Celebrate Oktoberfest at home with 15 classic German recipes! From soft pretzels and bratwurst to spaetzle and tangy sides, these dishes bring the flavors of Bavaria straight to your kitchen.
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German Comfort Food & the Spirit of Oktoberfest
Growing up, Der Rheinländer was a cozy, Bavarian-style restaurant near my home in NE Portland. Founded in the early 1960s by celebrity chef Horst Mager, it was where I first discovered German food – and the magic of Oktoberfest.
As a kid, my parents would take me there once or twice a year for special occasions. I can still remember the heavy wooden beams, the strolling accordion player, and the cheerful servers in dirndls and lederhosen. Later, in high school, Mr. B and I would splurge on the über-frugal early bird five-course dinner, complete with Swiss cheese fondue, lentil soup, and Pflaumenmus (plum jam).
Every fall, Der Rheinländer went all-in on Oktoberfest, with lively music and special menus, and they even sponsored the annual festival at Oaks Park, Portland’s beloved old amusement park on the river.
But what lingers just as strongly as the food is the feeling of Gemütlichkeit – the unmistakable warmth and conviviality that filled the dining room. Maybe that’s why German food has always felt like the ultimate comfort food to me: it’s hearty, festive, and best when shared around a table with people you love.
From Royal Wedding to World’s Largest Folk Festival
The grand tradition of Oktoberfest began in 1810 with a royal wedding in Munich: Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, and the people of the city were invited to celebrate with feasting, beer, and horse races. The celebration was such a hit that it became an annual event, eventually growing into the world’s largest folk festival.
Today, Munich’s Oktoberfest runs from late September into early October, drawing millions of visitors who gather under giant beer tents to raise a stein, sing along with oompah bands, and enjoy classic Bavarian food.
Fun & Quirky Facts about Oktoberfest in Germany
- Timing: Despite “Oktober” in the name, the festival generally runs from late September to early October.
- Origins: The very first Oktoberfest in 1810 was a horse race to celebrate a royal wedding, not a beer festival.
- Location: The original and most famous Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany, on the Theresienwiese (“Therese’s Meadow”).
- Beer Tradition: Only beer brewed within Munich city limits and meeting the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law) can be served at the festival.
- O’zapft is! To officially open the Munich Oktoberfest, the mayor taps the first keg and shouts “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”).
- Visitors: Munich's Oktoberfest attracts over 6 million visitors each year from around the world.
- Massive Tents: Some beer tents hold over 10,000 people under one roof!
- Attire: Many visitors wear traditional Bavarian clothing – lederhosen for men and dirndls for women.
- Eye Contact Rules: When clinking steins, make eye contact – it’s bad luck not to.
- Oompa Only: Only Bavarian folk music is allowed in the tents; no modern pop during festival hours.
- Parades and Music: The festival features parades, live brass bands, folk music, and traditional dances.
- Oide Wiesn: A nostalgic section of Munich's Oktoberfest celebration called the Oide Wiesn features historical rides, folk music, and a small entry fee.
- Family-Friendly: Despite its reputation for beer, Oktoberfest also has rides, games, and attractions for children.
Gemütlichkeit in the US
A common thread between Oktoberfest in Germany and in the U.S. is the focus on community – it’s about that sense of Gemütlichkeit: gathering with people you enjoy, raising a glass, and sharing a good meal. You don’t have to travel to Munich to find a little Oktoberfest cheer, either. Big cities and small towns all across the U.S. – from Chicago to Denver to Mount Angel, Oregon – host their own versions of the festival, complete with biergartens, music, and plenty of bratwurst.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, you can always bring Oktoberfest home. Whether you try your hand at homemade pretzels, grill up some bratwurst, or put together a full Bavarian feast, these recipes are a delicious way to bring a little Gemütlichkeit to your own table.
German Oktoberfest Recipes
Appetizers & Snacks (Vorspeisen & Snacks)
Oktoberfest always begins with something to nibble alongside that first mug of beer. Think soft pretzels, spreads, and finger foods perfect for sharing.
