Fall has a way of making every meal feel like a warm get-together, and that’s exactly the spirit behind these 31 Oktoberfest Recipes. Each dish carries that rustic charm that turns regular nights into cheerful feasts without the need for lederhosen. The mix of comfort and fun makes them perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of festivity with their food.

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.

Oma’s German Red Cabbage

A bowl of cooked red cabbage mixed with small pieces of bacon, served with a spoon. — Oma’s German Red Cabbage. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Rich traditions shine in Oma’s German Red Cabbage, a dish that’s all about balance. It brings together tangy and slightly sweet notes, creating a side that pairs well with hearty mains. Its vibrant color makes any table brighter, adding a splash of personality to your meal. This is a classic way to enjoy cabbage seasonally.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s German Red Cabbage

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Freshness and subtle flavors come to life in Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill, offering a light and herby option that pairs well with richer dishes. Perfect for a fall meal lineup, this side adds a sense of balance. The combination makes it both refreshing and comforting. It’s a dish that doesn’t try too hard and still stands out.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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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.

Rich in color and heartiness, Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup) is perfect for bringing vibrant flavors to your table. This dish balances earthy notes with a smooth broth for a simple, warming meal. It’s a great option for fans of traditional soups that feel both familiar and bold. Serve it with a slice of bread to make it even more comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

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

Combining tangy and smoky flavors, Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon pairs beautifully with almost any main. The apples add a subtle sweetness that contrasts well with the bacon’s savoriness. It’s a must for anyone looking to bring a touch of tradition with a flavorful twist. This classic side dish works just as well with roasts or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

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.

German Meat Patties (Frikadellen) are a heartier version of a classic favorite. Their crispy edges pair wonderfully with their tender center, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Traditionally served with mustard or bread, they are versatile and satisfying. Frikadellen can easily become a star at your Oktoberfest meal.
Get the Recipe: German Meat Patties (Frikadellen)

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Easy to share and loaded with traditional flavors, Cabbage Roll Casserole is a one-dish wonder. The layered structure provides hearty texture without the fuss of assembling rolls. It works well as a comforting main dish for a relaxed meal. Leftovers are just as welcoming because the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Casserole

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Each bite of Dutch Apple Pie Squares offers a sweet crunch balanced with a smooth and warm apple flavor. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they are easy to share and pack. This dish brings old-fashioned comfort with just enough sweetness to be indulgent. It’s a great addition to any traditional spread.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

German Pork Loin

Tender and packed with deep flavor, German Pork Loin is a meal that captures a rich, rustic vibe. It’s wonderfully paired with potato-based sides or brined vegetables. A slight touch of natural smokiness gives this dish an edge. The versatility of this centerpiece makes it fit any occasion.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Kale Salad with Lemon

Kale Salad with Lemon is a fresh take on greens. Its simplicity makes it stand out while still fitting comfortably alongside heavier dishes. A bit tart and balanced, it’s a great supporting dish for grilled or slow-cooked meals. This salad brings a much-needed brightness without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad with Lemon

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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

Slow-cooked and rich in flavor, Authentic Hungarian Goulash delivers on comfort in a simple bowl. The depth of spices balances tender chunks of meat to create a meal worth savoring. It’s the kind of hearty dinner that fills your home with warmth and tradition. Serve it with some crusty bread, and it’s ready to be the centerpiece of any table.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Creamy Radish Salad

Creamy Radish Salad adds brightness to any spread. It’s simple but far from boring, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier plates. The mild kick and smooth dressing make it feel balanced and satisfying. It’s the type of side that quietly steals attention without trying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

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.

All-in-one meals like Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes are great for bringing convenience to dinnertime. It features bold, traditional flavors baked to perfection in a single pan. You’ll get a hearty main and sides in one, perfect for saving time without losing depth. This option brings ease and taste hand-in-hand for busy or lazy evenings alike.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes

Dutch Apple Danishes

Easy to enjoy at any time of the day, Dutch Apple Danishes are small, flaky bites of sweetness. Their layers of pastry wrap around lightly spiced apple in a way that feels indulgent without being heavy. Serve them at breakfast, for dessert, or even as a snack. They’re quick to disappear from the plate whenever they appear.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

A platter of Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon and garnished with parsley. — Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Smoky and hearty, Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels traditional and reliable. The cabbage softens perfectly alongside potatoes, while the bacon adds a flavorful punch. It’s an easy side for bigger meals or fulfilling enough to stand on its own. Packed with comfort, this dish pairs well with roasted or stewed meats.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

Oma’s German Potato Salad

A spoonful of German potato salad topped with bacon, red onion, and chopped parsley held over a bowl of the same salad. — Oma’s German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Warm and balanced, Oma’s German Potato Salad skips out on mayo and leans on its natural richness. It’s great for gatherings or as a steady side for sausages, roasts, or grilled dishes. The flavors enhance the potatoes rather than overpowering them. A traditional recipe passed down through generations, this salad brings a little German tradition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s German Potato Salad

