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Celebrating Oktoberfest at home? Check out our favorite, traditional Bavarian recipes that are classic Oktoberfest foods and easy to make at home.
My husband and I lived in Munich for many years. We’ve been to the Wiesn more times than I can count so you can definitely say we are experts on Bavarian food.
The Munich Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest, held every year in Bavaria in the same spot, called the Theresienwiese, it starts in September (because the weather is nicer) and ends on the first Sunday in October. Millions of Germans and visitors from around the world pack into the festival tents to drink beer and celebrate with food.
The German food that is served at the festival is classic Bavarian comfort food, from Brotzeitplatten, roasted chicken (Brathendl), pork hox (Schweinshaxn), to Kaiserschmarrn and Apfelstrudel. If you like comfort food you will be in heaven!
Wether you’re hosting your own Oktoberfest party or just craving some authentic German food on a weeknight, all the recipe ideas you need are right here. O’zapft is!
Hosting your own Oktoberfest party?
Go with blue-and-white checkered tablecloths and a few beer steins (Maßkrüge) as decorations. That’s all you need, it reads “Oktoberfest” immediately. Dress up in a Dirndl and Lederhosen if you want. For drinks, grab a few bottles of Märzen or Festbier (Paulaner, Hofbräu, and Hacker-Pschorr all export to the US). For the menu, I’d go: Brezen (pretzels) and Obatzda to start, Schweinshaxe or Sauerbraten as the main, potato dumplings and red cabbage on the side, and apple strudel to finish. Every single one of those recipes is on this page.
Appetizers and Snacks
You can get pretzels everywhere! They make a great snack and you can even get massive ones which you can share with the family. They’re also part of one of the favorite Oktoberfest foods of the locals: Brotzeitplatten which consist of a selection of deli meat, sausages, radish, Obatzda, and pretzels or other baked goods. This would make a great thing to make at home for guests!
Another favorite snack is Bratwurst (Sausages) served on a crispy bun with mustard or ketchup. Nürnberger Bratwurst is my favorite, you can often get three small sausages on a bun – so tasty!
5 from 20 votes
Bavarian Beer Cheese Spread (Obatzda)
Obatzda, a flavorful German Beer Cheese Spread, is a beer garden classic made with camembert cheese, butter, and beer! This easy cheese dip can be made ahead and makes a delicious appetizer or snack with pretzels or rustic bread. Perfect for your next Oktoberfest party!
These Bavarian pretzels are a very popular snack in Germany and perfect for your next Oktoberfest party! They taste delicious dipped in cheese sauce and are easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This authentic German Pretzel Recipe makes enough for a crowd as an appetizer.
Lots of different sides and salads to choose from! Spaetzle, Semmelknödel (bread dumplings), and Kartoffelklöße (potato dumplings) are usually served with saucy dishes like roasts with gravy. Schnitzel is always served with fries or potato salad and often comes with a side salad or cucumber salad.
4.94 from 204 votes
Easy German Spaetzle Recipe
Easy German Spaetzle are ready in only 15 minutes and make a great side for all dishes served with a sauce!
My German Potato Salad is made with vinegar, bacon, and onion – the potatoes get tossed while still hot in a savory broth-and-vinegar dressing so they soak up every bit of flavor. It's a biergarten staple and one of the most popular Oktoberfest foods. Serve it warm or cold (it's typically served cold or at room temperature in Germany).
German Bread Dumplings are a perfect side dish for anything with gravy! This traditional Bavarian recipe made from bread can be rolled into balls or a log.
Kartoffelklöße are the classic Bavarian potato dumplings that belong on every Oktoberfest plate. Made from scratch with just potatoes, egg, and a little potato flour, they have a soft, silky texture that soaks up the broth and gravy from roasts beautifully. Serve them with Sauerbraten or Schweinshaxe and German Red Cabbage.
German Cucumber Salad is a refreshing summer salad made with simple ingredients that are a staple in most kitchens! This recipe is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a potluck, family dinner, or summer cookout.
German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) is a popular German side dish that is very easy to make from scratch! It tastes so aromatic with a distinctive sweet and sour flavor and makes a perfect side for a roast dinner together with spaetzle or potato dumplings. This recipe for braised red cabbage with apples is a family favorite!
Wurstsalat is a perfect summer dish! Made with sliced ring bologna, Emmental cheese, and pickles, this popular beer garden dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
There are lots of different main dishes served at the Oktoberfest. Some tents are famous for one special dish like the Ochsenbraterei which serves grilled ox. Other classic foods besides the ones I linked below are German Goulash, Schweinebraten (pork roast), Brathendl (roasted chicken), and Steckerlfisch (fish grilled on a stick).
4.90 from 56 votes
German Pork Hock (Schweinshaxe Recipe)
German Pork Hock, also known as roasted ham hock or Schweinshaxe, is a traditional Bavarian dish that’s popular not only during the Oktoberfest but all year round. This easy pork knuckle recipe takes a few hours but cooks without too much effort on your part and rewards you with crispy pork crackling and tender meat.
Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle) is the German version of Mac and Cheese! Made with homemade German egg noodles and Emmental cheese. This Bavarian dish is special enough for an Oktoberfest party but so easy that you can make it every day!
My favorite part of the Wiesn are the desserts, cakes, and treats you can get! There are even tents at the festival that have a bakery set up so everything is freshly baked and you can enjoy warm apple strudel, croissants, and so many cakes. Kaiserschmarrn is probably the most ordered dessert and comes with fresh fruit, preserves, and apple sauce – so yummy!
You can also buy lots of sweet snacks and treats outside of the tents, like candied nuts, fruit covered in chocolate, and the famous Lebkuchenherzen, heart-shaped gingerbread with cute messages on them.
4.78 from 89 votes
Easy Cinnamon Candied Almonds
Easy Cinnamon Candied Almonds are sweet, crunchy and make your house smell amazing! They can be made in less than 10 minutes and make a great snack for your next holiday party.
Black Forest Cake is a fluffy chocolate sponge cake with a delicious homemade cherry filling and whipped cream. A flavorful and beautiful German dessert! PLEASE READ THE POST BEFORE STARTING TO BAKE, IT HAS ALL MY TIPS AND TRICKS.
Apple Strudel is much easier to make from scratch than you think and tastes amazing dusted with powdered sugar! Everyone will love this traditional Apfelstrudel that has a flaky crust and is filled with juicy spiced apples.
Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.
