Oktoberfest isn’t just beer steins and lederhosen; it’s the perfect excuse to combine old-world flavors with festive party fun. With 25 recipe ideas, anyone can throw a memorable dinner or backyard bash that mixes tradition and creativity. From street-food spins on classics to unexpected bites, this list is built for groups who like options.

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.

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Fans of classic German American desserts will enjoy Dutch Apple Pie Squares, which blend the tender sweetness of apples with a comforting crumb topping. Sharing these at a party brings nostalgic flavors in a portable format that guests can grab and enjoy with minimal fuss. Their design combines ease of serving with familiar apple pie tastes, fitting perfectly into gatherings with plenty of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

German Kohlrabi

For those exploring hearty vegetable sides, German Kohlrabi offers a mild, crisp bite that balances richer entrées often found on party tables. Its gentle flavor stands out whether served as a simple boiled dish or enhanced with a light cream sauce. Including this option in festivities introduces an affordable, classic vegetable from German kitchens to modern celebration menus.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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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.

Whether you’re hosting friends or a casual dinner, Homemade Soft Pretzels can get conversations started as people break apart these chewy snacks right from the baking tray. Their golden crusts and characteristic shape connect modern snack tables to festival roots with a tasty hit from coarse salt. Making them at home adds an interactive element, encouraging participation and fun with dips like mustards or cheese spreads.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels

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 notes, Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon presents a classic side that balances richness with brightness at any festive table. Apples lend natural sweetness, while bacon provides depth, resulting in a dish that holds its own alongside hearty meats or potatoes. This recipe has deep roots while offering an updated flavor profile for easy pairing with other modern party foods.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

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.

Bringing comfort straight to the table, Slow Cooker German Pot Roast allows party hosts to relax as beef simmers in flavorful juices. This hands-off method results in juicy, fork-tender slices ready whenever the main event calls for it. Seasonings and aromatics infuse the roast with character, drawing inspiration from traditional Sunday suppers found across Germany.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Upside-Down Apple Tart

A creative choice for dessert, Upside-Down Apple Tart provides partygoers with caramelized apples layered atop a delicate pastry. Its visual presentation adds a touch of elegance without requiring complicated techniques behind the scenes. Each slice delivers warm fruit and buttery crust, capturing the spirit of German-inspired baked goods while keeping the serving process quick and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Apple Tart

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Blending hearty flavors, Ribs and Sauerkraut make an excellent dish for gatherings craving both protein and classic European influences. Succulent ribs absorb flavor from tangy sauerkraut, delivering a fusion that feels both traditional and current as people gather and share plates. It offers something bold among lighter options, making it a memorable centerpiece for the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Oven Baked Ribs

Simple preparation highlights the best parts of Oven Baked Ribs, which provide that tasty combination of juicy meat and a crackly outside. With minimal fuss, these ribs mingle seamlessly with other German-influenced plates, adding depth to the spread. Guests often return for seconds when ribs appear on party tables, reminding everyone of timeless favorites reimagined for greater ease and efficiency.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Cabbage Roll Casserole

If traditional stuffed rolls feel too labor-intensive, Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the same beloved flavors in an easier format. Layers of seasoned beef, rice, and tender cabbage come together in a way that’s straightforward to assemble and serve, especially for large groups. Its origins draw from classic German comfort food, updated for the demands of busy get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Casserole

White Bean Salad

Light yet filling, White Bean Salad brings together vegetables, beans, and herbs in a versatile dish suitable for both sides or main. It introduces freshness and color next to heavier German-inspired meats and breads, making the party menu feel balanced. The use of beans nods to Old World kitchens while appealing to modern preferences for more substantial plant-based dishes.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

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.

Combining two staple vegetables, Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon, provides a hearty side that feels substantial without overwhelming the palate. Bacon adds smoky notes, tying together simple ingredients that shine in communal settings. This dish works well with roasted meats, sausages, or lighter salads to showcase the versatility of classic German flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

Dutch Apple Danishes

With flaky pastry and a sweet apple center, Dutch Apple Danishes often disappear fast at celebratory brunches and dessert buffets. Each bite provides the warm flavor of apples familiar from European bakeries, wrapped in a portable, inviting presentation. Sharing them among friends and family brings a sense of togetherness, as well as a nod to old-fashioned baking traditions.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

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.