Crispy Sauerkraut Fritters (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)
Crispy sauerkraut fritters loaded with bacon, sausage, and cheese make the perfect appetizer for any celebration! Easy to prep ahead, they stay crisp for hours and cook up quickly in the air fryer.
Rheinlander Swiss Cheese Fondue
This easy Swiss Cheese Fondue makes a velvety, smooth dipping sauce perfect for sharing with family and friends. Adapted from Chef Horst Mager’s original recipe, it’s the classic fondue once served at Portland’s beloved Der Rheinlander (1963–2017).
Homemade Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip
These homemade pretzels are perfectly chewy on the outside, tender inside, and served with a rich German beer cheese dip — an Oktoberfest favorite!
Main Dishes & Entrees (Hauptgerichte)
The heart of Oktoberfest is hearty fare – sausages sizzling on the grill, roast meats, and comforting stews that pair perfectly with tangy mustard and cold beer.
Authentic Bavarian Sauerbraten with Gingersnap Gravy
This classic Bavarian Sauerbraten features a beef roast marinated for days in vinegar and spices, then oven-braised to tender perfection. Served with a savory, tangy-sweet gingersnap gravy, it’s a rich, comforting feast that’s perfect for any celebration.
One-Pan Boiled Brats with Sweet Onions & Hard Apple Cider
A simple, all-in-one stovetop recipe for juicy bratwurst, browned and simmered with sweet onions and hard apple cider. Perfect for enjoying beer brats year-round without a grill, this gluten- and grain-free version is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite!
Authentic German Beef Rouladen (Rinderrouladen)
Beef Rouladen is a classic German comfort dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around a savory mix of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles, then browned and slow-braised in a rich, umami-packed gravy.
German Style Carrot Dogs
Pan-charred and seasoned with smoky barbecue spices, these sausages are served on toasted pretzel buns with spicy brown mustard and a tangy-sweet sauerkraut-relish mix — a delicious centerpiece for your vegan Oktoberfest feast!
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
This Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes bursts with German flavors and is ready in just 30 minutes! Topped with a maple mustard glaze and served alongside tangy sauerkraut, it’s a simple, hearty meal.
Side Dishes (Beilagen)
No German feast is complete without its sides. From tangy sauerkraut and potato salad to buttery spaetzle, these dishes round out the table and balance the richness of the mains.
Hot German Potato Salad (Bavarian Kartoffelsalat)
This Bavarian-style Hot German Potato Salad is a delicious mix of sweet, tangy, and bacony flavors. A tried-and-true heirloom recipe, it’s perfect served warm or cold.
Rye Sourdough Spaetzle (Spätzel)
This Sourdough Spaetzle with caramelized cipollini onions, sautéed mushrooms, and spicy Tabasco shallots is an elevated, flavorful side perfect for any German feast.
Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
This German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) is a savory-sweet blend of braised cabbage, peppery bacon, tart apples, and warm spices — a cherished Prussian heirloom recipe.
Bavarian-style German Lentil Soup (Linsensuppe)
Savory and satisfying, this classic Bavarian-style lentil soup with vegetables is simmered in a rich beef-and-bacon broth.
Caramelized Onion Bacon Spaetzle
Bring the taste of Germany to your table with this easy Spaetzle recipe. Store-bought spaetzle tossed with caramelized onions and crispy bacon makes a comforting, classic German side that will have everyone cheering “Prost!"
German Cucumber Salad Recipe - Gurkensalat
This German cucumber salad (Gurkensalat) is a fresh, low-carb side that comes together in minutes. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions tossed with dill in a simple oil-and-vinegar dressing make a crisp, flavorful addition to any meal. It’s a perfect way to use up cucumbers quickly.
How To Make German Sauerkraut
Easy, healthy, and full of probiotics, learn how to make your own German sauerkraut. Packed with vitamins and perfect for preserving cabbage through the winter, it can be enjoyed cold or heated alongside a variety of dishes and meats.
Don’t Forget Dessert (Nachspeisen)
Oktoberfest isn’t just about savory food. German desserts are legendary — from apple strudel to Black Forest cake. I’ve gathered our favorite German dessert recipes in a separate post, which you can find here.
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