Easy Traditional German Potluck Recipes or Party Food Ideas (2024)

Do you need some inspiration for what to bring to a German-themed potluck? I have collected all my favorite traditional German party food, so there should be something for everybody: whether you are looking for hot, or cold German potluck dishes; sweet or savory (maybe you prefer to bring something without having to cook); beginner or expert - I have you covered.

German-inspired Potluck Ideas

Are you invited to a German-themed dinner party where everybody brings a dish? Or do you need to bring a German food dish to a party to represent your heritage?

Is there are special theme to your dinner? Like an Oktoberfest potluck or a German Christmas dinner spread? Jump straight to the section you are interested in.

Salads

1. German Potato Salad

An authentic German potato salad is ideal for potluck menus and Oktoberfest celebrations. It is easy to prepare ahead and does not need to be served warm. This potato salad is also great for sharing.

You just have to decide which of the various German potato Salad recipes to pick from. Do you prefer a mayo-free salad such as the Swabian Potato Salad? Or would you like to go with the variation from Northern Germany? This salad is traditionally served with mayo and eggs. Take your pick.

2. Carrot and Apple Salad

This German carrot salad is always a winner. Fresh crunchy carrots with sweet crispy apples. Also, I find it is very popular with children. An easy recipe to make when you are short on time, and even better if you have a food processor to help you with the shredding.

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3. German Coleslaw (Krautsalat)

Krautsalat is always a crowd-pleaser. This German cabbage salad would be really good to bring to an Oktoberfest gathering, as it tastes great with grilled meat. It is very different from American or British coleslaw so this could be a talking point. It is also really easy to make.

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4. German Pasta Salad with Sausages

This potluck party German pasta salad is sure to be a hit at all your gatherings. Made with pantries staples such as mayonnaise, canned peas, carrots, and of course the all-important German sausages.

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5. German Cucumber Salad

Gurkensalat, as we call cucumber salad in Germany, is a refreshing side dish that everybody loves, all year round. Thinly sliced cucumbers with onion and either sour cream or a vinegar and oil dressing. This is an easy recipe that is sure to be a winner at your buffet table.

Soups Potluck Ideas

Soups are always welcome at a Buffet because they are super easy to scale up to feed a crowd. Do remember though that they need to be served warm. If you bring your own crockpot (affiliate link) / slow cooker (affiliate link) then this is a challenge you can overcome easily.

In Germany, when we have our Glühwein party outside at Christmas time, it is common to serve German goulash soup or German potato soup as a vegetarian alternative.

6. German Goulash Soup

This slow-cooked beef stew is sure to be a popular dish at your next potluck. Tender beef, with vegetables cooked in a paprika broth. An import from Hungary, this German goulash soup is perfect to feed a hungry crowd.

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7. Kartoffelsuppe (German Potato Soup)

German potato soup is a great cheap dish you can bring to a potluck. Simple ingredients such as potatoes, leeks, carrots, onions, and parsley make this dish shine. Why not serve some German sausages such as Frankfurters on the side, so you can please both meat eaters and vegetarians alike?

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8. Linsensuppe (Lentil Soup)

Linsensuppe (German for lentil soup) is another inexpensive meal that is wholesome and nourishing. The soup has a lovely sweet and sour flavor. Again serve the sausages on the side to cater both for meat eaters and vegetarians.

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Side Dishes

Here are a few popular side dishes that you can bring to a German potluck.

9. Bread Dumplings (Semmelknödel)

These Bavarian Bread Dumplings are a very traditional Bavarian dish and a great choice for a potluck. Made with stale stale bread they are super tasty but may be a little challenging for beginners to make.

Try these Serviettenknödel instead if you are unsure and are making them for the first time. It is more or less the same recipe, but it is easier to achieve the texture as they are wrapped in cloth when baked.

10. Potato Dumplings

Another kind of German dumpling - this classic German potato dumpling recipe is easier to make than you think. A staple side dish for many German main courses.

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11. Red Cabbage and Apple

This German red cabbage is a family favorite and will be popular, especially during the holiday season. The German way to prepare red cabbage is to braise it, with tart apples and a dash of red wine vinegar. The result is a sweet and sour taste sensation.

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12. German Sauces

A sauce can make or break a dish. Bring one of these to your potluck and your sauce may be the best part of the spread! Here are some favorites:

Main Courses

13. Schnitzel

Schnitzel is one of the first dishes that springs to mind when you think of German cooking. Tenderized meat coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden brown perfection. You can make your cuts of meat a bit smaller so they are snack-size.