Tangy and bold, Easy German Potato Salad skips mayonnaise in favor of a lively vinegar-based dressing, bringing a traditional spin to party buffets. It’s best served warm, setting it apart from other cold salads and offering a familiar, comforting texture. Including this salad honors the legacy of German cuisine while suiting the fast pace and casual tone of contemporary gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

German Pork Loin

Serving German Pork Loin ensures a main dish that combines juicy meat and aromatic seasonings, ideal for impressing party guests. Its preparation is simple but packed with flavor, often using a blend of herbs and mustards. Place this centerpiece among sausages, salads, and potato sides to create a buffet that honors both heritage and today’s diverse tastes.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

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 on the table and in flavor, Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon brings together sharpness and richness in a single dish. Red cabbage softens and mellows during cooking, taking on a pleasing balance from apple cider vinegar and smoky bacon pieces. Party planners frequently turn to this side when aiming for a vibrant addition that complements meat-forward plates and fresh salads.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

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.

Crisp on the outside and bursting with flavor, Sauerkraut Balls pack traditional German flavors into convenient, bite-sized portions. These crowd-friendly snacks combine tangy sauerkraut, delicious meats, and seasonings for a memorable finger food option. Fried to golden perfection, they often find themselves at the center of appetizer platters during lively parties and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

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.

Each batch of Irresistible German Chocolate Cupcakes is sure to add a sweet finale to the party, delivering classic cocoa flavor with a creamy coconut-pecan topping. Their origins trace back to beloved cake recipes, now scaled down for easy sharing and individual enjoyment. With their decadent layers, these cupcakes pay tribute to tradition while appealing to fans of modern, easy-to-handle treats.
Get the Recipe: Irresistible German Chocolate Cupcakes

Bacon Fried Corn

By pan-frying kernels with smoky bacon, Bacon Fried Corn offers a side dish that fits perfectly with rustic party themes inspired by European flavors. Sweet corn’s freshness shines through, accented by crispy bits of bacon for a salty contrast. This recipe embraces simplicity while creating a memorable experience for guests seeking bold yet familiar pairings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

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.

Always expected at a gathering inspired by German traditions, Classic German Beer Braised Brats combine juicy sausages with the unmistakable taste of beer-infused broth. Cooking the brats in malty liquid softens their texture and infuses every bite with depth. Once served, they become a lively companion to freshly baked rolls, sour mustard, or pickled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Classic German Beer Braised Brats

Roast Pork with Apples

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

Blending sweet and tangy notes, Roast Pork with Apples presents an elegant main dish that celebrates both heritage and innovation on one plate. Lean pork joins with seasonal apples that soften and infuse the roast during slow cooking. Such combinations have long been favored in German kitchens for their harmonious flavors and universal appeal.
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.

Vivid in both color and flavor, Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup) brings a Slavic touch to party tables while connecting to German meal influences. The soup features beets simmered with root vegetables, adding richness and earthiness to every spoonful. Topping it with a dollop of cream and fresh herbs enhances both taste and presentation for guests.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Borscht (Beet Soup)

German Yellow Beans

Mild yet flavorful, German Yellow Beans offer an ideal side for those who appreciate lighter, vegetable-forward recipes in a party lineup. These beans are typically blanched and tossed with simple seasonings, allowing their natural taste to stand out. Adding them to the spread brings balance to heavier dishes and supports healthier menu choices without losing tradition.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Cabbage Roll Soup

Bringing together all the ingredients of stuffed cabbage, Cabbage Roll Soup makes for a hearty, approachable dish well-suited for gatherings. It simmers ground meat, rice, and tender cabbage in a flavorful tomato base for a filling and flavorful meal. Simple ladling keeps meal service efficient, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

For a bright and fresh option, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill delivers simple elegance through tender florets accented with herbs and citrus. This dish shines as an accompaniment to heartier mains, offering a contrast that refreshes party palates. Both lemon and dill contribute gentle flavors often found in German cuisine, making it a natural fit for celebratory spreads.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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

Inviting guests to experience robust flavor, Authentic Hungarian Goulash combines tender beef, potatoes, and paprika in a stew beloved across central Europe. Its deep, spiced broth infuses warmth and complexity into every spoonful, honoring longstanding family traditions. Typically served as a main or shared first course, goulash earns its place at any event focused on classic and modern party food.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash