Traditional Oktoberfest Recipes: The Ultimate Guide

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Bring the festive spirit of Oktoberfest straight to your kitchen! From crispy schnitzel and buttery pretzels to sizzling bratwursts and delicious desserts, this ultimate guide to traditional Oktoberfest recipes has everything you need to create a true taste of Germany at home. Prost!

The Munich Oktoberfest and Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest

If there’s one thing we Germans know how to do well, it’s celebrate fall with plenty of good food! Germany is home to two massive fall festivals, or Volksfests, centered around traditional food, beer tents, music, and carnival rides: Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest (known colloquially as the Wiesn) and Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest (known by locals as the Wasen). Every fall, millions of visitors from around the world flock to both festivals to enjoy hearty Bavarian and Swabian specialties, irresistible sweets, flowing beer, exhilarating rides, and the lively sounds of oompah bands.

Where did Oktoberfest Originate?

The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich on October 12, 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.  The festival was so popular that it was held again the following year and ever since with 2023 hitting a record 7.2 million attendees!  Why is Oktoberfest now held in September? To take advantage of warmer weather and longer daylight hours. 

Authentic German Oktoberfest Recipes

Growing up in Stuttgart and making regular trips to Bavaria where my Mutti is from, both traditions – the Cannstatter Volksfest and Munich’s Oktoberfest – are close to my heart. And every year when autumn rolls in I get excited to roll up my sleeves and start cooking and baking!

I’ve gathered some of my favorite traditional German recipes that you’ll find served at both of these fall festivals – everything from hearty Bavarian and Swabian classics to irresistible sweet treats. With a few noted exceptions, all of these dishes are ones that you’ll find at both the Munich Oktoberfest and the Cannstatter Volksfest (Linsen mit Spätzle, Maultaschen, Zwiebelkuchen and Gaisburger Marsch are only served at the latter while Pichelsteiner is only served at the former ). For efficiency I’ll simply be referring to each category as “Oktoberfest” recipes.

Whether you’re planning your own Oktoberfest party or simply craving a taste of Germany in the fall, these recipes will bring some of that German festival atmosphere to your own table. Prost!

Main Dishes for Oktoberfest

Let’s begin with some of the classic main dishes that you’ll find served at Munich’s Oktoberfest and Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Schweinshaxe (Roast Pork Knuckle)

This traditional German dish has its historic roots in peasant cooking but has since become a world-renowned sensation and is a staple at festivals and celebrations. These roasted pork knuckles feature a wonderfully crispy-brown exterior encasing moist and succulent fall-off-the-bone meat.

Recipe for Schweinshaxe

Wiesnhendl or Göckele (German Roast Chicken)

The popular roast chicken colloquially known in Munich as Wiesnhendl and Göckele or Grillhänchen in Stuttgart. It is seasoned with a simple combination of butter and paprika and then roasted on a rotisserie. Roughly a half million of these are sold each year at the Oktoberfest alone!

Recipe coming soon!

Bratwurst & Weisswurst

Weisswurst is a Bavarian speciality made with veal while Bratwurst is made with pork. For all you DIY’ers, here’s how to make your own authentic German Bratwursts that taste like they’re straight from a German food truck or beer tent!

Recipe for Homemade German Bratwurst

Rindergoulash (German Goulash)

Fork-tender beef is slow simmered with onions in a rich paprika-infused gravy and served over your choice of Spätzle, German potato or bread dumplings, egg noodles or boiled potatoes.

Recipe for German Goulash

Sauerbraten

One of Germany’s national dishes, this authentic German Sauerbraten features beef roast that is marinated for several days, cooked until fork tender, and served with a wonderfully rich and flavorful sweet-tangy gravy! While you won’t typically find it at Munich’s Oktoberfest, you’ll definitely find it at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Recipe for Sauerbraten

Zwiebelrostbraten (Seared Beef Steak with Caramelized Onions)

A perfectly seared beef steak is served heaped with a generous amount of caramelized onions and a rich, savory pan gravy.

