When a meal needs to become a crowd-pleaser, why settle for the usual when you have 29 German favorites ready to claim the spotlight? This selection puts carbs front and center in ways that somehow make you forget about the gym. These meals are built for gatherings, designed for sharing, and probably responsible for more than one family staying way past bedtime.

Three grilled sausages served on a bed of sauerkraut and diced potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate. — Oma’s Knackwurst & Sauerkraut Skillet. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

German Meat Patties (Frikadellen)

Four German meat patties are served on a bed of sauerkraut, garnished with parsley, on a rectangular white plate with a floral napkin in the background. — German Meat Patties (Frikadellen). Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Ground meat forms the heart of German Meat Patties (Frikadellen), baked or fried to provide a fulfilling protein dish. Fresh onions and herbs are blended in to offer extra taste and texture, pairing well with breads or starchy sides. Enjoying these patties with mustard or a mild sauce brings out their versatility. Family gatherings or large dinners are perfect occasions to serve generous plates of this classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: German Meat Patties (Frikadellen)

Irresistible German Chocolate Cupcakes

A close-up of German chocolate cupcakes topped with coconut-pecan frosting and a swirl of chocolate icing. — Irresistible German Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate Irresistible German Chocolate Cupcakes featuring a creamy coconut-pecan frosting. Cocoa-based batter creates a rich base for the sweet topping, ideal for informal parties or afternoon treats. Each cupcake is portioned for easy sharing, making them an excellent choice for dessert tables. Their familiar combination of chocolate and nuts ensures wide appeal among guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Irresistible German Chocolate Cupcakes

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

A rectangular white plate with cooked red cabbage and bacon pieces, placed on a light surface next to a floral-patterned cloth. — Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Bright flavors meet hearty ingredients in Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon, balancing tangy notes with tangy undertones. Crisp pieces of bacon add depth, while vinegar and sugar enhance the cabbage. This dish works well as a side for pork, poultry, or sausage, offering a colorful addition to any plate. Simple preparation and crowd-friendly flavors make it a strong fit for busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Ground beef anchors Homestyle Hamburger Stew, joined by potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a thick broth. Beef stock and seasonings bring out comforting flavors, while slow simmering melds everything together. This one-pot recipe makes cleanup easier and invites hearty portions. Perfect for serving in bowls with crusty bread, it’s a practical choice for casual family meals.
Get the Recipe: Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon. — Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crunchy sauerkraut gets a sweet contrast in Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon, combining tangy fermented cabbage with crisp apples and smoky bacon. The mixture creates a lovely interplay of textures and tastes. Paired with grilled meats or sausages, it works as a main or side dish. Preparation is straightforward, and its balance of flavors appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes

A sheet pan filled with cooked sausages, sliced potatoes, carrots, red and green bell peppers, and red onions. — Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Roasting brings together Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes, uniting sausages with seasoned potatoes and onions on one tray. This approach simplifies prep and lets flavors blend naturally with minimal effort. The caramelization from baking adds extra character to the dish, and serving is as easy as dividing portions right from the pan. It’s a great practical option for anyone seeking reliable comfort food for groups.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes

Kale Salad with Lemon

Fresh crunch stands out in Kale Salad with Lemon, featuring bright greens tossed with a punchy citrus dressing. Toasted seeds or nuts can be sprinkled in for more texture, and simple seasonings emphasize the natural flavors. This salad complements main courses by adding crispness and freshness to heavier dishes. It’s a quick preparation option that easily fits into everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad with Lemon

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Classic spices and fruit unite in Dutch Apple Pie Squares, combining apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry in easy-to-serve portions. The filling is sweet yet balanced, with a crumb topping for added texture. These squares are a practical dessert choice for parties or potlucks, easily cut and shared. Their comforting ingredients make them a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup

