15 Authentic German Dinner Recipes to Try at Home

German cuisine is rich, hearty, and perfect for a comforting dinner.

From traditional sausages to flavorful stews, German dishes offer a variety of tastes and textures.

These 15 German dinner recipes showcase the best of the country’s culinary heritage.

They include recipes for meats, potatoes, noodles, and vegetables, reflecting authentic flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a festive dinner, German recipes are satisfying and delicious.

Many of these recipes are simple to prepare while still delivering impressive, bold flavors.

From classic schnitzel to creamy spaetzle dishes, there’s something for every taste preference.

They are perfect for sharing with family and friends at the dinner table.

With these recipes, you can enjoy authentic German flavors in the comfort of your own home.

15 Authentic German Dinner Recipes to Try at Home

German dinners are hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

These 15 recipes offer a wide range of dishes to suit every palate.

From meaty mains to creamy sides, they showcase authentic German culinary traditions.

Preparing these recipes allows you to bring the taste of Germany into your kitchen.

They are perfect for family meals, special occasions, or casual dinners.

With these German dinner recipes, every meal becomes a delicious and memorable experience.

Classic Wiener Schnitzel

This classic Wiener Schnitzel is a tender, breaded veal cutlet fried to golden perfection.

It’s a signature German dish, celebrated for its crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Perfect for a hearty dinner, it pairs beautifully with lemon wedges, potato salad, or lingonberry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 veal cutlets, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup vegetable oil or clarified butter for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

• Season veal cutlets with salt and pepper.
• Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Fry cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.

This Wiener Schnitzel is crispy, tender, and flavorful.

The delicate veal pairs perfectly with the crunchy breadcrumb coating.

It’s a classic German dish that makes a dinner special and satisfying.

German Beef Rouladen

German beef rouladen is a savory, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.

Thin beef slices are filled with mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles, then simmered in a rich gravy.

It’s a comforting meal served with mashed potatoes or red cabbage.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin beef slices (top round or rump)
• 4 teaspoons mustard
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 pickles, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Lay beef slices flat and spread mustard over each.
• Place bacon, onion, and pickle slices on top and roll tightly.
• Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
• Heat oil in a skillet and sear rouladen on all sides.
• Add beef broth, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until tender.

These rouladen are rich, flavorful, and tender.

The filling adds depth while slow cooking creates a luscious gravy.

They’re perfect for a classic, comforting German dinner experience.

Traditional German Sauerkraut and Sausage

This traditional German sauerkraut and sausage dish is tangy, savory, and hearty.

Smoked sausages are simmered with sauerkraut, onions, and apples for a balanced and flavorful meal.

It’s ideal for an authentic German dinner with minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

• 4 smoked sausages (Bratwurst or Kielbasa)
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onions and apple until softened.
• Add sauerkraut and caraway seeds, and cook 5 minutes.
• Place sausages on top, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Serve hot with mustard or rye bread.

This dish is tangy, savory, and satisfying.

Sausages provide richness while sauerkraut adds a zesty contrast.

It’s a simple, authentic German meal that’s perfect for dinner.

German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

German potato pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden, and irresistible.

Grated potatoes are combined with eggs, flour, and seasonings, then fried to perfection.

They’re ideal as a side dish or main course, often served with applesauce or sour cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Applesauce or sour cream for serving

Instructions:

• Place grated potatoes in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
• In a bowl, combine potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Spoon mixture into the pan, flatten slightly, and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
• Drain on paper towels and serve with applesauce or sour cream.

These potato pancakes are crispy, golden, and flavorful.

The combination of potato and onion creates a comforting texture.

They’re perfect as a traditional German dinner side or even a main course.

German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

German red cabbage, or Rotkohl, is a sweet and tangy side dish.

It’s braised with apples, vinegar, and spices for a balanced, flavorful accompaniment to meats.

It’s a classic addition to German dinners like schnitzel or rouladen.

Ingredients:

• 1 small red cabbage, shredded
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup water or broth

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onions until translucent, then add apples and cook 2–3 minutes.
• Add shredded cabbage, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in water or broth and cover.
• Simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.

This red cabbage is tangy, sweet, and tender.

Apples and vinegar create a balanced flavor that complements rich meats.

It’s a classic German side dish that elevates any dinner

German Spaetzle with Cheese (Käsespätzle)

Käsespätzle is a comforting German noodle dish, similar to mac and cheese but richer and heartier.

Homemade egg noodles are layered with melted cheese and crispy onions for a satisfying dinner.

It’s perfect as a main course or side dish for any German-themed meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded Emmental or Gruyère cheese
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mix flour, eggs, milk, and salt to form a thick batter.
• Press batter through a spaetzle maker or colander into boiling salted water.
• Cook until noodles float, then drain.
• In a skillet, sauté onions in butter until golden.
• Layer noodles with cheese in a baking dish, top with onions, and bake 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

This dish is cheesy, soft, and flavorful.

Crispy onions add texture while the noodles are tender and rich.

It’s perfect for a comforting, indulgent German dinner.

Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)

Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast marinated in a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

Beef is slow-cooked until tender, creating deep, complex flavors.

