10+ Best German Recipes You Need To Try Once

Germany’s cuisine is an irresistible mix of rich flavors, hearty comfort food, and centuries-old traditions.

If you think it’s all just sausages and sauerkraut, buckle up—you’re in for a delicious surprise! This list will take you on a flavor-packed journey through Germany’s best traditional dishes, complete with easy-to-follow recipes.

Get ready to whip up warm, cozy stews, crispy potato pancakes, and the fluffiest dumplings.

These recipes will bring an authentic taste of Germany straight into your kitchen. Let’s dig in!

1. German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Kartoffelsuppe on a chilly day.

This rustic potato soup is the kind of comfort food that wraps you up like a cozy blanket.

It’s loaded with tender potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions—all simmered in a light, flavorful broth.

The secret to its deliciousness? A touch of nutmeg and creamy texture from blending some of the cooked potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
2. Toss in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir everything around for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Blend half of the soup with an immersion blender (or scoop it into a blender) for that creamy-meets-chunky texture.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why did this make it to our list?

Kartoffelsuppe is the ultimate comfort dish, combining simple ingredients with big flavor. One spoonful, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in a countryside German inn.

2. Beef Rouladen

Rouladen is a classic German dish that takes tender beef slices and rolls them up with mustard, onions, and pickles.

The result? A flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin slices of beef (round or flank steak)
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 pickles, sliced into strips
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Lay out each beef slice and spread a thin layer of mustard on top. Add onion and pickle slices, then roll the beef up tightly. Secure with toothpicks.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the roulades on all sides.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
4. Remove the roulades and thicken the sauce with a bit of flour. Serve with mashed potatoes or spaetzle.

Why did this make it to our list?

Rouladen is a hearty, homestyle dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s savory, saucy, and everything you’d want from a comfort meal.

3. Spaetzle

If you’ve never had Spaetzle, think of them as Germany’s answer to pasta—soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy.

These little egg noodles are super easy to make and go with just about anything.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Mix the flour, eggs, milk, and salt in a bowl until you get a thick batter.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Push the batter through a spaetzle maker (or a colander with large holes) into the boiling water. Cook until the noodles float to the top.
4. Drain and toss with butter.

Why did this make it to our list?

Spaetzle is the ultimate sidekick for rich stews and roasted meats. Plus, it’s so versatile—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

4. Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)

Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast that takes beef to a whole new level.

This dish is marinated for days in a tangy vinegar-based marinade with onions, carrots, and warm spices like cloves and bay leaves.

The result? A tender, flavorful roast with a slightly sweet-and-sour taste that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef roast (chuck or rump)
• 2 cups vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Place the beef in a large bowl. Add the vinegar, water, onion, carrots, bay leaves, and cloves. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours (48 hours is even better).
2. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry. Strain the marinade and keep it for cooking.
3. Sear the beef in a large pot until browned on all sides. Pour in the marinade, bring it to a simmer, and cover. Cook on low heat for 3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Remove the beef and thicken the sauce with flour. Slice the roast and serve with the sauce on top.

Why did this make it to our list?

Sauerbraten is a show-stopper. Its bold, tangy flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a must-try for anyone craving authentic German cuisine.

5. Königsberger Klopse (German Meatballs in Creamy Sauce)

Königsberger Klopse might have a fancy name, but they’re basically tender meatballs swimming in a rich, creamy sauce.

What sets them apart? A tangy kick from capers and a hint of lemon that brightens the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Mix the ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
2. Bring the beef broth to a simmer and gently drop the meatballs in. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove the meatballs and stir the heavy cream, capers, and lemon juice into the broth. Simmer until thickened.
4. Return the meatballs to the sauce and serve with boiled potatoes or rice.

Why did this make it to our list?

Königsberger Klopse is comfort food with a twist. The creamy sauce and pop of capers make it anything but ordinary.

6. Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—Bratkartoffeln are Germany’s version of fried potatoes, and they’re downright addictive.

These pan-fried potatoes are seasoned with onions, herbs, and sometimes a little bacon for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet. Add the boiled potato slices and cook until golden and crispy.
2. Toss in the onions and cook until they’re caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Why did this make it to our list?

Bratkartoffeln are the perfect side dish—crispy, savory, and downright irresistible. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

7. Flammkuchen (German Flatbread)

Flammkuchen is Germany’s take on pizza, but it’s lighter and crispier.

This thin flatbread is topped with crème fraîche, onions, and herbs for a deliciously simple yet elegant dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh thyme for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Mix the flour, water, and olive oil to form a dough. Roll it out thin.
2. Spread crème fraîche over the dough and top with onions and a sprinkle of thyme.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.

Why did this make it to our list?

Flammkuchen is simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for casual get-togethers.

8. Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage)

Rotkohl is a sweet-and-sour red cabbage dish that’s often served as a side.

Slowly simmered with apples and vinegar, it’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat a splash of oil in a pot and add the cabbage and apple. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add the vinegar, sugar, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Why did this make it to our list?

Rotkohl adds a pop of color and flavor to any plate. It’s sweet, tangy, and a great way to enjoy cabbage.

9. Spätzle (German Egg Noodles)

If you love pasta, you’re gonna fall head over heels for Spätzle. These soft, chewy egg noodles are the ultimate comfort food.

You can serve them as a side or top them with cheese and caramelized onions for a meal that hits the spot.

Think of them as Germany’s answer to mac and cheese—but way cooler.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Butter for frying (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Mix the flour, eggs, milk, and salt in a bowl until you get a thick, sticky dough.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Press the dough through a Spätzle maker or a colander with large holes into the boiling water.
3. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes until they float to the top. Drain and toss with butter.
4. If you want them crispy, fry them in a pan with butter until golden.

Why did this make it to our list?

Spätzle is a game-changer. It’s hearty, versatile, and super easy to make at home.

10. Maultaschen (German Stuffed Dumplings)

Maultaschen are like oversized ravioli stuffed with a savory filling of ground beef, spinach, and spices.

These German dumplings can be boiled, pan-fried, or even baked.

Traditionally served in broth, they’re the perfect warm, cozy dish for chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Mix the flour, eggs, and water to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. For the filling, sauté the onion and garlic, then mix with ground beef, spinach, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out the dough thin, cut into squares, and place a spoonful of filling in each. Fold and seal the edges.
4. Boil the dumplings in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Serve with broth or pan-fry for a crispy finish.

Why did this make it to our list?

Maultaschen is pure comfort wrapped in dough. It’s filling, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

11. Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)

Let’s end on a sweet note with Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as Black Forest Cake.

This decadent dessert layers chocolate sponge cake with whipped cream and cherries. It’s rich, moist, and always a showstopper at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh cherries (or canned)
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar. Add the eggs and mix until combined.
2. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool.
3. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Layer the cake with whipped cream and cherries.
4. Top with more whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.

Why did this make it to our list?

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a dessert lover’s dream. The combo of chocolate, cream, and cherries is just too good to pass up.

Conclusion

German cuisine is a treasure trove of hearty meals and indulgent desserts.

From savory classics like Sauerbraten to sweet delights like Black Forest Cake, these dishes offer something for every craving.

Ready to bring a little slice of Germany into your kitchen? Start with one of these recipes, and you’ll be hooked!