The Best Traditional Oktoberfest Recipes

Your ultimate collection of authentic German Oktoberfest recipes from hearty mains to wholesome sides and fan-favorite desserts. Whether you attending Oktoberfest this year, hosting your own Octoberfest party or are wondering what to bring to an Octoberfest potluck. We are going to help you to create an Oktoberfest menu to remember.

About Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest (also known as Wiesn') is the world’s biggest folk and beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany. It's been held annually since 1810, where to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese, a horse race and festival took place in a meadow outside town. This meadow (wiese in German) was named "Theresienwiese" since then and is still the location of Octoberfest today.

It has since grown into a world-famous event welcoming attendees from near and far. Oktoberfest takes place between mid-September and the first week of October.In the paragraphs below you'll be able to explore tried & tested Oktoberfest recipes and recreate the festival from the comfort of your own home.

What Foods Are Traditionally Eaten at Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest boasts an impressive array of German fair food and traditional Bavarian dishes.

It's an opportunity to indulge in German festival delicacies, especially all kinds of finger food. From popular Bavarian food such as Weisswurst, Obatzda and Pretzels to more modern German street food such as Currywurst and Flammkuchen.

Among the sweet treasures of Oktoberfest is one of the festival's most iconic desserts - gingerbread hearts. (Lebkuchenkuchenherzen).

Also known as Wiesn hearts they were invented at the Octoberfest in the 1960s. Now they are a symbol of German festival food and can be found also at Christmas Markets and Festivals across Germany.

Your Oktoberfest Menu Ideas & Recipes

Have you been invited to an Oktoberfest party or wondering what to bring to an Oktoberfest potluck?

Or, perhaps you're hosting your own Oktoberfest party and want to impress the guests with truly authentic German party foods?

Here are some Oktoberfest party food ideas and a selection of hot and cold German side dishes, hearty mains, and desserts.

Oktberfest Appetizers, Snacks & Fingerfood

Here are the best Oktoberfest appetizer recipes. Just click on the links below to make them.

Weisswurst 

The ultimate Octoberfest sausage recipe, Weisswurst originates from Munich and dates back to the 19th Century.

It’s never fried, but rather heated up in a water bath. The flavor is mild with a slight hint of parsley, lemon, and marcis. Wash it down with a glass of cool Weissbier (wheat beer).

Bratwurst 

A grilled Bratwurst needs to be on your Octoberfest bucket list. Have it in a crust bread roll with some mustard (affiliate link) or with potato salad. You can never go wrong with a bratwurst. Comfort food at its best.

Currywurst 

No party without currywurst. This is one of Germany's most popular street food. The secret? The boldly flavored homemade currywurst sauce which lends it its iconic taste.

Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Dip)

Another Oktoberfest staple, Obatzda is a particularly strong and tangy creamy spread. As such, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of dish. Its star ingredients are camembert and cream cheese. Try it with freshly made pretzels or a slice of rye bread. This should be part of any Octoberfest appetizer platter.

PS – Want a milder alternative? Give Spundekäs a try!

Bavarian Pretzels

German pretzels are made from sweet or salty yeast dough and looped into a gorgeous knot, and they go so well with beer. This homemade recipe will guide you through each step and ensure you can nail the magic of pretzels on your first go.

Feeling romantic? Try out this heart-shaped pretzels.

Hearty Main Dishes

Goulash Soup 

This hearty & satisfying stew is the perfect dish to warm you up this Oktoberfest. Star of this show? The paprika gives it its deep red color.

Paprika Chicken 

Have you ever heard of the 'Wiesn Hendl'? The ultimate Oktoberfest roast chicken. This is the Oktoberfest snack version. Tasty baked paprika chicken dumsticks. Seasoned with my special spice mix. The perfect finger food to bring to an Oktoberfest party.

Schupfnudeln with Sauerkraut 

A delight to all carb lovers, Schupfnudeln are pan-fried potato noodles. At festivals these are often served with Sauerkraut known as Krautnudeln (Cabbage noodles)

Schweinebraten

A traditional Bavarian pork roast, Schweinebraten is roasted with beer to reach tender perfection. Often served with dumplings, potato, or cabbage, it’s a Beer Hall favorite.

If you’re a fan of succulent meat with a crispy crust, don’t miss this one.

