11 Authentic German Food Recipes Perfect for Oktoberfest

Hänchen-Schnitzel

Get this easy Chicken Schnitzel on the table in no time thanks to Curious Cuisiniére's recipe! This thin-sliced chicken recipe cooks quickly and is easily served with traditional German sides, or along your fave veggies, too.

Schwenkbraten

While you likely don't have a Schwenker lying around your backyard, you can still grill up some delicious Grilled German Pork Chops. These flavorful, marinated chops from Hey Grill Hey are a great way to spicy up your weekend BBQ with some traditional cookout food.

Semmelknödel

Speaking of the perfect side dish, why not some German bread dumplings? Even better, this recipes uses old, hardened bread so you don't have to rush through that loaf of bread in the pantry! Be sure to head to the Daring Gourmet to get the whole recipe, that also freezes well for those last minute weeknight dinners.

German Goulash

When the weather gets cold, it's German Goulash to the rescue. This hearty stew from Recipes from Europe uses lots of meat, celery and carrots and is served alongside filling spaetzle. Did we mention it's also great for leftovers?

German Spaetzle

Did someone say spaetzle? This perfect side is made from a sticky dough that is pushed through a special tool into boiling water. The result? Perfect egg noodle-like goodness! You can get a super easy recipe over at House of Nash Eats.

Don't have a Spaetzle maker? Grab one here for $12!

German Potato Salad

German potato salad is served hot and packs a punch of flavor. Carlsbad Cravings' recipe involved tangy vinegar, mustard and crunchy bacon that all come together to make the most delicious side dish.

Rouladen

Mix up your beef night with this mustard-y, pickle-y stuffed dish! Did we also mentioned there's bacon inside? Scrambled Chefs' recipe makes for a tasty dish that's made even better with a zesty gravy that goes great with potatoes.

Bratkartoffeln

Crispy German pan fried potatoes? Yes, please! Made with green onions and bacon, we think this recipe from Wicked Spatula works for dinner or even as a great addition to your morning scrambled eggs.

German Pancakes

Less dense and more crispy than American-style flapjacks, these German pancakes from Good Dinner Mom take the cake. They whip up in 10 minutes and can be enjoyed flat, rolled like a crepe and with as much fruit and syrup as you like.

Pfeffernusse

Iced German cookies are the stuff holidays are made of! Fun to say and even more delicious to eat, these aromatic cookies contain goodies like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves that are the essence of the season. Be sure to snag the recipes from The View From Great Island!

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

Oh, hello rich and chocolatey Black Forest cake! This traditional German dessert uses dutch-processed cocoa and sour cherries, alongside fluffy homemade whipped cream. Want to make it for yourself? Head to Also the Crumbs Please for detailed list of instructions.