Ready for some Oktoberfest fun minus the mystery meat? This roundup brings you a curated list of 25 crowd-pleasers, straight from the heart of the festival to the comfort of your kitchen table. Whether you’re after a tried-and-true brat or a dip worthy of a soft pretzel, there’s something here that’s more reliable than the weather at a beer tent.

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Few side dishes capture the Oktoberfest feeling quite like Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Balanced notes of tangy and slightly sweet flavors combine well with delicious bacon, offering a classic touch to your celebration. This recipe brings a vibrant color to the table and pairs beautifully with all your favorite festival staples. It’s easy to prepare ahead, making it convenient for gatherings or family meals themed around Oktoberfest favorites.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Bringing the spirit of Oktoberfest right to your plate, Dutch Apple Pie Squares offer a twist on everyone’s favorite apple treat. With a flavorful crumb topping and a simple slice-and-serve approach, they are perfect for sharing at group celebrations. The recipe delivers a familiar taste in a form that’s easy to enjoy as part of any festive lineup. You’ll notice how well these squares fit with other festival classics, adding a sweet finish to your table.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

Traditional festival spreads often feature Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon among the most beloved sides. Hearty potatoes and tender cabbage are gently cooked together, allowing the smoky bacon to infuse every bite. This is a straightforward recipe that complements a variety of German-inspired main courses commonly found during Oktoberfest gatherings. Each serving brings a bit of comfort that everyone appreciates as part of a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

Sauerkraut Balls

If you’re seeking something a bit different yet rooted in Oktoberfest spirit, Sauerkraut Balls make a unique appetizer. These bite-sized treats wrap flavorful sauerkraut and sausage in a crispy shell, perfect for passing around at parties. The preparation can be done in advance, which saves time during busy celebrations. Guests will find these balls add a playful touch to the spread and highlight traditional festival flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

Eastern European restaurants often offer Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup) as a comforting starter, and it’s just as welcome at your own Oktoberfest table. Its beautiful color comes from earthy beets, blended with vegetables and tender beef or pork. Adding a spoonful of sour cream brings a gentle richness to each bowl, making it a warming option during get-togethers. Sharing this soup is a delicious way to honor the hearty food traditions that connect to the Oktoberfest theme.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

Oma’s German Potato Salad

Classic German gatherings wouldn’t feel complete without Oma’s German Potato Salad on the menu. Warm potatoes are mixed with onions, mustard, and a tangy dressing well-suited to festival fare. A touch of bacon offers a bit of smokiness that appeals to many plates. This recipe holds a special place in Oktoberfest-inspired meals and invites everyone to try a time-honored dish.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s German Potato Salad

Cabbage Roll Casserole

For those who enjoy a home-cooked classic, Cabbage Roll Casserole makes festival meals much easier. Tender cabbage, seasoned meat, and rice are layered with a flavorful tomato sauce, bypassing the effort of rolling each leaf. It serves a crowd with little fuss and brings a cozy element to Oktoberfest menus. Everyone gets a taste of tradition with this approachable, all-in-one recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Casserole

Upside-Down Apple Tart

Highlighting familiar autumn fruits, Upside-Down Apple Tart shines as a simple yet eye-catching finale for any festive meal. Caramelized apples form a gorgeous layer on top of flaky pastry, providing a pleasant mix of sweetness and texture. This tart is straightforward enough for busy cooks but elegant enough to impress guests. Bringing this to your Oktoberfest table connects you to classic German and Bavarian desserts in an accessible way.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Apple Tart

German Kohlrabi

Vegetable fans will appreciate seeing German Kohlrabi in the mix of Oktoberfest sides. Mild in flavor and similar to a cross between cabbage and turnip, kohlrabi is steamed or sautéed simply, allowing its unique texture to stand out. Its gentle taste pairs nicely with heartier mains or other classic sides. Many find that this often-overlooked vegetable adds variety and interest to a German-inspired spread.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut

No Oktoberfest celebration feels quite right without Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut making an appearance on the table. Plump knackwurst sausages are simmered or grilled alongside traditional sauerkraut, absorbing those timeless flavors. This dish requires only a few ingredients, yet the result is a true festival favorite enjoyed by many. Its straightforward nature means it’s both reliable and an instant hit for gatherings themed around German food traditions.
Get the Recipe: Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut

Oven Baked Ribs

Meat lovers usually look forward to Oven Baked Ribs when planning a robust Oktoberfest meal. Slow-cooked for tenderness, these ribs boast a simple seasoning that complements other German-style dishes. Adding them to the menu makes the entire spread more festive and offers an alternative to bratwurst or pork roast. This recipe provides comforting flavors that suit both family dinners and larger event settings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Dutch Apple Danishes

