If you’re celebrating Oktoberfest, odds are you’re running around in your lederhosen with a soft pretzel in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. Oktoberfest is the annual German festival that originated over 200 years ago as a celebration for a royal wedding. If you can’t make it to Germany this year for the full Oktoberfest experience, you can still eat like you’re there and host your own shindig at home with these authentic German recipes.
If you’re looking for a classic rib-sticking meal to serve up for your Oktoberfest celebration—then brats are the way to go. Bratwurst with sauerkraut is one of the most iconic German pairings that can be prepared and enjoyed in a variety of ways. Brats can be stewed with spices and that tangy pickled cabbage, cooked on the grill, or baked in the oven—all bringing out different flavors of the meat. If you want that crispy skin and juicy pop with each bite, then grilled bratwurst is your best bet. If you need utensil-free eating, serve it up on a warm buttery baguette and take your sausage with you on the go. It will be delicious no matter how you eat it—just don’t forget the mustard for dipping.
When you think German snack foods, you automatically think giant soft pretzels. A pretzel roll is a great way to make a meal out of this salty staple. Form into large, oblong shapes and stuff with your favorite sausage or pork loin and top with spicy mustard. Caramelized onions are baked into the mixture and add a subtle tone of sweetness to pair with the salty notes of each bite. Bake your rolls in the oven and let the aroma take over your Oktoberfest feast.
No not the hotdog restaurant—authentic schnitzel is a rich and flavorful German pork dish. It’s a tender pork cutlet that’s pounded thin, breaded, and fried. When frying these delicate cuts of meat, make sure the oil is nice and hot to ensure the breading sticks to the pork and doesn’t fall off while frying. You want each forkful to have a crunchy bite on the outside and be juicy on the inside. If you’re looking for a healthier cooking option, try preparing your schnitzel in the oven with Air-Fry. The internal temperature of the oven will still get hot enough to perfectly cook your pork without any excess oil in your dish. You can enjoy your German cuisine without any of the guilt.
If you’re celebrating with Oktoberfest cuisine, you might as well make something a little wild. These duck meatballs with cherry glaze won’t make you quack, but they’ll make your taste buds sing. Duck is a very rich and delicate protein that makes for a classy dish to serve at your Oktoberfest party. These meatballs act as an impressive appetizer or decadent main course—delivering sweet and savory flavor in each bite. It’s a great dish to make when hosting large gatherings because they can be made ahead of time and kept in your fridge or freezer for whenever you need them. Just make sure you have plenty of sturdy toothpicks on hand.
This time of year, potatoes go with just about anything—especially during Oktoberfest. Fried potatoes are a staple in German cooking and it’s rare to find a meal that doesn’t include potatoes in some form. The classic dish of German fried potatoes is topped with a poached egg so the yolk can run down the pile of spuds and mix with the bacon-mustard dressing. Additional pieces of chopped bacon are sprinkled throughout, making for an irresistible dish. They’re easy to make and heat best on the cooktop in a hot buttery pan. The open flame crisps the edges of the potatoes so they can soak up all the extra toppings without getting soggy.
If you’re tired of the street food by the end of your Oktoberfest celebration, you can treat yourself to a classic home-cooked German dinner. This mustard-brined pork loin is an elegant meal that will melt in your mouth and impress all your dinner guests. Brining the pork kicks this dish up a notch—ensuring a deeper flavor profile and added juiciness. Serve with shaved sautéed Brussel sprouts and a few potato dumplings on the side and you’ll have yourself a complete and authentic German meal. You can even save time on your meal prep with a double convection oven by roasting your pork and your side dish at the same time. Less time cooking, more time eating, and maybe some room leftover for a slice of Bavarian cream pie.
If you’re looking for the perfect Oktoberfest recipe or new kitchen appliances to bring your culinary creations to life, stop by our store to shop our line of cooking and refrigeration appliances. Our expert staff will answer any questions you might have and find the right products for your cooking needs. Visit us today!