38 of Oma's Best German Recipes (2024)

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38 of Oma's Best German Recipes (1)Jacqueline WeissUpdated: Jan. 31, 2022

    These German-inspired recipes will take you back to Oma's kitchen.

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    Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)

    My husband’s German family calls thisOma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to “Grandma’s apple cake.” They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio

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    2/38

    Taste of Home

    Spaetzle Dumplings

    These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can use this spaetzle recipe with chicken gravy or simply buttered and sprinkled with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

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    3/38

    Easy Sauerbraten

    This easy sauerbraten recipe is a tasty example of traditional German fare. Its definitive pickled tang is pleasing and sure to delight German food lovers. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois

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    Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup

    We live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania

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    German Red Cabbage

    Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee

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    Grampa’s German-Style Pot Roast

    Grampa was of German heritage and loved the Old-World recipes given to him by his mother. I made a few changes so I could prepare this dish in the slow cooker and give it a slightly updated flavor. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    7/38

    Taste of Home

    Bee Sting Cake

    This bee sting cake (aka bienenstich) may look daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. Take each step at a time, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    8/38

    Bratwurst Supper

    After trying a few bratwurst recipes, I've found this meal-in-one is ideal for camping since it grills to perfection in a heavy-duty foil bag. Loaded with chunks of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, it's easy to season with onion soup mix and a little soy sauce. —Janice Meyer, Medford, Wisconsin

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    9/38

    German Potato Dumplings

    Potato dumplings (called Kartoffel Kloesse in Germany) are a delightful addition to any German feast. The browned butter sauce is delectable.—Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana

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    10/38

    Chocolate Lebkuchen

    Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas

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    11/38

    Taste of Home

    German Beef Rouladen

    Until I entered kindergarten, we spoke German in our home and kept many old-world customs. We always enjoyed the food of our family's homeland. Mom usually prepared this for my birthday dinner. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey

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    12/38

    Taste of Home

    Rich Fruit Kuchens

    This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota

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    13/38

    Pork Schnitzel with Dill Sauce

    Schnitzel is one of my husband’s favorites because it reminds him of his German roots. An appealing dish for guests, it’s ready in a jiffy. Pop it on buns for a fun handheld option. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah

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    14/38

    TMB studio

    Lebkuchen

    It's tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother's cookbook, and judging from the amount of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time. —Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri

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    15/38

    Taste of Home

    Cranberry Conserve

    I'm 95, and I still remember my grandmother from Germany making this lovely, delicious conserve for the holidays. She'd give it to family members and friends. It tastes great served as a relish alongside meat or even spread on biscuits.-Mildred Marsh Banker, Austin, Texas

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    16/38

    The musical "Waitress"

    German Apple Cake

    With the long, cold winters we have here, this German apple cake recipe has warmed many a kitchen. The cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert or as an evening snack. I’ve made it for many parties, and I’ve always received compliments on it. —Grace Reynolds, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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    17/38

    Pfeffernuesse Cookies

    A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

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    18/38

    Taste of Home

    Deluxe German Potato Salad

    I make this for all occasions because it goes well with any kind of meat. When I take the warm salad to bring-a-dish events, there are rarely leftovers! —Betty Perkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas

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    19/38

    Fruit-Filled Spritz Cookies

    From the first time I baked these cookies, they've been a big success. Old-fashioned and attractive, they make a perfect holiday pastry. —Ingeborg Keith, Newark, Delaware

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    20/38

    Taste of Home

    Bavarian Pot Roast

    Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio

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    21/38

    Spiced German Cookies

    These buttery spice cookies are a cross between sugar cookies and gingerbread, creating the best of both worlds. —April Drasin, Van Nuys, California

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    22/38

    Taste of Home

    Oktoberfest Pork Roast

    This recipe was adapted from one my mom used to make when I was growing up. It has all of our favorite "fall" flavors, such as apples, pork roast, sauerkraut and potatoes. I often coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes and meat from sticking.—Tonya Swain, Seville, Ohio

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    23/38

    Taste of Home

    Raspberry Custard Kuchen

    Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington

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    Taste of Home

    Homemade Sauerkraut

    You only need two ingredients (and a little patience) to make fresh, zippy homemade sauerkraut at home. Put down that jar and get those brats ready! —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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    Authentic German Potato Salad

    This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri

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    26/38

    German Pancake

    Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast, too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho

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    Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad

    Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, Virginia

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    Taste of Home

    Oktoberfest Strudels

    My husband, being born and raised in Wisconsin, loves bratwurst sausages. So I tweaked this strudel recipe to include some of his favorite filling ingredients and it was an instant hit. Serve with extra mustard for dipping. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

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    Taste of Home

    German Beer Cheese Spread

    We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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    Taste of Home

    German Plum Tart

    The buttery crust of this fruit-filled treat melts in your mouth. You can substitute sliced apples or peaches for the plums with great results. I've used this crust with blueberries, too. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey

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    Potluck German Potato Salad

    This is a big hit at church potlucks. One man says he comes only so that he can eat my potato salad! —Kathleen Rabe, Kiel, Wisconsin

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    Slow-Cooked Reuben Brats

    Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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    German Apple Strudel

    This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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    Slow-Cooker Sauerbraten

    My family is of German Lutheran descent, and although we enjoy this traditional beef roast, I never liked the amount of time and fuss it takes to make it. This recipe is so good and oh-so-easy. It's great served with dumplings, spaetzle, veggies or a salad. —Norma English, Baden, Pennsylvania

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    Taste of Home

    Bavarian Apple-Sausage Hash

    This awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO

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    Taste of Home

    Stollen Butter Rolls

    My family members enjoy my stollen so much and say it’s just too good to be served only on holidays. I created this buttery, less-sweet dinner roll version. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee

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    Taste of Home

    German Noodle Bake

    This is a recipe I serve each year for my holiday open house because everyone looks for it. Store-bought noodles can be substituted, but I prefer homemade noodles...and so does everyone else. —Kathleen Meineke, Cologne, New Jersey

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    Almond-Filled Stollen

    I’ve been making this during the holiday season for nearly 50 years. When we flew to Alaska one year to spend Christmas with our daughter’s family, I carried my stollen on the plane!—Rachel Seel, Abbotsford, British Columbia

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    Originally Published: December 12, 2020

    38 of Oma's Best German Recipes (39)

    Jacqueline Weiss

    Jacqueline is a blogger and writer, passionate about sharing the latest in helpful tips and trends in food and cooking. In her spare time, you’ll find her trying new restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen.

    38 of Oma's Best German Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What are the top 3 German dishes? ›

    These are considered to be national dishes. Of all these regional and national dishes, Germany is most famous for Currywurst, sausages, pretzels and Black Forest Gateau, but as you can see, there is plenty more to German cuisine than just these.

    What is the number 1 food in Germany? ›

    Sauerbraten is regarded as one Germany's national dishes and there are several regional variations in Franconia, Thuringia, Rhineland, Saarland, Silesia and Swabia. This pot roast takes quite a while to prepare, but the results, often served as Sunday family dinner, are truly worth the work.

    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 main meal? ›

    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.

    What is the most eaten meat in Germany? ›

    In Germany, the most consumed meat is pork. Germans are known for their love of pork, and it is a staple in many traditional dishes. Some popular examples of pork dishes in Germany include schnitzel, which is a breaded and fried pork cutlet, and bratwurst, a type of sausage made from pork, veal, or beef.

    What is the most consumed vegetable in Germany? ›

    Tomatoes are by far the most consumed vegetable in Germany
    • Tomatoes (31.3 kg)
    • Carrots, beetroots (11.5 kg)
    • Onions (9.0 kg)
    • Cucumbers (7.5 kg)
    • Lettuce (5.7 kg)
    • White cabbage, red cabbage (4.7 kg)
    • Savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi (2.5 kg)
    • Beans (2.2 kg)
    Jan 16, 2024

    What is a typical German breakfast? ›

    But the Germans like to pull out the stops at breakfast (especially weekend breakfasts). Lots of different cheeses, meats, multiple jams and honey, boiled eggs, fruit and vegetables, smoked fish and of course, every kind of roll or hearty, seeded bread your heart could desire.

    What is German stomach dish? ›

    Saumagen ([zaʊ̯ˈmaːɡŋ̩], "sow's stomach") is a German dish popular in the Palatinate. The dish is similar to a sausage in that it consists of a stuffed casing; however, the stomach itself is integral to the dish. It is not as thin as a typical sausage casing (intestines or artificial casing).

    What is a German meat sandwich called? ›

    Since a Wurstbrot is a type of Butterbrot, the next thing to do is to spread butter on the bread. And then it is time for the meats. Well, one meat at a time. Wurstbrot is a pretty simple snack.

    What is gravy called in Germany? ›

    noun
    FromToVia
    • gravy→ SauceSoβe↔ saus
    • gravy→ Saft↔ jus
    • gravy→ Bratensauce↔ jus lié
    • gravyBrüheSauceSoßeTunke↔ sauce

    What are authentic German dishes? ›

    Famous dishes
    NameRegion
    BratwurstThroughout Germany
    CurrywurstBerlin, Rhine-Ruhr
    FischbrötchenNorthern Germany
    HendlAustro-Bavarian
    21 more rows

    What are the 3 most widely used spices in German cuisine? ›

    Ginger is by far the most imported spice in Germany, with around 35,700 tons annually. It is closely followed by pepper and, with around 17,000 and 12,000 tons respectively, bell pepper and star anise with caraway. Coriander and cinnamon round off the list with around 5,000 tons each annually.

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