Recipe coming soon!

Rouladen

Short for Rinderrouladen, or beef roulades, Rouladen is one of Germany’s most famous dishes. These tender beef roulades are filled with bacon, onions, mustard and pickles, then browned and simmered in a rich gravy. You won’t typically find dishes like Rouladen and Sauerbraten in the large food tents at the Oktoberfest, but you’ll find them in the smaller, food-focused tents.

Recipe for Rouladen

Currywurst

Bratwursts are sliced and served drenched in curry ketchup. And I’ve included the BEST homemade curry ketchup recipe that will have you reaching for more!

Recipe for Currywurst

Käsespätzle (Cheese Spaetzle)

This iconic Swabian specialty features homemade Spätzle noodles that are baked with gooey cheese and caramelized onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

Recipe for Käsespätzle

Gebratene Maultaschen (Fried Maultaschen)

Swabia’s famous ravioli invented just outside Stuttgart by 17th century Cisterian monks, strips of savory Maultaschen are browned in butter with eggs and herbs. You’ll find this dish at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Recipe for Gebratene Maultaschen

Schupfnudeln

Here’s a traditional Swabian dish you’ll find at both the Cannstatter Volksfest and the Munich Oktoberfest. They’re finger-shaped potato noodles (similar to Italian potato gnocchi) that are most commonly served pan-fried with sauerkraut and smoked bacon (Speck). There are also sweet variations where they’re served with butter and cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar and poppy seeds, or served with applesauce.

Recipe coming soon!

Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Pie)

Loads of caramelized onions and savory bacon are packed into this incredibly delicious quiche-like pie. You’ll find this dish at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Recipe for Swabian Zwiebelkuchen

Schnitzel

Unlike Austrian Wienerschnitzel that is made with veal, German Schnitzel is traditionally made with pork (Schweineschnitzel). I’ve included all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make those perfectly crispy and flavorful Schnitzels you know and love from Germany!

Recipe for Schnitzel

Jägerschnitzel (Hunter’s Schnitzel)

One of Germany’s most favorite ways to enjoy Schnitzel, these crispy breaded pork cutlets are served with a delicious mushroom gravy.

Recipe for Jägerschnitzel

Schnitzel Sandwich

A German food truck classic, when you can’t sit down to a Schnitzel, you carry it with you to eat on the go!

Recipe for Schnitzel Sandwich

Linsen mit Spätzle (Lentils with Spaetzle)

A Swabian classic that’s popular throughout Germany, the combination of vinegar and just a touch of sugar gives it its famous sweet-sour flavor profile that’s balanced with smoky bacon and savory vegetables. It’s served over Spätzle and is often accompanied with sausages. You’ll find this dish at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Recipe for German Lentils

Wurstsalat (Sausage Salad)

This delicious salad is packed with German-style bologna or smoked ham, Emmentaler or Swiss cheese, pickles and onions, and tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s typically served on its own with a Brötchen or good crusty bread to round out the meal!

Recipe for Wurstsalat

Soups and Stews for Oktoberfest

Here are some classic soups and stews that you’ll find served at Munich’s Oktoberfest and Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Pichelsteiner

This famous Bavarian stew has been enjoyed for nearly two centuries and even has an annual festival all to its own! You’ll find this dish at at the Munich Oktoberfest but not at the Cannstatter Volksfest.

Recipe for Pichelsteiner

Gaisburger Marsch

Stuttgart’s most famous stew, it features tender beef, homemade Spätzle and potatoes in a wonderfully rich broth and topped with caramelized onions.

Recipe for Gaisburger Marsch

Maultaschen in der Brühe (Maultaschen in Broth)

Swabia’s famous ravioli invented just outside Stuttgart by 17th century Cisterian monks, Maultaschen are served in a beef broth as a hearty and soul-satisfying soup. You’ll find this dish at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest. You’ll find this dish at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Recipe for Maultaschen

Flädlesuppe (German Pancake Soup)

This classic soup features thinly sliced crepes in a rich beef broth. It’s simple, delicious and satisfying.