Bringing a bit of bakery charm, Dutch Apple Danishes can be a highlight of your Oktoberfest dessert table. Sweet apple filling is nestled in soft, flaky pastry, making these danishes ideal for sharing with friends and family. They are suitable for breakfast or as a special treat after your main meal. Anyone looking to capture the sweet side of festival traditions will find these pastries fit right in.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Those attending Oktoberfest often expect hearty, warming stews like Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Slow-cooked beef, paprika, and veggies create a rich broth that symbolizes comfort and togetherness during the festival. The recipe is easy to scale for a group, making it suitable for family-style serving. It stands as a wonderful centerpiece, bringing a sense of classic European flavor to your event.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Iconic snack foods always include Homemade Soft Pretzels at Oktoberfest-inspired gatherings. Their chewy crust and soft interior make them an inviting companion to sausages, mustards, and cheeses. Preparing them at home allows you to shape and season each pretzel to your liking. Guests will recognize this as a true sign of an authentic festival celebration straight from the heart of Germany.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels

White Bean Salad

Light and refreshing, White Bean Salad balances many Oktoberfest staples with its clean flavors. Simple herbs and a gentle vinaigrette combine with tender beans, adding protein and freshness to the menu. This dish provides a counterpoint to the richness found in many traditional festival foods. You’ll find it works well as a side or as part of a grazing board for your celebration.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

German Pork Loin

Delicious dishes often take center stage at Oktoberfest, and German Pork Loin is no exception. Roasted to perfection and seasoned simply, this main course stands out for its tenderness and robust flavor. Pairing it with classic sides like cabbage or potatoes showcases the recipe’s flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for hosts looking to bring German themes to their dinner table.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Adding a touch of sweetness to your tasty spread, Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon features a winning mix of flavors. The apples provide balance to the tangy sauerkraut, while bacon gives the recipe a gentle, smoky background. It’s an approachable option that pairs particularly well with bratwurst or roasted meats. This side enriches any festival feast, giving each plate a nod to classic German pairings.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Saving time yet delivering a big impact, Slow Cooker German Pot Roast fits right into Oktoberfest gatherings of any size. This hearty recipe cooks slowly, resulting in fork-tender beef and deeply flavored broth. It’s versatile enough to serve with a range of sides, including potatoes or tangy red cabbage. Incorporating this dish helps hosts keep stress low while staying true to the event’s German roots.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Gentler flavors shine in Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill, making it a thoughtful addition to the robust dishes of Oktoberfest. Steamed cauliflower is dressed with a hint of lemon juice and fresh dill, keeping the dish light and memorable. This recipe complements heavier items on the menu and adds a touch of color to the table. Guests looking for something fresh will appreciate its inclusion in any festival line-up.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

German Yellow Beans

Bringing color and mild flavor, German Yellow Beans are a nod to classic German home cooking. These tender beans are simply seasoned, often with a bit of butter and herbs, making them easy to prepare. Serving them alongside potatoes or sausages enhances the traditional spread. Anyone seeking variety at their Oktoberfest meal will find this side both uncomplicated and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Combining protein and classic fermented flavor, Ribs and Sauerkraut are often seen at German-inspired gatherings. Slow cooking tenderizes the meat, letting it meld with the tangy sauerkraut for a taste that echoes Europe’s best food halls. The method is largely hands-off, simplifying preparation for larger crowds. Pairing this dish with rustic bread or potatoes rounds out any festival meal perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Cabbage Roll Soup

Modern takes on tradition include dishes like Cabbage Roll Soup, which captures all the flavors of the original dish in an easier form. Ground meat, tomatoes, cabbage, and rice cook in one pot, offering a streamlined approach for hosts. The soup is a hearty choice that fits well alongside other Oktoberfest classics. It’s also great for serving groups and makes leftovers easy for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup

Bacon Fried Corn

Familiar and lightly sweet, Bacon Fried Corn brings a new note to the typical Oktoberfest selection. Corn is sautéed with bacon until caramelized and fragrant, giving depth to every bite. This recipe fits comfortably among sausages, potato salads, and soft pretzels. Adding it to your menu introduces another comforting, crowd-pleasing item.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Roast Pork with Apples

Often served at festive tables, Roast Pork with Apples unites pork’s delicious qualities with apple’s gentle sweetness. The result is a balanced dish that stands up well to richer sides traditionally found at Oktoberfest feasts. Simple preparation makes it a favorite for home cooks who want bold flavor without too much fuss. Each bite brings out the signature contrast of flavors loved at German events.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Classic German Beer Braised Brats

Few dishes say Oktoberfest like Classic German Beer Braised Brats, steeped in the essence of tradition and celebration. Bratwurst is simmered gently in beer before being finished on the grill, yielding juicy sausages with layers of flavor. Served in rolls or simply alongside mustard, this recipe guarantees authenticity at your gathering. Guests will recognize it as a staple that makes any festival meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Classic German Beer Braised Brats