If the kitchen’s heating up while the drinks stay chilled, it’s probably Oktoberfest done right. This collection of 29 recipes isn’t just about what’s on the plate because it’s about the laughter, the teasing, and the second (or third) helping no one admits to. Each dish feels like an invitation to loosen the apron, pull up a chair, and join the madness.

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.

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.

On any Oktoberfest table, German Meat Patties (Frikadellen) provide a hearty combination of ground meat and gentle spices that keep everyone reaching for more. Their pan-fried crust creates an appealing contrast to the tender inside. This dish fits easily alongside cool drinks and warm gatherings. Enjoy exploring how Frikadellen bring a familiar, comforting flavor to the kitchen as celebrations unfold.
Get the Recipe: German Meat Patties (Frikadellen)

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.

With tangy sauerkraut and sliced sausage, Oma’s Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa stands out as a staple for any festive night. Balancing richness from broth and distinctive notes of kielbasa, the soup nourishes and warms. People often enjoy this dish for how it pairs perfectly with cold beer. It serves as a reliable addition that supports both socializing and hunger during Oktoberfest.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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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.

Easy preparation and minimal cleanup make Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes a popular choice when crowds gather in the kitchen. Roasted bratwurst mingles beautifully with seasoned potatoes for a filling meal that pleases most guests. This recipe brings both convenience and connection as platters are passed around. Oktoberfest tables feel complete with such effortless combinations that work well with cold drinks.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bratwurst & Potatoes

Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Feeling at home is simple with Homestyle Hamburger Stew, especially when rich tomato flavors meet tender ground meat and vegetables. This dish brings together comfort and simplicity, and fits into lively celebrations. Stew offers guests a warming bowl that encourages longer conversation as pots simmer. A great Oktoberfest party often includes Hamburger Stew as both a classic staple and crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut

A cast iron skillet filled with sauerkraut and topped with six grilled sausages, all placed on a light wooden surface. — Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Good gatherings focus on foods like Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut, where delicious sausage is served with tangy fermented cabbage. This reliable pairing matches perfectly with cool drinks and warm conversations around the table. Each plate balances tradition and flavor in every bite. Oktoberfest kitchens embrace Knackwurst & Sauerkraut for its straightforward preparation and timeless appeal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Knackwurst & Sauerkraut

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Shared desserts like Dutch Apple Pie Squares feature spiced apples between a crisp crust and crumbly topping, ready to slice and serve. They offer an inviting taste that everyone enjoys at the end of a festive meal. These bars make serving dessert simple and enjoyable, fitting into bustling kitchens. Guests appreciate this easy treat while focusing on cool drinks and long conversations.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

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.

Offering a mix of flavors, Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon combines hearty vegetables and crispy bacon for a dish that complements any Oktoberfest menu. It works well alongside main courses and brings a burst of color. The sweet and tangy balance pairs nicely with drinks, inviting guests to return for more. This cabbage dish stands out by enhancing warm gatherings in busy kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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

Everyone appreciates a warming bowl of Authentic Hungarian Goulash, where paprika and beef are simmered until flavors blend deeply. This dish fills the kitchen with inviting aromas as guests arrive. Goulash often becomes the main event with its rich broth and tender meat. It fits perfectly into Oktoberfest celebrations, balancing cold drinks and welcoming hospitality.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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.

Enjoying classic sides like Easy German Potato Salad helps bring gatherings together in a traditional way. Warm potatoes blend with tangy dressing, bacon, and fresh herbs for consistent flavor at any meal. This dish matches cold drinks and busy kitchens with little fuss. Potato Salad remains a favorite choice for guests during Oktoberfest feasts.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

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.

Few things draw a crowd like Homemade Soft Pretzels, which feature golden brown crusts and chewy centers. Sprinkled with coarse salt, these pretzels deliver both taste and texture, especially when served warm. Their handheld form makes sharing easy for large groups. Kitchen gatherings gain a boost when baskets of homemade pretzels are set out for Oktoberfest celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels

German Kohlrabi

When including vegetables, German Kohlrabi offers a mild, nutty flavor and crisp texture that fits well beside more robust dishes. Sliced and cooked to perfection, kohlrabi serves as both a side and a conversation starter. This simple vegetable often surprises guests with its light and fresh qualities. It is a prime example of dishes that support lively Oktoberfest meals and cold beverages.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

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.

Good gatherings benefit from nourishing dishes like Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup, where beans and cabbage are simmered in flavorful broth. This soup delivers warmth and contentment to a busy kitchen. Guests return for refills, finding comfort with every spoonful. Oktoberfest parties reach new heights with the addition of hearty soup and cool drinks.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup

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.

Fans of bold flavors turn to Chef Jenn’s Beer Braised Brats with Caramelized Onions for sausage cooked until tender in malty beer. Caramelized onions lend both sweetness and depth to each bite. This combination easily anchors festive menus and pairs well with cold beer from the tap. Kitchens stay lively as everyone enjoys brats and onions during Oktoberfest.
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.

