of the dough, roll it up tightly, and seal the edges.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. Serve warm with whipped cream.
Why did this make it to our list?
Apfelstrudel isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cultural experience. Every bite feels like a warm hug, thanks to its buttery layers and spiced apple filling.
3. Käsespätzle (Cheese Noodles)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups grated Emmental or Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp butter
How to Make It:
Mix flour, eggs, milk, and nutmeg into a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls into boiling salted water and cook until the noodles float.
Drain and set aside. In a pan, melt butter and sauté onions until caramelized.
Layer the cooked noodles with cheese in a baking dish, then top with caramelized onions. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
This dish is like Austria’s answer to mac and cheese but with extra flair. It’s cheesy, comforting, and downright addictive.
4. Tiroler Gröstl (Tyrolean Fried Potatoes)
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (boiled and sliced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup diced chicken or beef (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.
Toss in the potato slices and meat (if using), then fry until crispy and golden.
Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Why did this make it to our list?
Tyrolean Gröstl is like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to whip up.
5. Kaiserschmarrn (Shredded Pancakes)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make It:
Mix flour, milk, eggs, and sugar into a smooth batter. Heat butter in a skillet and pour in the batter. Sprinkle raisins on top.
Cook until the bottom is set, then flip and shred the pancake into bite-sized pieces. Cook until golden and serve dusted with powdered sugar.
Why did this make it to our list?
This playful dish is a childhood favorite in Austria. It’s sweet, fluffy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
6. Gulasch (Austrian Goulash)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed)
- 2 onions (diced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp oil
How to Make It:
In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onions until golden. Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and flour.
Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender. Serve with crusty bread.
Why did this make it to our list?
Austrian Gulasch is all about rich, deep flavors that warm you from the inside out. It’s pure comfort food.
7. Marillenknödel (Apricot Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quark or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 8 fresh apricots (pitted)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
How to Make It:
Mix cheese, flour, and egg into a dough. Wrap a small piece of dough around each apricot to form a dumpling.
Boil in salted water until they float. In a pan, melt butter, toast breadcrumbs, and mix in sugar.
Roll the cooked dumplings in the breadcrumb mixture.
Why did this make it to our list?
Marillenknödel is a delightful mix of tangy fruit and sweet, buttery crumbs. It’s a unique Austrian treat you’ll crave again and again.
8. Erdäpfelsalat (Austrian Potato Salad)
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (boiled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
Mix vegetable broth, vinegar, mustard, and olive oil into a dressing. Pour it over the sliced potatoes and toss gently. Let it marinate for 30 minutes before serving.
Why did this make it to our list?
It’s simple, refreshing, and the perfect sidekick for just about any main dish.
9. Rindsuppe (Austrian Beef Soup)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef bones
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 1 leek (sliced)
- 1 onion (halved)
- 10 cups water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Place beef bones, carrots, leek, onion, and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
Strain the soup, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Why did this make it to our list?
Rindsuppe is the soul of Austrian cuisine. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
10. Buchteln (Sweet Yeast Buns)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- Jam for filling
How to Make It:
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, milk, butter, and egg into a dough. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough, cut into squares, and place a dollop of jam in the center of each.
Pinch the edges to seal, then place in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden.
Why did this make it to our list?
These soft, pillowy buns filled with sweet jam are like a little taste of heaven.
11. Linzer Torte
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup butter (cold and diced)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup raspberry jam
How to Make It:
Mix flour, almonds, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add butter and egg yolk, then knead into a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough and press into a tart pan. Spread raspberry jam over the base.
Use leftover dough to create a lattice top. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
This torte is Austria’s pride and joy. Its crumbly crust and fruity filling are an unbeatable combo.
Conclusion
There you have it – 11 Austrian recipes that are guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to try something new, these dishes bring a taste of Austria to your table.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get cooking!