Recipe for Flädlesuppe

Oktoberfest Side Dishes & Appetizers

Here are some classic side dishes and snacks that you’ll find served at Munich’s Oktoberfest and Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.

Obatzda

An Oktoberfest staple, this creamy Bavarian cheese spread is delicious served with pretzels, rustic bread, crackers or vegetables.

Recipe for Obatzda

Griebenschmalz (Pork Cracklings Schmalz)

A featured component of the Bavarian Brotzeitplatte and Swabian Vesperbretter (regional charcuterie boards ), this traditional spread is made with crispy pork cracklings, caramelized onions, apples and herbs, and is a staple appetizer served with bread or pretzels.

Recipe for Griebenschmalz

Brezeln (German Pretzels)

Traditional German pretzels, Brezeln or Brezn, are made by dipping the dough in a culinary-grade lye before baking and are called Laugenbrezeln (“Laugen” is German for lye). The lye is what gives authentic German pretzels their deep mahogany color, glossy shine and hallmark flavor. Swabia and Bavaria each have their own distinctive way of shaping their pretzels.

Recipe coming soon!

Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

Delightfully crispy and flavorful, these German potato pancakes are served with either sweet or savory toppings, like powdered sugar or applesauce, or gravy like Jägersoße or German Goulash.

Recipe for Kartoffelpuffer

Semmelknödel (German Bread Dumplings)

A Bavarian speciality, these bread dumplings are the perfect accompaniment to anything saucy, including Sauerbraten, German Goulash, Jägersoße or Rahm Sauce!

Recipe for Semmelknödel

Kartoffelklöße (German Potato Dumplings)

Pillowy soft and tender, these potato dumplings are the perfect accompaniment to all of your sauce and gravy-based dishes!

Recipe for Kartoffelklöße

Spätzle

A Swabian speciality that’s popular throughout Germany, these tender-chewy egg noodles provide the perfect base for any number of sauces and gravies.

Recipe for Spätzle

Kartoffelsalat (German Potato Salad)

In both Swabia and Bavaria, the most popular potato salads are vinegar-and-oil-based. The main difference between the two is that Bavarian versions will sometimes include pickles and bacon. If you’re serving this like at Munich’s Oktoberfest, include some finely chopped pickles and crumbled bacon, and if you’re serving it Cannstatter Volksfest-style, omit them!

Recipe for German Potato Salad

Rotkohl (German Braised Red Cabbage)

This braised German red cabbage is the quintessential accompaniment for roasted meats, beef roasts, Sauerbraten, Rouladen, and more!

Recipe for Rotkohl

Sauerkraut

The classic accompaniment to virtually all things pork, whether Bratwursts, Schweinshaxe or pork roasts like Senfbraten. And if you’ve never made your own, it’s super easy and incredibly satisfying.

See my tutorial for How to Make Sauerkraut

Krautsalat (German Cabbage Salad)

A traditional German cabbage salad, it’s crispy, refreshing, delightfully tangy, and pairs beautifully with roasted meats, bratwursts, grilled chicken, and beef and pork roasts.

Recipe for Krautsalat

Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)

The classic vinegar-and-oil-based German cucumber salad that makes the perfect refreshing accompaniment to virtually any main dish.

Recipe for Gurkensalat

Cremiger Gurkensalat (Creamy Cucumber Salad)

An equally popular cucumber salad is this creamy version one made with yogurt and sour cream. It makes the perfect refreshing accompaniment to virtually any main dish.

Recipe for Creamy German Cucumber Salad

Karottensalat (German Carrot Salad)

Simple, flavorful and vibrantly colorful, this carrot salad is tossed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. This is typically served as part of a mixed salad plate, or Salatteller, along with Gurkensalat, Krautsalat, and Kartoffelsalat.

Recipe for German Carrot Salad

Oktoberfest Desserts

Besides the classic gingerbread hearts that dangle from food stalls carrying a variety of romantic and whimsical messages, there are several desserts that are must-eats at the fall festival. Those include ones that are filling meals unto themselves like Dampfnudel and Germknödel, as well as ones featuring Italian plums and apples, both autumn favorites. And of course there’s no escaping the incredible aroma of roasted candied nuts permeating the festival grounds.

Dampfnudel (German Steamed Yeast Dumplings)

Fluffy steamed yeast dumplings drizzled with homemade vanilla sauce, this traditional Swabian dish is a staple at both the Oktoberfest and Cannstatter Volksfest. It is the very definition of comfort food! 

Recipe for Dampfnudel

Germknödel (Austrian Steamed Yeast Dumplings)

An Oktoberfest favorite that originated in Austria, these steamed yeast dumplings are filled with plum butter (Pflaumenmus/Powidl) or plum jam and topped with butter, poppy seeds and powdered sugar.

Recipe for Germknödel

Apfelkuchen (German Apple Cake)

There is nothing more “classic German” than homemade Apfelkuchen!

Recipe for German Apple Cake

Zwetschgenkuchen (German Plum Cake)

Whether you call it Zwetschgenkuchen, Zwetschgendatschi, Quetschekuche or Pflaumenkuchen, this yeast-based and streusel-topped German plum cake is extraordinarily delicious!

Recipe for German Plum Cake

Kaiserschmarrn (Torn Pancakes)

Originating in Austria and enjoyed throughout Bavaria, this features pillowy soft torn pieces of pancakes studded with rum-soaked raisins (optional) and served with powdered sugar and your choice of fruit preserves, berry jam or applesauce.

Recipe for Kaiserschmarrn

Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)

The famous flaky pastry filled with apples and raisins and served with vanilla sauce or ice cream!

Recipe for Apple Strudel

Käsekuchen (German Cheesecake)

Light and airy, sweet and tangy – that’s authentic German cheesecake. Made fully from scratch, this tastes like it came from a professional German Konditorei!

Recipe for German Cheesecake

Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)

A sweet, enriched yeast dough is layered with a creamy vanilla custard and topped with crunchy almonds caramelized with honey.

Recipe coming soon!

Gebrannte Mandeln (Candied Almonds)

Gebrannte Mandeln are firm favorites at every German Volksfest and Christmas market. There’s a learning curve in making these but they’re well worth it.

Recipe for Gebrannte Mandeln

Oktoberfest Drinks and Condiments

While beer is the most consumed beverage at the Munich Oktoberfest and Canstatter Volksfest, perhaps the most popular non-alcoholic drink is Germany’s famous Apfelschorle. And as for condiments, here are two of Germany’s most popular gravies along with Bavaria’s quintessential sweet mustard to accompany your Weisswurst or for dipping pretzels.

Bayerischer Süßer Senf (Bavarian Sweet Mustard)

The famous Bavarian sweet mustard that is served with Weisswurst. It’s easy to make, it just takes some waiting, and it makes the perfect gifts too!

Recipe for Bavarian Sweet Mustard

Jägersoße (German Hunter’s Gravy)

The popular German mushroom sauce that’s served over Schnitzel and other meats, game and poultry, or spooned over Knödel, Spätzle or potatoes!

Recipe for Jägersoße

Rahmsoße (German Cream Sauce)

Another one of Germany’s most popular gravies, Rahmsoße is likewise served with a variety of meats, poultry, Knödel, Spätzle or potatoes!

Recipe for Rahmsoße

Apfelschorle (German Apple Spritzer)

This apple spritzer is a classic non-alcoholic German soft drink. Fruity, refreshing, and simply delightful!

Recipe for Apfelschorle