Tasty morsels like Sauerkraut Balls bring fun and curiosity to a kitchen filled with friendly chatter. Sauerkraut blends with tasty sausage, then gets coated and fried until crisp. Guests love reaching for these small bites between conversations and drinks. Oktoberfest tables benefit from simple appetizers that keep the party going.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Cabbage Roll Soup

Comfort arrives with every serving of Cabbage Roll Soup, where ground meat and rice simmer in tomato broth, echoing the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls. Each spoonful feels substantial and filling, offering a reliable dish for a busy kitchen. Guests find this soup pairs effortlessly with cool drinks served at Oktoberfest. It is often shared among friends who enjoy classic recipes with a rich history.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll 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.

When pork roasts alongside apples in Roast Pork with Apples, the result is tender slices and a gently sweet accompaniment. This one-pan dish stands out as both simple and memorable for festive gatherings. Warm, inviting aromas fill the kitchen as guests arrive. Oktoberfest meals gain an extra layer of abundance with this hearty main course.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

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.

Bringing color and comfort to the table, Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup) features earthy beets simmered until bright and smooth. Sour cream and herbs finish the soup, adding balance. Borscht is always welcomed for its unique character in busy kitchens. Cool drinks match well with this soup as Oktoberfest guests gather around.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

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.

Families appreciate Slow Cooker German Pot Roast, where beef cooks gently until flavorful and tender. Root vegetables and classic seasoning offer steady nourishment for crowds. The kitchen stays relaxed as the slow cooker does most of the work. Oktoberfest feasts feel complete with pot roast, keeping guests satisfied as they socialize.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Apple Fritter Bread

Loaves like Apple Fritter Bread add a sweet option with chunks of apple and hints of cinnamon throughout. Slices are easy to share among guests, making dessert simple after big meals. This bread fits into both informal and formal Oktoberfest tables. Everyone looks forward to enjoying a piece while sipping cold drinks with friends.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Bacon Fried Corn

Supporting main dishes, Bacon Fried Corn brings together crisp kernels and delicious bacon for instant comfort. The skillet preparation encourages everyone to join in, offering quick flavors and simple sharing. This dish stands out for both its taste and approachability. Oktoberfest parties become more engaging with bacon and corn in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Freshness packs every bite of Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill, with roasted florets finished by citrus and herb. This side fits well beside heavier dishes and gives a bright contrast for any platter. Preparation remains straightforward for any busy kitchen. Oktoberfest celebrations often showcase simple vegetables that enhance every course.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Guests quickly reach for desserts such as Yellow Plum Crumble Bars, where sweet-tart plums rest under a buttery topping. Bars are easy to cut and serve as conversations continue. Shared platters encourage return visits for extra helpings. Oktoberfest gatherings flow better with simple and inviting desserts on hand.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Oven Baked Ribs

Shared tables feel more festive with Oven Baked Ribs, whose meat cooks until juicy and ready to pull apart. Unique spices or sauces can be chosen for every occasion, matching the flavor to guests’ preferences. Ribs are always a centerpiece alongside cool drinks. Kitchens grow more lively when platters of ribs appear for Oktoberfest meals.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Slices of Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan unite earthy vegetable flavor and sharp cheese in each bite. Quick roasting supports large groups and busy kitchens. This side fits well alongside sausage and cold beverages, rounding out the meal. Oktoberfest tables become more vibrant with dishes that bring together bold flavors and easy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Dutch Apple Danishes

Pastries such as Dutch Apple Danishes fill the kitchen with enticing aromas, featuring flaky layers and spiced apple filling. These treats suit larger parties, offering variety for dessert platters. Each Danish pairs well with cool drinks and extended socializing. Oktoberfest gatherings often showcase apple desserts for simple and reliable enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Layers of flavor define Cabbage Roll Casserole, where beef, rice, and cabbage are baked together for a single hearty dish. Preparation is simple, making it an obvious choice for serving large groups. Each slice offers a familiar taste with every forkful. Oktoberfest menus benefit from casseroles that can be served easily and keep the kitchen welcoming.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Casserole

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

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

Combining classic ingredients, Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon mixes tart sauerkraut, sweet apples, and tasty bacon for a colorful side. This dish brings both visual appeal and reliable flavor to any meal. Guests appreciate how well it supports both the main course and drinks. Oktoberfest tables thrive on dishes that balance tradition and new ideas.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

German Pork Loin

Sliced and juicy, German Pork Loin is seasoned well and roasted until tender for easy plating at busy gatherings. This main course stands out with its robust flavor and simplicity. Pork loin works alongside a variety of sides and drinks, keeping meals balanced and memorable. Oktoberfest celebrations often feature pork dishes to anchor their menus.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Kale Salad with Lemon

Crisp greens in Kale Salad with Lemon offer freshness and gentle tang for any meal, creating a light side dish. Simple preparation means it fits easily into busy kitchens, supporting more substantial fare. Adding lemon boosts flavor without weighing down the table. Oktoberfest meals often include salads for balance among richer dishes and drinks.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad with Lemon