Oktoberfest is an unparalleled celebration that transcends its reputation as the world’s largest Volksfest. Beyond the beer festival, which takes place in mid-to-late September and runs until early October, this iconic event offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
While it’s natural to associate Oktoberfest with beer, there’s far more to savour than just the drink. In fact, food plays a starring role, with an abundance of traditional German cuisine on offer.
Wiesn Hendl (Oktoberfest Roast Chicken)
During Oktoberfest, sausages often take center stage on menus, but few people know about another beloved dish that’s just as popular: Wiesn Hendl. This classic German roasted chicken recipe is a staple at the festival, and for good reason. The whole bird is slow-cooked with an abundance of salt and sometimes a hint of ground paprika, resulting in a rich, savory flavor profile that pairs impeccably with the diverse selection of beers available at Oktoberfest.
In fact, Wiesn Hendl’s bold taste makes it the perfect complement to the crisp, malty brews that define the festival’s drinking culture.
Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Pie)
In Bavaria’s Swabia region, Zwiebelkuchen, a savory German onion pie, emerges as a unique fusion of Quiché and deep dish pizzas. Its crust, filled with a mixture of cooked onions, cream, bacon, and eggs, bears resemblance to the latter. Meanwhile, the filling itself evokes the former’s creamy, egg-based composition. Interestingly, its flavor profile shares similarities with Flammkuchen, another popular German dish. The result is a rich, onion-forward pie that’s sure to satisfy.
Kartoffelknödel (German Potato Dumplings)
In Germany, comfort food is abundant, and one popular dish that often takes center stage during Oktoberfest celebrations is the humble potato dumpling. While they’re typically served as a side dish, these pillowy delights are also enjoyed on their own or paired with other hearty dishes like stews, soups, and roast dinners. In beer gardens and festive settings like Oktoberfest, you’ll commonly find them accompanying a variety of other dishes.
Krautsalat (German Coleslaw/Cabbage Salad)
German coleslaw, also known as Krautsalat, deviates from its standard counterpart by eschewing mayonnaise, a key component of traditional slaws. In its place, krausalat employs white wine vinegar or apple cider, infusing the dish with a tangy and savory flavor profile that diverges significantly from the rich, creamy taste often associated with coleslaw.
Furthermore, whereas carrots are a staple in many slaw recipes, Krautsalat forgoes this common ingredient, opting instead to incorporate caraway seeds into its mix of flavors.
Schninkennudeln (Fried Pasta With Ham And Eggs)
Indulge in the flavorful Schinkennudeln, a quintessential German pasta dish that’s a staple at Oktoberfest celebrations. Typically served in pubs across Germany, this hearty meal is elevated by the combination of tender ham and a rich egg-based sauce. To add a touch of freshness, it’s finished with a sprinkle of herbs. A lighter alternative to some traditional German dishes, Schinkennudeln is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Sauerkraut And Bratwurst Balls
As Oktoberfest celebrations unfold, a traditional German snack takes center stage – the iconic Currywurst Bites. This mouthwatering treat combines two beloved German ingredients: bratwurst and sauerkraut, reimagined in bite-sized balls wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb coating.
To recreate this festive favorite at home, you’ll need high-quality sauerkraut, uncooked bratwurst, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, and a blend of seasonings including cumin, salt, pepper, caraway, and garlic powder. The perfect accompaniment to your Oktoberfest beer, these addictive Currywurst Bites are sure to become a new tradition.
Brotzeit And Butterbrot (German Sandwich Platter)
For Oktoberfest enthusiasts looking for a refreshing German meal option, consider assembling a German sandwich platter featuring fresh bread paired with an assortment of cold accompaniments and toppings. This delectable spread can include cured meats like salami, bratwurst, and smoked Black Forest ham, as well as a selection of cheeses including Camembert, Limburger, Emmental, and Bavarian Blauschimmelkäse.