There are favorite different meats you can use. From veal for the authentic Wiener Schnitzel, to pork chops for Pork Schnitzel, or turkey for Putenschnitzel.

You can also fill the schnitzel with cheese and ham for an authentic Cordon Bleu Schnitzel. Take your pick.

14. Curry Wurst

For those of you who fancy bringing some Brats to your gathering, why not serve them with some authentic curry ketchup? This is one of Germany's favorite street foods and is super quick and easy to make. A little taste of home wherever you are.

This is perfect for any sausage party. Just slice the sausage up into bite-sized bits and serve them with a toothpick as an easy appetizer.

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15. German Meatballs (Frikadellen)

Frikadellen are another buffet favorite because they are so easy to pick up. You can also serve them hot or cold - with either some mustard (affiliate link), rahm sauce, or some quark dip.

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German Snack Food - Easy for sharing

16. Soft Pretzels with Cheese Dip

Make this traditional German cheese dip that is perfect for pretzels. It is called Obatzda and is one best known Oktoberfest recipes. Whether you make the German pretzels from scratch or buy them, just make the cheese spread to go with them as it is sure to go down a treat. It is also great Finger Food!

17. Flammkuchen

Flammkuchen is German's answer to pizza. It is a crispy flatbread, topped with sour cream and sprinkled with bacon and onion. The ultimate party food that is easy to share and great for gatherings. You can serve it in slices and it is great finger food.

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18. Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Pie)

This dish might look similar to Flammkuchen, but it is creamier and deeper (like a pie). This would be a great dish to make a tray of, and bring along to share with the whole family and guests.

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19. Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

This German classic is a great way to make yourself popular at a party! Grated potatoes fried to perfection and served with apple sauce. German comfort food at its best. If you really want to impress you can make the German apple sauce (called Apfelmus) to go with your German Potato Pancakes.

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German Cakes and Desserts

20. German Apple Cakes

This is a delicious recipe that is easy to make. German apple cake. There are probably a million different apple cake recipes around in Germany- here I have two for you to choose from. The first is an Apple Streusel cake, which is a simple apple sponge cake topped with streusel.

You can also try this Gedeckter Apfelkuchen - which is the German equivalent of Apple pie. Take your pick

21. German Cheese Cake

German cheese cake (Käsekuchen) is different from American cheesecake as it is a lot lighter. It is made with Quark (which ay be difficult to find) but you can also use substitutes. Who does not love a cheesecake?

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22. Butterkuchen ( German Butter Cake)

This Butterkuchen is a simple yeast cake, which is topped with butter and sprinkled with sugar before being baked. A good cake for a German buffet, as it's dry and you can eat it without needing a fork, a great cake for a finger food buffet.

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23. Streuselkuchen (German Crumb Cake)

Everybody loves a crumble, but have you tried a German Streusel cake? A yeast cake, topped with streusel. German comfort food at its best. Because it is a sheet cake, it is easy to portion. #

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24. German Chocolate Nut Cake (Schokonusskuchen)

This cake combines two popular ingredients: chocolate and hazelnut. A simple sponge cake packed with flavor. Also a great recipe to make in advance.

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25. Gingerbreadcake (Gewürzkuchen)

If the season allows, why not make this delicious German gingerbread cake. All the spices of a Lebkuchen, packed in a simple sponge cake. You can use my Lebkuchen Spice mix for an authentic flavor.

Desserts

26. Rote Grütze (German Red Berry Dessert)

This is probably one of the easiest desserts to bring to a German-inspired potluck. Rote Grütze is a simple red berry dessert that can be prepared ahead of time. You can use frozen fruits, and it takes less than 20 minutes to make!

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27. Apfelstrudel

Who does not like Apfelstrudel? It will be a hit in any gathering. This recipe is especially easy as the apple strudel is made with puff pastry. Serve it with whipped cream or German vanilla Sauce.

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28. Apfelküchle (German Apple Fritters)

These sweet fried German apple fritters will be a really nice treat. Who does not love battered desserts? Serve them with some German vanilla sauce or simply sprinkle them with sugar.

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29. Berliner (German Donuts)

These Berliner Donuts are the ultimate party food. We eat them during Mardi Gras and New Year's Eve. You will be very popular if you bring them to a potluck.

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30. Nussecken (German Nut Corners)

These German nut bars are easier to make than you think. These nut corners are a delicious combination of three layers - a buttery shortcrust pastry, apricot jam and a crunchy nut topping. Dipped into chocolate these dessert bars make a real treat for any nut lover.

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