Germany’s influence can be felt in many restaurants around the world. From Bavarian pretzels to its signature sausages and bread, German cuisine is well-loved and sought after. In fact, Germany is one of the top 5 countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants, only behind Italy, France, and Japan.
This article will cover some of the best German breakfast side dishes to taste authentic German cuisine.
Contents
17 Traditional German Breakfast Foods
1. Bread (Brot)
While this may seem like an obvious choice, German citizens love their bread. Bread is as much a breakfast food staple as bacon is with Americans.
A typical German breakfast will include dark slices of bread, like rye, wheat, or multigrain bread. Accompany some slices with butter, cheeses, jam, or honey for an authentic side.
2. Bread Rolls (Brötchen)
Bread rolls are often sold at breakfast at bakeries for people on the go. They come in rye, wholemeal, or seed-based rolls like flaxseed.
These rolls are perfect with some jam or sliced deli meats, as it’s relatively common for Germans to top their rolls with salami, ham, or other salted meats.
3. Raw Minced Pork Sandwich (Mettbrötchen)
For true lovers of German breakfast dishes, try a Mettbrötchen. This dish consists of raw minced pork on top of a bread roll with raw onions and seasoning.
The strong taste may not be for everyone, but this dish is a hearty dish loved by Germans for its full flavor. For a simple recipe, check the link below:
https://www.marions-kochbuch.com/recipe/3150.htm
4. Raw Granola with Fruits (Bircher Muesli)
If you’ve ever eaten granola, you’ll be familiar with bircher muesli. Bircher muesli is similar to granola and is eaten with fresh fruits.
The only difference is the granola is unbaked and thus has no processed sugars or artificial ingredients. For those looking for a healthy breakfast side dish, bircher muesli is a great choice.
5. White Sausage (Weißwurst)
Germans love their meats and consume many variations of sausages for breakfast. Weißwurst is a white sausage made up of minced veal and pork, parsley, onion, cardamom, ginger, and lemon.
Weißwurst comes from the Bavarian area of Germany and is often eaten with bread and coffee for a complete, hearty breakfast.
6. German Apple Custard Cake (Apfelkuchen)
Germany is known for its amazing pastries and desserts. While Apple Custard Cake is usually a dessert, it can also be served at breakfast with some hot coffee.
This delicious cake is made from apples, nutmeg, and cinnamon. For a savory breakfast dish, check the link below for the recipe:
https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/apfelkuchen-german-apple-cake/
7. Farmer’s Breakfast (Bauernfrühstück)
Many countries have typical dishes eaten by farmers, and Germany is no different. This dish is similar to a French Omelette or Spanish Tortilla.
German Bauernfrühstück is made up of potatoes, eggs, meats, and mixed vegetables. For a long day on the field or in the office, this dish will prepare you for anything.
8. German Potato Omelet
The potato omelet is similar to the German Bauernfrühstück but with fewer ingredients. This dish is a simple but delicious dish that tastes like a slice of Germany on your plate.
The main ingredient is potatoes and vegetables, so this dish may be best for those restricting meat from their diets.
9. German Waffles
These German waffles are not as large as American waffles, making them a healthier choice for people who don’t want a heavy breakfast.
German waffles are usually topped with honey, jams, or powdered sugar.
10. Speckpfannkuchen
Don’t let the name scare you. Speckpfannkuchen literally means “pancakes with bacon.” This dish is usually served as an appetizer or as a hearty breakfast dish.
Speckpfannkuchen is made with bacon on top or inside the pancakes. For a simple recipe, check the link below:
https://www.bigoven.com/recipe/speckpfannkuchen/62415
11.Eierkuchen
This dish is a variation of a German pancake made with eggs, flour, milk, butter, baking powder, and sugar.
Eierkuchen is usually much thinner than standard pancakes and is often rolled up for dipping in jellies.
12.Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
Each region of Germany has its interpretation Potato pancakes are essentially potatoes grated and mixed with eggs, flour, and onions, fried until crispy.
Potato Pancakes are a delicious spin on the classic pancake that is sure to give you a taste of authentic German cuisine. Check out a quick recipe in the link below:
https://www.daringgourmet.com/traditional-kartoffelpuffer-reibekuchen-german-potato-pancakes/
13. Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are practical yet straightforward side dishes for any breakfast dish.
German cuisine incorporates boiled eggs into their breakfast in many ways, but this is the most common.
14. German Eggs in Mustard Sauce (Senfeier)
Senfeier is a typical German dish made from boiled eggs and a creamy mustard sauce. The sauce is usually made of mustard, butter, white wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
This dish is a simple way to spruce up your boiled eggs and pairs well with pancakes or bread rolls.
15. Sticky German Cinnamon Buns (Schnecken)
Schnecken is the German word for snails but is used to describe these cinnamon buns due to their shape. Schnecken are sweetbread rolls topped with cinnamon and sugar.
Schnecken pairs very well with coffee or tea and heavier dishes or are great on their own.
16. German Semolina Pudding (Grießbrei)
In Germany, semolina pudding is often eaten for dessert, but some restaurants serve them as a breakfast side dish.
Grießbrei is made with semolina, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and is often thicker than other puddings.
17. Dark Hot Chocolate (Zartbitter Heisse Schokolade)
Nothing pairs well with any breakfast food item quite like hot chocolate, and Germany has its own rich, dark hot chocolate.
Zartbitter Heisse Schokolade is richer than traditional hot chocolate due to using dark cocoa powder, giving it a bold, richer taste that pairs well with any meal.
Wrap Up
Now that you have a wide array of German breakfast foods try out some combinations and let us know which are your favorite. If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comment section.
17 Traditional German Breakfast Foods
Ingredients
- Bread (Brot)
- Bread Rolls (Brötchen)
- Raw Minced Pork Sandwich (Mettbrötchen)
- Raw Granola with Fruits (Bircher Muesli)
- White Sausage (Weißwurst)
- German Apple Custard Cake (Apfelkuchen)
- Farmer’s Breakfast (Bauernfrühstück)
- German Potato Omelet
- German Waffles
- Speckpfannkuchen
- Eierkuchen
- Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
- Boiled Eggs
- German Eggs in Mustard Sauce (Senfeier)
- Sticky German Cinnamon Buns (Schnecken)
- German Semolina Pudding (Grießbrei)
- Dark Hot Chocolate (Zartbitter Heisse Schokolade)
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prepare and enjoy in 30 minutes or less!