Wurstsalat (Bavarian Sausage Salad)
Wurstsalat, a classic beer garden staple, is a must-try during Oktoberfest. This refreshing salad is surprisingly easy to prepare, and its simplicity makes it perfect for replicating the authentic Bavarian experience at home.
In Germany’s southern regions, locals typically opt for traditional sausages like Bratwurst or Weisswurst, which they combine with a tangy vinaigrette rather than mayonnaise or mustard.
This subtle twist elevates the dish and adds an extra layer of depth to its flavor profile.
To create this delightful salad, you’ll need just a few additional ingredients: thinly sliced dill pickles, crunchy onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added zest. With these simple components in place, your Wurstsalat is ready to serve – so go ahead and indulge in the flavors of Oktoberfest!
Sauerkrautsuppe (Sauerkraut Soup)
A staple in German cuisine, sauerkraut soup is a perfect pairing for beer due to its robust yet refreshing character. The dish’s distinct flavor profile is achieved by combining the tangy essence of sauerkraut with the richness of smoked sausage and aromatic spices like paprika and caraway. With these flavors harmonizing together, it’s no wonder that this beloved recipe has become a popular choice for accompanying German beers.
Beer Braised Brats (German Sausage In A Beer Marinade)
Combining traditional German bratwurst sausage with a rich, malty beer sauce yields a delectable Oktoberfest dish. For this braising liquid, opt for dark lagers like Doppelbock or Dunkel, or ales such as Dunkelweizen to bring depth and complexity. Beyond the beer, you’ll need beef stock, oil, butter, thyme, brown sugar, paprika, pepper, salt, and onions to craft the perfect sauce to envelop and cook the brats. This harmonious union of flavors will leave you craving more.
Schweinshaxe (Bavarian Roasted Pork Knuckles)
Schweinshaxe, a quintessential Bavarian beer hall delicacy, boasts a crispy-skinned roasted pork hock. Its allure is undeniable, with millions of servings consumed annually – approximately 80,000 of these delectable treats are devoured during Oktoberfest festivities alone on the main festival grounds. The traditional spit-roasting cooking method ensures that this indulgent dish can be savored in various beer gardens and becomes a staple of any German beer garden experience.
Dampfnudel Mit Vanillesosse (German Steamed Dumplings With Vanilla Sauce)
Oktoberfest is synonymous with delicious treats, and Dampfnudel is one of the most sought-after sweets during this time. This traditional German dish consists of steamed dumplings topped with a generous helping of powdered sugar and rich, creamy vanilla sauce. The magic happens when these dumplings are carefully steamed to achieve a puffed-up, golden-brown crust that gives way to a soft, pillowy texture.
If you’re craving a taste of Germany’s festive spirit, be sure to check out the recipe for this delightful treat.
Lebkuchnherzen (German Gingerbread Cookies)
While Lebkuchnherzen are often associated with Christmas celebrations, their popularity also extends to Oktoberfest due to the irresistible appeal of their sweet and spicy gingerbread flavor. The harmonious balance of sweetness in these treats makes them a match made in heaven when paired with rich, darker beers that provide a delightful contrast.
Gebrannte Mandeln (German Candied Almonds)
A staple in many Christmas celebrations, these sweet treats have also gained popularity as an Oktoberfest snack. The process of cooking almonds with salt, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon yields a candied delight that’s ideal for munching on. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or enjoying the festivities of Oktoberfest, this tasty treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Apfelkrapfen (Apple Fritters)
Indulge in the quintessential charm of Germany’s sweet treats with these scrumptious apple fritters. Coated in a warm cinnamon sugar mixture, they boast a satisfying crunch on the outside and a tender, airy interior that will leave you craving for more.
Black Forest Cake
Hailing from Germany’s southwestern region, the Black Forest cake has captured hearts worldwide with its irresistible blend of rich dark chocolate and succulent cherries. As a quintessential component of German patisserie, it’s no surprise that you’ll encounter this decadent dessert during Oktoberfest celebrations.
