Traditional Oktoberfest Food Ideas & Recipes
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An amazing collection of delicious, authentic, tried and true traditional Oktoberfest recipes. Whether you are looking for German appetizers, desserts or menu ideas for an Oktoberfest party, these easy Oktoberfest recipes are sure to please all tastes and palates!
German inspired recipes from trusted bloggers with leanings towards delicious, fresh German foods. Pick one or a few to make this September and October and celebrate Oktoberfest in grand style.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is an annual festival which began in Munich. It actually begins in September, ending the on the first Sunday in October.
The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
10 Authentic Oktoberfest Celebrations in the U.S.
You do not need to travel across the Atlantic in order to celebrate Oktoberfest in traditional style. Check out these 10 authentic American Oktoberfest celebrations right here in the US.
- Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, Michigan | 30 years they have been celebrating Oktoberfest!
- Tulsa Oktoberfest | celebrates authentic Bavarian culture in the heart of Oklahoma!
- Helen, GA Oktoberfest | For those in the south, a fun, traditional Oktoberfest celebration.
- Fredericksberg, TX | A true celebration of our German heritage in the Polka Capital of Texas!
- Four Peaks Oktoberfest, Tempe AZ | They are back this year!
- Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, CA | Touted as the best German celebration in Southern California.
- Oktoberfest Zinzinatti, OH | Promises of coming back in 2021!
- Snowbirds Oktoberfest, UT | Oktoberfest at Snowbird is a family-friendly affair with activities, food, and, of course, brews for days.
- New Ulm Oktoberfest, MN | Come to one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation!
- Oktoberfest in Vail, CO | I had to add one for our fair state, the town of Vail transports you to a quaint European style village.
Oktoberfest Food Ideas
Back in my early 20’s I spent 6 months as an au pair in Berlin, Germany. I tried so many new German foods and fell in love with them all!
I discovered red cabbage (rotkohl), apple kuchen, black bread, strudels and rote grütze! Most of these traditional Oktoberfest recipes are represented below!
From German appetizers to traditional Oktoberfest food like sauerbraten, and schnitzel, to pretzels, red cabbage, spaetzle and kuchens, we have you covered with these foods for Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest Ideas for a Party
So plan your Oktoberfest menu, then grab your Lederhosen or Dirndl Oktoberfest dress, polish your beer stein and invite your friends over and celebrate with these fun party ideas for Oktoberfest!
Whether you are truly authentic, or are looking for delicious recipes, these are some of the best traditional Oktoberfest food ideas and not overwhelming.
You might even want to mix up a drink, this cocktail would hit it out of the park.
Delicious Oktoberfest Ideas & Recipes
Traditional and best food to make or bake for Oktoberfest parties and celebrations.
Authentic German Goulash Soup Recipe (Gulaschsuppe)
Rich, stew-like goulash with tender beef and oodles of veggies.
Bavarian Pretzel | Traditional German Pretzels (Laugenbrezel)
Authentic German pretzel recipe, giant and amazing.
Healthy Cheeseburger Soup | Crockpot or Stovetop
With a nod to German cuisine is this light and fresh soup.
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
Homemade soft, buttery pretzels, yes please!!
Beer Braised Brats and Sauerkraut
Brats and kraut, you cannot get more Oktoberfest like! Mmmm!
Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
If you have never tried German red cabbage, you are missing out! Milder than sauerkraut and so amazingly delicious!
This Sauerbraten recipe (traditional German pot roast)
Tender and so flavorful, sauerbraten brings all the feels to the table.
Braised Red Cabbage
Another delicious red cabbage recipe, that's so delish and good for you too!
Pork Schnitzel Recipe - Easy German Traditional Dish
Another authentic and traditional German dish, schnitzel!!
Instant Pot Sauerbraten Recipe (German Pot Roast)
Delicious Sauerbraten, tender, flavorful, for when you need a meat and potatoes kind of meal.
Easy Homemade German Spaetzle Recipe
Spaetzle is so amazingly delicious, I could eat it as a main course!
Apfelstrudel Recipe (German Apple Strudel)
Classic Apfelstrudel or apple strudel, a delicious apple mixture with spices wrapped in a light and lovely pastry.
German Rote Grotze Recipe (Red Berry Dessert with Fresh Cream)
I salivate when I see Rote Grotze on a menu, it's not often and typically only at a German restaurant, but I made it often as an au pair in Germany. A red berry compote, pudding if you will and even better when paired with a vanilla sauce or creme anglaise.
German Apple Cake with Streusel Topping [Apfelkuchen mit Streusel]
A smashing apple cake with streusel topping.
Apple Kuchen {German Apple Cake}
A variation on the apple cake, this apple Kuchen is sure to please your appetite!
I hope you will break out of the norm and try one or two or more of these Oktoberfest ideas for a party!
Don’t worry if you end up celebrating in October, it took me decades to realize this wasn’t a celebration during the entire month of October!
Be well! Happy cooking, baking and safe Oktoberfesting!!
About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
