Easy Oktoberfest German Recipes
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Celebrating Oktoberfest is a highlight of early fall. And if you’re looking for Oktoberfest inspiration, we’ve gathered some easy German recipes you will love!
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Oktoberfest History
In case you’re not visiting Munich and want a bit of history on Oktoberfest, The Telegraph explains,
“The original Oktoberfest in October 1810 was held in honour of the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. For five full days, the burghers of Munich were invited to eat, drink and be merry, and enjoy parades involving kettle drums and music, shooting displays and a horse race around a meadow on the edge of town. Such a good time was had by all that it was decided to stage the race (and the accompanying indulgences) every year.”
Celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich
They say, “Over a hundred oxen and more than 500 thousand chickens are cooked for visitors of the festival. Every year from 6 to 7 million people visit this amazing event spanning more than two weeks. The first Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, and since then it has played an important role in Bavarian culture.”
Festival shutdowns around the world will keep many of us home. But there is no reason to forgo the celebration!
If you can’t attend Oktoberfest and wear your favorite lederhosen or dirndl dress, here are some favorite German street food and festival recipes to make at home!
Top Oktoberfest Celebrations Around the World
TripstoDiscover has identified 8 of their favorite Oktoberfest celebrations around the world. And I’ll add one of mine from the Pacific Northwest because it’s a great festival in a small Willamette Valley Bavarian town.
- Munich, Germany
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Leavenworth, Washington
- Kitchener, Ontario
- Brisbane, Australia
- Vienna, Austria
- Denver, Colorado
- Mt. Angel, Oregon (My addition… but it’s a great one!)
More German Recipes and Collections You’ll Love
- Traditional German Christmas Food
- Easy German Street Food Ideas to Make at Home
- Homestyle and Pan-Seared German Chicken Schnitzel
- German Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins
- German Krautstrudel: An Easy Savory Cabbage Roll
- Quark Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Blackberries (German Käsekuchen)
- German Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Apple and Cardamom
- Travel to Europe with Christmas Market Foods to Make at Home
Easy German Recipes to Celebrate Oktoberfest
Celebrating Oktoberfest for foodie types is a highlight of early fall. If you're looking for Oktoberfest inspiration, we've gathered some easy German recipes to help!
Pigs-in-a-Blanket with Sauerkraut and Mustard
“Using store-bought ingredients, these hors-d’oeuvres can be whipped up in no time.”
Easy Giant Bavarian Pretzels (Laugenbrezels soft pretzels)
"Soft, with a bagel like chewy, delightful little bursts of salt, baked to a beautiful brown perfection and gigantic…that is how I would describe iconic German Pretzels."
Pretzel Bites with Quick Cheddar Dip
“For a truly German twist, divide the Cheddar dip into three bowls, flavoring one with mustard and one with caraway seeds.”
Homestyle and Pan-Seared German Chicken Schnitzel
“This pan-seared schnitzel is a lightened up version of the favorite fried cutlets, yet is just as tender and yummy as its counterpart. And… it’s an under 30-minute fix.”
Hot Slaw with Bacon
This Hot Slaw recipe with Bacon Dressing is a quick and easy side dish. And a perfect complement to heftier favorites like pork, sausages, or, of course, chicken. Whether it be fried, grilled... or pulled!
Bratwurst and Red Cabbage
“Grate fresh horseradish over the cabbage and sausages before serving to add a bit of heat.”
Homemade Currywurst
"A quick and easy currywurst recipe that will bring back memories of Germany. Smoky, spicy and a little sweet - it's perfect over bratwurst."
Bavarian Sauerbraten Recipe (Slow Cooker)
"This Sauerbraten recipe (traditional German pot roast) is made in the slow cooker it's tender it just falls apart. Marinated in vinegar, wine and simple spices it's perfect for your own authentic Oktoberfest party!"
Brats with Sauerkraut
"I've made many variations of this excellent main dish. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored, served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without."
German Krautstrudel: An Easy Savory Cabbage Roll
A simple German dish made even easier with some store-bought ingredients.
Oktoberfest Sheet Pan Brats with Roasted Vegetables
“Who’s interested in a low-fuss, fall-inspired meal? I know I am, and my Oktoberfest Sheet Pan Brats with Roasted Vegetable recipe offers great fall flavors, easy prep, and super-easy cleanup.”
German Bratwurst hot dog with red cabbage sauerkraut
“Best juicy German Bratwurst hot dog served with red cabbage sauerkraut!”
Blaukraut
"Blaukraut is an authentic German dish and it's super simple to make. My mother used to make this blaukraut recipe for my family growing up. Now, it's become one of our most popular German sides in our restaurant, Bavarian Inn!"
German Cucumber Salad - 2 Dressing Options
“This German Cucumber Salad is budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for a family dinner, party, or potluck. Cucumber salad (called Gurkensalat in German) is very popular in Germany and is often served as a side dish with meat or fish.”
German Potato Salad with Dill
“This classic cider-vinegar dressed salad is the perfect accompaniment to schnitzel.”
Authentic German Austrian Spaetzle with Caramelized Onions
An authentic Austrian-German Spaetzle with Caramelized Onion is an easy to make at home treat you’ll find yourself making often. A great addition to any Oktoberfest celebration!
German Apple Kuchen
“A quintessential German dessert… an easy recipe that delivers delicious seasonal flavor!”
German Apple Cake
"With the long, cold winters we have here, this German apple cake recipe has warmed many a kitchen."
Blueberry Dutch Baby Oven Pancake
A Blueberry Dutch Baby is a quick and easy baked oven pancake often called a German Pancake. Its high puffs, crisp edges, and tender delicious center is such a treat that it just might become a weekend tradition!