Currywurst (German Sausage With Curry Ketchup)
Currywurst, a renowned street food in Germany, is a harmonious blend of Bratwurst sausage and a tangy sauce that combines the flavors of curry and ketchup. While the traditional currywurst sauce can be challenging to replicate, it’s also an opportunity to experiment with various ingredients and create your own unique taste profiles.
The sauce is indeed the most critical component of this recipe, requiring a delicate balance of spices and condiments to achieve that authentic flavor.
However, if you’re open to innovation, there are countless ways to modify the recipe and make it your own.
In fact, some recipes for currywurst incorporate unexpected ingredients like plum juice, apple sauce, apricot jam, or even cola! These twists can add a refreshing spin to the classic dish, allowing you to put your personal stamp on this beloved street food. Regardless of your approach, one thing is certain: currywurst is a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
In Germany’s culinary landscape, traditional potato pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are a beloved street food that can be found at Oktoberfest celebrations and throughout the country. These delectable treats are surprisingly easy to prepare and offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
To achieve the perfect pancake, it’s essential to start with raw potatoes that have been grated into fine strands.
This initial step allows the potatoes to cook faster than usual and ensures an even cooking process.
After the potatoes are shredded, they’re wrung out to remove excess moisture before being mixed with flour, egg, and finely chopped onions. The resulting batter is then fried until it reaches a lightly golden brown color, yielding a pancake with a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.
When prepared correctly, these potato pancakes offer an irresistible culinary experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Obatzda (German Beer Cheese Dip)
In Germany, Obatzda is a beloved Bavarian dish that’s often served alongside pretzels or crusty bread at beer gardens. While variations abound, the traditional recipe combines rich butter, creamy Camembert cheese, and a dash of beer. To add depth to this indulgent spread, it’s seasoned with salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and paprika. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other German delights, Obatzda is a flavorful treat that’s sure to satisfy.
Flammkuchen (German White Pizza)
Flammkuchen, also referred to as Tarte Flambé, is a traditional German pizza that earns its nickname ‘white pizza’ due to its characteristic topping of crème fraîche. This thin crust delight often features a trifecta of flavors: smoked bacon, thinly sliced onions, and a tangy dollop of crème fraîche. Hailing from the Rhineland, Baden-Württemberg, and Alsace regions, Flammkuchen is a beloved culinary staple that has won hearts across borders.
Bratkartoffeln (German Cottage Fries)
Bratkartoffeln, another popular Oktoberfest side dish, shares similarities with Kartoffelpuffer in terms of its delectable flavor profile. While not dissimilar from pan-fried cottage potatoes, Bratkartoffeln take on a unique character when served as an appetizer or accompaniment to other German delights.
A classic combination often features crispy Bratkartoffeln paired with the savory goodness of bacon, fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary, and the pungency of onions – all carefully balanced to create a harmonious medley of flavors. The judicious use of thyme, salt, and pepper further elevates this beloved German side dish, making it an ideal accompaniment to a hearty meal or as a snack on its own.
Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage)
In Germany, another beloved side dish is red cabbage, which also happens to be a healthier option when it comes to accompaniments. This traditional recipe combines the sweetness of apples and onions with the distinct flavors of juniper berries, cloves, bay leaves, and a hint of acidity from vegetable broth, red currant jam, and red wine vinegar. The addition of butter, sugar, water, salt, and all-purpose flour gives the dish its signature texture.
For those looking to try their hand at this classic German side dish, simply follow the recipe link below.
Pork Schnitzel (Breaded Pork Chops)
Oktoberfest celebrations often feature another German delicacy – pork schnitzel. Typically served alongside other side dishes, this popular dish has gained worldwide recognition. A typical pork schnitzel is created by pounding thin pork chops until they become incredibly tender. The cutlets are then breaded and sautéed to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of juicy centers and crispy crusts. The culinary experience that awaits you is just a click away – go straight to the recipe!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.