22 German Recipes For Effortless And Authentic European Home Cooking

Appetizers + Side Dishes

Dill Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)

This cool and crisp German classic features thinly sliced cucumbers adorned with fresh dill in a delightful vinegar-based dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts or adding a touch of Oktoberfest flair to your table! (via This Wife Cooks)

Spaetzle

This classic German side dish offers a versatile culinary experience. The tiny, eggy noodles, whether plain with butter and salt or adorned with creative toppings like mac and cheese, promise an authentic taste of Germany. (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Sauerkraut

Craft your own sauerkraut at home with cabbage, sea salt, and a jar for a gut-friendly delight in just 7-14 days. This easy, cost-efficient recipe suits both beginners and seasoned fermenters, offering a personalized, nutritious alternative to store-bought options. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Chopped Cabbage as Salad

Add a German twist to your summer gatherings with our vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free chopped cabbage salad—a crunchy, tangy, and creamy delight. (via Clean Cuisine)

German Two Potato Salad With Bacon and Chive Vinaigrette

This dish is a crowd-pleaser at summer picnics, and BBQs, made with white and purple potatoes, bacon, pickles and dressed in a chive vinaigrette. The perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sausages, or a classic veal schnitzel, bringing the taste of Bavaria to your table. (via Vikalinka)

Dinners

Vegan Sheet Pan German Sausage And Veggies

Experience German flavors in a breeze with this recipe—a simple, one-pan wonder combining red-skinned potatoes, Brussels sprouts, purple cabbage, and vegan sausages. Seasoned with smoked paprika and cider vinegar, it's a quick route to authentic weeknight delight. (via Brit + Co)

Quinoa Crusted Schnitzel with Creamed Corn Gnocchi

Delight your taste buds with a unique twist on the classic Schnitzel! Picture this: quinoa-crusted Schnitzel, golden and crisp, paired with heavenly-creamed corn gnocchi, all inspired by the flavors of Germany. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Chicken Schnitzel

Enjoy the classic German comfort of chicken Schnitzel, a quick and family-friendly meal that brings crispy, breaded chicken cutlets to your table in just 25 minutes. (via Culinary Hill)

Rouladen

A traditional German dish featuring thinly sliced beef filled with bacon, mustard, and pickles, all bathed in a savory gravy. This comfort food classic, reminiscent of a savory jelly roll, is perfect for winter warmth or as a highlight of your Oktoberfest celebration. (via Culinary Hill)

German Potato Soup

This German potato soup, or Kartoffelsuppe in its native German, is made with simple ingredients and seasoned with caraway seeds. Simple to make, it pairs perfectly with fresh bread rolls. (via This Wife Cooks)

Desserts

Holiday Spritz Cookies

Crafted with hints of vanilla and almond extract, these delightful treats, shaped like Christmas trees and wreaths, are perfect for sharing and creating cherished memories. (via Completely Delicious)

Black Forest Ice Cream Cake

Treat yourself to this irresistible cake. A rich brownie layer with Kirsch-infused cherries, embraced by vanilla ice cream and topped with dark chocolate ganache, fresh cherries, and chocolate shavings. A playful twist on the classic German recipe. (via Barley and Sage)

Vegan German Streusel Cake

This simple recipe combines a soft, sweet base crafted from accessible vegan ingredients, topped with a delightful crunch of vegan streusel. Enjoy the warmth of traditional German coffee moments in under an hour! (via The Edgy Veg)

Funnel Cake

Indulge in the nostalgia of a timeless American fair treat with this homemade funnel cake. Crispy and cloud-like, these fried delights trace their roots back to the Pennsylvania Dutch-German immigrants who included a version in their 1879 cookbook. (via Brit + Co)

Strudel Dough

Create flaky Strudel dough for sweet or savory fillings. Rest the dough for 30 minutes for easy handling, then craft delicious whirlpools of flavor. (via Culinary Hill)

German Lebkuchen

Capture the essence of German holidays with this vegan Lebkuchen recipe, a delightful Christmas treat reminiscent of gingerbread. Filled with winter spices, citrus peel, and chocolate, these cookies are a nostalgic link to cherished memories, making them a perfect addition to festive gatherings. (via The Edgy Veg)

Yuzu Linzer Cookies

Imagine buttery almond goodness sandwiching a burst of zesty yuzu joy, dusted with a sweet sprinkle of powdered magic. That's the festive magic of Yuzu Linzer cookies! (via Takes Two Eggs)

German Chocolate Brownies

This one is more German-inspired but so delicious I can't leave it out. Rich and ultra-fudgy, these brownies boast layers of decadence with the exquisite flavors of German chocolate frosting, ensuring a delightful experience for your taste buds. (via Averie Cooks)

Dutch Baby Oven Pancake

This delightful Dutch Baby Oven Pancake is also known as "Deutscher Babyofenpfannkuchen" or a German pancake. Top it with powdered sugar, fresh citrus juice, and berries for a simple yet delightful breakfast. (via Completely Delicious)

Chewy German Hazelnut Macaroons

With only four ingredients—hazelnuts, egg whites, and sugar—these cookies, also known as Nussmakronen, offer a perfect blend for a sweet and effortless festive treat. (via Where Is My Spoon)

German Riesling Apple Cake

This cake is a delightful blend of Riesling wine and tart apples, creating a subtly sweet treat, perfect for cozy Sunday afternoons. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine

Transport yourself to the festive Christmas markets of Germany with this mulled wine. This easy-to-make, warming delight combines red wine, apple cider, brandy, and a medley of spices, citrus, and maple syrup. (via Crowded Kitchen)