Cheese Spaetzle 

Starring egg dumplings, cheese, and caramelized onions, this authentic Käsespätzle will take all of 20 minutes. A popular vegetarian Oktoberfest recipe, you can adjust the cheese to your taste.

Think of it as the German mac and cheese – endlessly comforting and a true family favorite.

Schnitzel

Perhaps the biggest star of German cuisine, Schnitzel is beautifully crunchy and fried to golden perfection. Pound the meat, then season it, coat it and fry until crispy.

You can have the traditional Wiener Schnitzel made from Veal, German Pork Schnitzel, or Turkey Schnitzel. Don’t forget to serve it with a slice of lemon for a fresh and tangy finish.

Schwenkbraten 

Typically made from pork, Schwenkbraten are marinated steaks. They’re tender and succulent, marinated for a minimum of 24 hours in a rich garlic and herb rub.

Fun fact? These are traditionally made on a swinging grill and continuously swung over the fire to ensure even cooking.

Kartoffelpuffer

Also known as “Reibekuchen”, these German-style potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Made with just a handful of ingredients, they're a surefire crowd-pleaser. Dish them up sweet with applesauce or savory with smoked salmon for a cozy feel-good meal.

Octoberfest Side Dishes

German Sauerkraut 

Considered a true staple of German cuisine, sauerkraut is also widely enjoyed in much of central Europe. It translates to ‘sour cabbage’, but you'll need to taste it to fully grasp its slightly sour, tangy, salty flavor.

It’s extremely versatile, as well as a solid source of probiotics and vitamins. Consider it on top of your list for healthy Oktoberfest recipes.

Krautsalad (German Coleslaw) 

German coleslaw is best during colder months of the year, perfect for the changing seasons just around Oktoberfest.

Its crunchy textures complement meats and sausages wonderfully. Brighten it with optional caraway seeds to give it an aromatic flavor note.

Bavarian Sausage Salad (Wurstsalat)

The perfect tangy & salty snack born in Bavaria. Sliced sausage is paired with onion, chives, radishes & gherkins, then drizzled with a simple oil and vinegar dressing.

Found in beer gardens throughout Southern Germany, its ultimate partner in crime is a glass of beer. Add this to your Octoberfest party menu

Red Cabbage 

Made from red cabbage, apples and gentle spices, blaukraut / rothkohl is a famous, feel-good side. It's simple to make and traditionally enjoyed during the colder months of the year.

This is a great side dish for your Octoberfest dinner menu and always a winner.

Potato Salad 

There are countless flavor variations of German potato salad. Among others, you can enjoy it with apple and gherkins, cucumber, or bits of bacon.

Served hot, cold, or at room temperature, it’s a tried & tested favorite that won’t disappoint. Which one will you opt for?

Semmelknödel

Bread dumplings are another popular side often served with sauces, roasts, and soups. They have existed for particularly long, potentially dating back to the 12th century.

Apart from being easy to make, they're also a great way to use up stale bread and help reduce food waste.

Spätzle 

Sometimes referred to as German pasta, these irregularly shaped dumplings feature simple ingredients such as flour, eggs, milk and butter.

Serve Spätzle as a tasty side dish (for example with Schnitzel) or goulash.

German Potato Dumplings 

By now you won’t be surprised to learn that potatoes are a timeless German staple. Another way to enjoy them is to whip up hearty Kartoffelklöße or potato dumplings.

They're often served with roast goose, Bavarian pork roast or Goulash.

German Oktoberfest Desserts

Gingerbread Hearts (Lebkuchenherzen)

No Oktoberfest recipes list is complete without Lebkuchenherzen. These classic gingerbread cookies are shaped into large hearts and decorated with icing. Personalize them with a text of your choice for a unique gift.

Apfelstrudel 

This wholesome treat combines flaky pastry with aromatic ingredients like cinnamon, apple, and raisins.

It’s the perfect battle of sweet, tart, and acidic flavors. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Kaiserschmarrn

Also known as Emperor's mess, this fluffy scrambled pancake is often paired with stewed plums.

Much like standard pancakes, this is a family favorite and incredibly easy to customize. You’ll want to bookmark this for your Oktoberfest recipes ideas!

Germknödel – Sweat Yeast Dumpling 

These pillowy steamed dumplings are smothered in silky melted butter making them the ultimate feel-good dish.

Topped with poppyseed sugar and vanilla sauce, they're everything you'd want from a winter dessert (and more!)