Oven Baked Ribs

If you enjoy meals with plenty of tender meat, Oven Baked Ribs are worth adding to your rotation. They come out packed with depth and are easy to make without the need for a grill. These ribs pair perfectly with sauerkrauts, salads, or classic potato sides. They’re a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting guests or keeping it low-key.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Cabbage Roll Soup

Perfect for those who love one-pot meals, Cabbage Roll Soup is hearty without feeling too heavy. This simplified version of a classic cabbage roll delivers similar flavors in soup form. It’s the kind of recipe that works well for meal prep or chilly evenings. Pair it with some fresh bread or crackers for added crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup

Bacon Fried Corn

Crisp, golden, and perfectly balanced, Bacon Fried Corn brings a flavorful spin to a common ingredient. The bacon ties it all together with the right amount of smoky richness. It’s a simple dish with bold results, working equally well as a side item or a standalone option. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it never feels out of place.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut capture the essence of old-world comfort. The pairing brings out a mix of deep and tangy notes that work perfectly together. It’s a dish that makes any meal feel full and fulfilling without overcomplicating things. Perfect for sharing when you want something real and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Classic German Beer Braised Brats

Three Beer Braised Brats in toasted buns topped with sautéed onions, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of yellow sauce, served on a white plate. — Classic German Beer Braised Brats. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Bringing together two old favorites, Classic German Beer Braised Brats feel both traditional and exciting at once. Braising locks in deep flavors while keeping the sausages juicy and fulfilling. Serve these at gatherings, and they’ll be the most talked-about part of the meal. Whether paired with potatoes or just a roll, they’re hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Classic German Beer Braised Brats

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.

Crispy and tucked with goodness inside, Sauerkraut Balls are great for adding bite-sized fun to your spread. These make great appetizers or even a quick snack when paired with a creamy dip. Their crunchy outsides contrast perfectly with a softer interior packed with flavor. You’ll find them disappearing fast whenever they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Perfect for throwing together a hearty meal, Homestyle Hamburger Stew uses simple ingredients with great results. The chunks of vegetables and meat work together in a broth that tastes better with every stage. It’s a classic for weeknights when you want comfort without complications. Just grab a spoon and make it a bowl worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Homestyle Hamburger Stew

White Bean Salad

Refreshing and light, White Bean Salad brings a minimalist twist to the table without losing its bold side. This dish plays well as a side or starter, especially for heavier mains. Its simplicity doesn’t make it boring, as each bite feels well-balanced and purposeful. For those who like something lighter alongside classic plates, this works great.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

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.

Full of wholesome flavors, Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup reminds you how good the basics can be. Each bowl is filled with ingredients that make it adaptable as a main or an accompaniment. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for rich and balanced homestyle cooking. This soup fits every occasion and warms up well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup

Apple Fritter Bread

Sweet and loaded with warm spiced notes, Apple Fritter Bread is a baked choice that satisfies any apple lover. Each slice feels indulgent without overdoing it, making it good for breakfasts or desserts. Warm or toasted with a bit of topping, it works at any time of day. For a quick treat or to share, it’s ready to become a household favorite.
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.

Leave the work to slow cooking with Slow Cooker German Pot Roast, a dish that blends tradition with convenience. The long cooking time creates tender meat and well-developed flavors. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want a meal that feels rewarding. Paired with hearty sides, this roast can be the highlight of your evening.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Beef Goulash

Beef stew in a white bowl with a fork. — Beef Goulash. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bold in flavor and rich in texture, Beef Goulash has long been a go-to meal for those needing something substantial. The depth of flavors is balanced by the tenderness of the beef. It’s an approachable classic packed with a timeless combination of ingredients. Great when served over starches, it becomes a plate everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Beef Goulash

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 with just the right amount of texture, Homemade Soft Pretzels bring fun and tradition to snacking. They’re great on their own or dipped in something flavorful. You can share these with a group or enjoy them as a quick personal treat. Making them feel rewarded, but enjoying them is even better.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of boiled potatoes with skins on, topped with a creamy herb sauce and garnished with chopped fresh dill. — Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Balance comes naturally in Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon, a dish that feels comforting every time. The smoothness pairs perfectly with the crisp and rich additions. It’s a practical side that brings enough character to your plate without too much effort. Perfect for pairing with chicken, pork, or heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Dill Pickle Dip

Tangy and full of character, Dill Pickle Dip is a quick and easy appetizer that adds a pop of brightness. Great for crackers or even with veggies, it’s a go-to for gatherings. This dip keeps things interesting while being simple and crowd-friendly. Once on the table, it usually doesn’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad. — Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Clean flavors combine effortlessly in Yellow Bean & Potato Salad, a dish that doesn’t overcomplicate things. It sticks to classic ingredients while still offering enough balance for more adventurous pairings. This salad proves that simplicity done well is unbeatable. A nice choice for outdoor meals or easy add-ons to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad