Looking for easy German appetizer recipes to cook at home? You’re in the right place to find numerous delicious options! From German Potato Pancakes to Soft Pretzels and Beer Brat Bites, which are perfect for parties! Here are over 25 of the BEST German appetizers to try!
These appetizers showcase the rich flavors and hearty ingredients that German cuisine is known for! If you’re simply craving a taste of Germany or if you’re hosting a gathering this collection will provide inspiration for both savory and sweet options!
Searching the internet for recipes while planning a party can be time-consuming, so I hope this roundup saves you time and provides ideas you might not have stumbled upon otherwise!
If you’re looking for a place to start I recommend the German Potato Salad and the Beer Cheese Dip!
Are there gluten-free options for German appetizers?
Yes, there are gluten-free options for German appetizers. For example in this round up the German Potato Salad, Kale Chips and Split Pea Soup are all gluten free options!
What drinks pair well with German appetizers?
German appetizers pair well with beer, especially traditional German lagers and wheat beers.
What are some vegetarian German appetizers?
Some delicious vegetarian options include Soft Pretzels, German Potato Pancakes and Obatzda (German Cheese Spread).
25+ Traditional German Appetizers
EASY Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe
Make this ooey gooey 4-ingredient pretzel cheese dip to serve along with pretzel bites for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!
Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe
German Potato Salad
This delicious warm German Potato Salad combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. It’s tangy, creamy and the perfect side dish for the summer grilling season.
German Potato Salad
Puff Pastry Beer Brats with Beer-Cheese Sauce
These Puff Pastry Beer Brats with Beer-Cheese Sauce are so good! Flaky, buttery pastry encases bratwursts cooked in onions and beer – they’re baked until crispy and golden and then served alongside the best darn beer cheese sauce on earth. Recipe: Yes to Yolks
Puff Pastry Beer Brats with Beer-Cheese Sauce
Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip are the perfect snack for tailgating. Soft, chewy and bite size with a golden crust, they’re perfect for dunking into a rich cheese dip that can be customized 3-ways.
Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
Stuffed Pretzel Wreath
A braided stuffed pretzel wreath filled with ham and cheese and topped with everything bagel seasoning. It’s the perfect Super Bowl appetizer.Recipe: Frydae
Stuffed Pretzel Wreath
Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel
Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel Rye comes together quickly and is easy to prepare in advance or when you arrive at your gathering when you have your ingredients prepped and ready to go.Recipe: Baker's Beans
Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel
Kale Chips
Kale chips are not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. Learn with this recipe how to make crispy kale chips yourself!Recipe: Aline Made
Kale Chips
Beer Cheese Dip
This creamy pub-style beer cheese dip is an easy appetizer recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes. Use lager-style beer or your favorite variety.Recipe: Sally's Baking Addiction
Beer Cheese Dip
Easy Flammkuchen recipe (French-German Pizza)
Try our easy, crispy and delicious Flammkuchen recipe topped with caramelised onions and smoked bacon. Perfect for a quick meal!Recipe: The Cinnamon Jar
German Pizza
Beer Brat Sauerkraut Balls
Pork beer brats, mustard, onion, Swiss cheese, fresh parsley & sauerkraut – rolled into balls then into panko breadcrumbs & fried until deep golden-brown. Recipe: Lovoni Walker
Beer Brat Sauerkraut Balls
Obatzda (German Cheese Spread)
Looking to make delicious Obatzda? This classic German cheese spread is easy to make and brings home the taste of Bavarian beer gardens!Recipe: Recipes From Europe
Obatzda (German Cheese Spread)
Frikadellen (German Meatballs)
Simple beer hall meat patties, perfect with mashed potatoes or french fries. A German staple in every home, as small meatballs they make a great appetizer or snack.Recipe: The Lemon Apron
Frikadellen (German Meatballs)
Stuffed Eggs with Ham & Cheese
Stuffed Eggs with Ham & Cheese, sprinkled with a dash of Spanish Smoked Paprika, are super meaty, cheesy, and satisfying. The subtle heat from the smoked paprika marries everything together to create a perfect egg bite.Recipe: Eating European
Stuffed Eggs with Ham & Cheese
German Vegan Potato Pancakes
Delicious vegan German potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) are crispy from the outside, tender on the inside. Made with 3 simple ingredients. Recipe: Happy Kitchen
German Vegan Potato Pancakes
Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Pie)
Zwiebelkuchen is a savory German onion pie with a buttery yeasted dough crust and a filling of onions and bacon bound together in rich custard. While it has similarities to a quiche, it’s quite unique and a true German favorite.Recipe Mission Food
German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen)
Oregano Sesame German Cheese Sticks
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of these oregano sesame German cheese sticks! Perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Recipe: Caro in the Kitchen
Oregano Sesame German Cheese Sticks
Pumpernickel Bagel Bombs
Make any day extra great by having pumpernickel bagel bombs for breakfast! They're the perfect grab and go meal for school or work.Recipe: Hot For Food Blog
Pumpernickel Bagel Bombs
Mini Vegan Apple Strudels
Super cozy mini vegan apple strudels! These little yummy tarts are super easy to make and are guaranteed to impress everyone!Recipe: World of Vegan
Mini Apple Strudels
German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
This authentic and hearty recipe for nourishing German potato soup (Kartoffelsuppe) is full of root vegetables, bone broth, and smoky bacon. It is a delicious and comforting soup perfect for cold days. Recipe: The Peasant's Daughter
German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
German Split Pea Soup (Erbsensuppe)
An authentic German Split Pea Soup or Erbsensuppe recipe that you will want to make again and again. This classic, hearty soup has been a staple in German kitchens for generations.Recipe: The Peasant's Daughter
German Split Pea Soup (Erbsensuppe)
German Sauerkraut Soup (Sauerkrautsuppe)
A traditional recipe for German sauerkraut soup, a true eintopf one-pot meal featuring simple and tasty meatballs that are cooked directly in a broth full of sauerkraut, potatoes, and carrots. Recipe: The Peasant's Daughter
German Sauerkraut Soup (Sauerkrautsuppe)
German Soft Pretzels (Laugenbrezel)
German Soft Pretzels (Laugenbrezel) – Oktoberfest is here and I’m sure you’re looking for a good pretzel recipe to go with all that beer! Recipe: Olivia's Cuisine
German Soft Pretzels (Laugenbrezel)
Bierock (Runza) Recipe
A bierock, also known as a runza, is a soft yeast roll stuffed with ground meat, cabbage, and onions. This dish can be made by making homemade yeast dough or utilizing frozen dinner rolls.Recipe: Baker Bettie
Bierocks
German Sausage Salad
Craving something meaty but want it to be quick and easy? Wurstsalat is the perfect dish for you! Made from just a few ingredients – including wurst (sausage), cheese, onions, and pickles – this hearty snack salad is served with a simple vinaigrette dressing.Recipe: Recipes From Europe
German Sausage Salad
Beer Brat Bites
These beer brat bites are juicy bratwurst sausages that are grilled to perfection, then sliced and tossed in a beer glaze.Recipe: Dinner At The Zoo
Beer Brat Bites
German Meatballs Recipe (Königsberger Klopse)
This iconic German meatball recipe (Königsberger Klopse) is often served on special occasions, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight!Recipe: Dirndl Kitchen
German Meatballs Recipe (Königsberger Klopse)
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these German appetizer recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More German Recipes
Did you Make Any of These German Appetizer Recipes?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of German appetizer ideas. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.
Full Recipe
25+ German Appetizers
Looking for easy German appetizer recipes to cook at home? You're in the right place to find numerous delicious options! From German Potato Pancakes to Soft Pretzels and Beer Brat Bites, which are perfect for parties! Here are over 25 of the BEST German appetizers to try!
Print
Pin
Serves 6 people
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds medium red potatoes
- 4 strips bacon (cut into ½” pieces)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- ½ cup minced celery (including some leaves)
- 1/3 cup cider vinegar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons coarse or stoneground German style mustard
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches .Season the water generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, until just tender. Drain.
- While the potatoes are still warm, peel and slice, or cube them, into a large serving bowl.
- Meanwhile, cook the sliced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon to a plate topped with paper towels to drain. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons bacon fat from the pan.
- Add the onion to the bacon fat. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in 1/4 cup water, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and pour over potatoes. Toss to coat. Add the bacon, celery and parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 789mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 259IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
Leave a Reply