It’s ideal for a festive or hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef roast (chuck or rump)
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 whole cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Marinate beef in vinegar, water, onion, carrots, garlic, sugar, cloves, salt, and pepper for 24–48 hours in the refrigerator.
• Remove beef and pat dry.
• Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sear beef on all sides.
• Pour marinade into the pot and simmer on low for 3 hours until beef is tender.
• Slice and serve with gravy made from the cooking liquid.

This pot roast is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

The marinade enhances depth while slow cooking creates a rich, savory sauce.

It’s perfect for a classic, celebratory German dinner.

Bratwurst with Beer and Onions

Bratwurst with beer and onions is a simple, savory German dinner favorite.

Sausages are simmered in beer and topped with caramelized onions for rich flavor.

It’s ideal for a casual family dinner or outdoor grilling.

Ingredients:

• 4 Bratwurst sausages
• 1 cup beer
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mustard for serving

Instructions:

• Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onions until golden and caramelized.
• Add sausages and pour in beer.
• Simmer for 15–20 minutes, turning sausages occasionally.
• Serve with onions on top and mustard on the side.

This dish is savory, rich, and satisfying.

Beer enhances the sausages while caramelized onions add sweetness and depth.

It’s perfect for a casual yet flavorful German dinner.

German Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce

Pork schnitzel with mushroom sauce is a comforting, hearty German classic.

Breaded pork cutlets are fried and topped with a creamy mushroom sauce for a rich dinner.

It pairs perfectly with potatoes or spaetzle.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork cutlets, pounded thin
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

• Season pork with salt and pepper.
• Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil and fry schnitzels 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
• In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms.
• Add cream and simmer until thickened, then pour over schnitzels.

This schnitzel is crispy, tender, and flavorful.

Mushroom sauce adds richness while the pork remains juicy.

It’s perfect for a classic, indulgent German dinner.

German Lentil Stew (Linseneintopf)

German lentil stew, or Linseneintopf, is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a comforting dinner.

Lentils are simmered with vegetables and smoked sausage for rich, satisfying flavors.

It’s ideal for cold nights or family-friendly meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onions, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes.
• Add lentils, broth, and sausage slices.
• Simmer 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

This stew is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious.

Lentils provide protein while sausage adds richness and depth.

It’s perfect for a comforting, traditional German dinner that warms the soul.

Schweinebraten (German Roast Pork)

Schweinebraten is a classic German roast pork with a crispy, golden crust.

Slow-roasted pork shoulder is seasoned with garlic, caraway seeds, and herbs for a flavorful, tender dinner.

It’s perfect for festive occasions or hearty family meals.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Rub pork with garlic, caraway seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat oil in a roasting pan and sear pork on all sides.
• Pour broth into pan and roast for 2–2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Let rest 10 minutes, slice, and serve with pan juices.

This roast pork is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

The crispy crust adds texture while slow roasting enhances richness.

It’s perfect for a classic, celebratory German dinner.

Rinderbraten (German Pot Roast with Gravy)

Rinderbraten is a traditional German beef pot roast served with rich gravy.

Beef is seared, then braised with onions, carrots, and broth for a flavorful, tender meal.

It’s ideal for a comforting dinner with potatoes or spaetzle.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef roast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Season beef with salt and pepper and sear in oil until browned.
• Add onions and carrots to pan, then pour in beef broth.
• Cover and bake 2.5–3 hours until meat is tender.
• Thicken gravy by mixing flour with pan juices and simmering until smooth.

This pot roast is tender, rich, and savory.

Vegetables add flavor while gravy enhances the overall meal.

It’s perfect for a traditional German dinner that comforts and satisfies.

German Meatballs (Frikadellen)

Frikadellen are traditional German meatballs that are juicy, flavorful, and versatile.

They can be served with potatoes, sauerkraut, or a simple salad.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 slice bread, soaked in milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Mix beef, onion, soaked bread, egg, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Form into oval-shaped meatballs.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry meatballs 5–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
• Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Bread soaked in milk keeps them tender while frying adds a golden crust.

They’re perfect as a classic, simple German dinner.

Kartoffelgratin (German Potato Gratin)

Kartoffelgratin is a creamy, cheesy German potato dish perfect for dinner.

Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, cheese, and seasonings, then baked until golden and tender.

It’s ideal as a side for meats like schnitzel or roast pork.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
• Layer potatoes in the dish, sprinkling garlic, salt, and pepper between layers.
• Pour cream over potatoes and top with cheese.
• Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and tender.
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

This gratin is creamy, cheesy, and comforting.

Potatoes are tender while cheese adds richness and flavor.

It’s perfect as a hearty German side dish for dinner.

German Beer-Braised Brisket

Beer-braised brisket is a savory, aromatic German dinner favorite.

Beef brisket is cooked slowly in beer, onions, and spices, creating a tender and flavorful meal.

It’s ideal for a hearty, festive dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups dark beer
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Season brisket with salt, pepper, mustard, and caraway seeds.
• Sear in oil until browned on all sides.
• Add onions, garlic, and beer to the roasting pan.
• Cover and braise 3–4 hours until meat is tender.
• Slice and serve with pan juices.

This brisket is tender, rich, and full of flavor.

Beer and spices infuse depth while slow cooking ensures juiciness.

It’s perfect for a traditional German dinner that impresses and satisfies.