A bowl of Cabbage and Bean Soup with visible chunks of vegetables and beans, garnished with sprigs of rosemary. A spoon and striped napkin are beside the bowl. — Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Generous layers of vegetables and legumes make Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup a warming option for lunch or dinner. Cabbage, beans, carrots, and seasoning simmer in a well-balanced broth, offering lasting flavor. This soup is both nutritious and filling, suitable for large batches to serve multiple guests. Pairs well with breads or rolls, making it ideal for informal meals.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table. — Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender meat defines Roast Pork with Apples, using aromatic seasoning and fresh fruit to deepen its flavor profile. Sliced apples soften during roasting, adding taste and moisture to the dish. Presentation is appealing, as the retained juices work well as a light sauce. Serve alongside potatoes or cooked vegetables for a well-rounded main dish suitable for family feasts.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls. — Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Traditional techniques shape Authentic Hungarian Goulash, where beef cubes simmer in a paprika-infused sauce. Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers round out the stew, resulting in robust taste and pleasant texture. Slow cooking allows for depth, making this dish suitable for gatherings requiring generous servings. Enjoy it with rustic bread or noodles for a full meal that fills the table with comfort.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Dutch Apple Danishes

Puff pastry and sweet filling combine in Dutch Apple Danishes, featuring tender apple pieces and spiced undertones. The pastries bake to golden, flaky layers, offering balanced richness and texture. These danishes are sized for individual portions, making them easy to serve as breakfast or dessert. Simple assembly and classic flavor appeal make them an accessible choice for home bakers.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Cabbage Roll Soup

Classic stuffed rolls inspire Cabbage Roll Soup, uniting ground meat, rice, and cabbage in a tomato-based broth. All the familiar flavors of rolled cabbage can be enjoyed with less hands-on assembly. This practical version is well-suited for batch cooking and delivers filling comfort in each spoonful. A slice of bread or a simple salad pairs well with a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup

German Pork Loin

Roasting brings out full flavors in German Pork Loin, where aromatic spices create depth and the meat stays juicy. Sliced pork works well with hearty sides such as boiled potatoes or braised greens. The dish suits both family meals and special occasions, with easy carve-and-serve portions. Preparation is streamlined, focusing on bringing out the natural qualities of pork.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

A bowl of borscht with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill on top, served on a brown plate with a spoon on a marble surface. — Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup). Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Root vegetables provide vibrant color and flavor in Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup), where beets and cabbage simmer alongside potatoes and carrots. Sour cream and fresh herbs can be added on top for extra richness and taste. The soup is nutritious and filling, lending itself to both small servings and larger gatherings. Pair it with rye bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

Oven Baked Ribs

Tender meat and flavorful glaze make Oven Baked Ribs a reliable main for shared meals. Slow baking helps the ribs develop an appealing texture, while a rich marinade ensures ample flavor. Preparation requires minimal hands-on time, making the dish a practical choice for busy days. Serve with potatoes, slaw, or simple vegetables for a pleasing plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Traditional flavors are layered in Cabbage Roll Casserole, where ground meat, rice, and cabbage bake together with a tomato-based sauce. Assembly is straightforward, avoiding the need for rolling individual leaves. This casserole is hearty and filling, great for feeding a group or storing leftovers for later. Pair with bread or a crisp salad for a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Casserole

Apple Fritter Bread

Sweet fruit and light spices highlight Apple Fritter Bread, combining diced apples with a soft, moist loaf. Cinnamon and sugar swirl through the bread, delivering familiar comfort in each slice. Quick preparation means this bread can be enjoyed fresh from the oven with minimal effort. Both breakfast and dessert tables benefit from adding this easy-to-share treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it. — Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Time-saving methods make Slow Cooker German Pot Roast an appealing choice for busy cooks, allowing beef and vegetables to gently tenderize. Simple seasoning and slow heat yield a delicious taste and texture. The dish is flexible, pairing well with potatoes, noodles, or cooked greens. Set-and-forget style helps make meal planning more efficient for larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Homemade Soft Pretzels

A hand uses a red silicone brush to apply butter or glaze to a baked soft pretzel on a baking sheet. — Homemade Soft Pretzels. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Chewy bread and golden crust come together in Homemade Soft Pretzels, bringing classic shapes with a simple homemade twist. Ingredients are easy to find, and steps are straightforward for home bakers. Fresh pretzels work well with a variety of dips or served as a snack on their own. Sharing these pretzels among friends or family brings a sense of comfort and plenty of smiles.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels

Oma’s Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa

A bowl of soup with sliced sausage, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, with a spoon resting in the bowl. — Oma’s Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Fermented cabbage stars in Oma’s Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa, paired with spicy sausage and root vegetables in a rich broth. Slices of kielbasa add protein and smoky flavor, balancing the tang of sauerkraut. This soup is filling yet easy to serve in either small or large portions. Add rye bread or boiled potatoes for a meal with traditional character.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa

German Kohlrabi

Mild, crisp vegetables feature in German Kohlrabi, which is cooked until fork-tender and lightly seasoned for a subtle side dish. Slices can be enjoyed warm with a sprig of fresh herbs, supporting main courses. Simple preparation lets kohlrabi’s natural flavor stand out, making it popular with those seeking lighter options. A flexible dish, it pairs well with meats, potatoes, or beans.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Chef Jenn’s Beer Braised Brats with Caramelized Onions

Five browned sausages simmer in onion gravy inside a black cast iron skillet on a light wooden surface. — Chef Jenn’s Beer Braised Brats with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple cooking techniques define Chef Jenn’s Beer Braised Brats with Caramelized Onions, where sausages are cooked in beer and topped with sweet onions. The braising method keeps the brats juicy and flavorful while the onions provide a gentle sweetness. Serve these sausages with bread or roasted vegetables for a substantial main dish. Their approachable preparation aids in feeding crowds comfortably.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Beer Braised Brats with Caramelized Onions

Sauerkraut Balls

A close-up shot of hands pulling apart a crispy, golden-brown, cheese-filled snack with a gooey, melted cheese center against a textured white background. — Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shredded cabbage and sausage form the core of Sauerkraut Balls, blended with breadcrumbs and spices before frying to a golden finish. These snack-sized bites are ideal for appetizers or side dishes at gatherings. Their crisp exterior and soft interior offer a pleasing texture contrast that draws attention. Arranged on platters, they are easy to share and popular at parties.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Bacon Fried Corn

Fresh kernels come to life in Bacon Fried Corn, where smoky pieces of bacon are tossed with sweet corn on the stovetop. Quick cooking helps the corn stay crisp while absorbing the bacon’s flavor. This easy side works well beside meat dishes or as part of a vegetable medley. The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal steps for reliable results.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Oven roasting transforms Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan into a chunky, flavorful side, finished with a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. Slices are lightly seasoned and baked until golden, making a simple yet appealing addition to the plate. This dish suits both casual and special dinners, pairing conveniently with meats or grains. Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Easy German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad with red onions, and bacon pieces, garnished with chopped parsley are served in a white dish with a spoon. — Easy German Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Vinegar and mustard dressings set Easy German Potato Salad apart from mayonnaise-based versions, keeping flavors sharp and straightforward. Bacon bits and onions join boiled potatoes to create a memorable side. Quick assembly is possible, making it a resourceful choice for last-minute meals. Reliable taste and texture help this salad fit into many types of menus.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Fruit and crumb topping provide contrast in Yellow Plum Crumble Bars, combining tart plums with a sugar-butter crust. Squares are easy to portion and serve, suitable for dessert trays or snack breaks. The bar format helps with transport and sharing, making it great for gatherings. Baked until golden, the bars offer both familiarity and gentle sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Fresh herbs and citrus highlight Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill, where florets are cooked until tender and tossed with dill and lemon juice. The ingredients provide brightness and a clean finish, complementing heavier dishes. This side can be served hot or cold, and preparation is quick for busy meal prep. Its light character works well beside proteins or other vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill