There’s something heartwarming about the sizzling sound of patties cooking in a skillet, and when that aroma wafts through the kitchen, you know something special is about to happen. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Authentic German Frikadellen, those delightful meat patties that encapsulate the comfort of home-cooked meals and the essence of German culinary tradition.

Picture this: tender beef and juicy pork minced to perfection, combined with aromatic onions and a hint of mustard, all lovingly shaped into golden-brown patties. Whether served alongside traditional sides like potato salad and sauerkraut or enjoyed as a tasty snack, these frikadellen are undoubtedly versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Even better? I’ve included options for gluten-free and vegetarian variations, ensuring that everyone at your table can savor this hearty dish. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s whip up a batch of these cherished German gems that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why choose Authentic German Frikadellen?

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.

Rich, Hearty Flavor: The combination of beef and pork creates a savory taste that truly satisfies your cravings.

Versatile Meal Options: Serve them as a main dish with sides or enjoy them cold in a sandwich; the possibilities are endless!

Customizable for Everyone: With gluten-free and vegetarian adaptations available, there’s a delicious option for every guest.

Time-Saving Eats: Quick to prepare and easy to store, these frikadellen make for excellent meal prep or leftovers.

Cultural Connection: Experience a taste of Germany in your own home, bringing a slice of tradition to your dining table. Don’t miss out on exploring more handy tips in this post about making hearty German dishes!

Authentic German Frikadellen Ingredients

For the Patties

Ground Beef – A primary protein source providing rich flavor; consider ground chicken for a lighter option.
Ground Pork – Complements beef and adds juiciness; substitute with ground lamb for a unique twist.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can deliver a milder taste.
Garlic – Enhances overall flavor; adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Stale Bread – Provides moisture and texture when soaked in milk; gluten-free bread is a suitable alternative.
Egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together; it’s essential, so no substitute is recommended.
Mustard – Adds a tangy flavor; opt for German mustard for the most authentic experience.
Black Pepper – Provides a touch of heat; feel free to adjust to suit your taste.
Salt – Enhances flavors; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Parsley – Adds a fresh touch and color; chives can be a delightful alternative if desired.
Paprika – Provides mild spice and vibrant color; smoked paprika will deepen the flavor.
Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying; olive oil or butter can be great substitutes.

These classic ingredients will bring your Authentic German Frikadellen to life, ensuring a comforting and delicious meal that is sure to impress!

How to Make Authentic German Frikadellen

Combine Ground Beef and Pork: In a large bowl, mix together 500g of ground beef and 500g of ground pork until well blended. This combination provides a flavorful base for your frikadellen.
Add Onion and Garlic: Incorporate 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the meat mixture. These aromatics will elevate the flavor profile, adding sweetness and depth.
Mix in Stale Bread: Take 200g of stale bread, soak it in milk to soften, then drain excess liquid before adding to the bowl. This will provide the perfect moisture and texture to your patties.
Incorporate Eggs and Seasonings: Add 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of mustard, a good pinch of salt, and pepper to taste, along with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon of paprika. Gently mix until everything is just combined to keep the texture tender.
Shape Patties: Form the mixture into 8-10 patties, each about 1 inch thick and 3-4 inches wide. Ensuring they’re evenly shaped helps them cook uniformly.
Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering. This ensures a nice golden crust on your patties.
Fry Patties: Carefully add the patties to the skillet, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F).
Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. This step keeps them from being greasy and helps maintain that crispy texture.

Optional: Serve with mustard and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Authentic German Frikadellen

Fridge: Store cooked frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze frikadellen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring the crispy texture is preserved.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen Authentic German Frikadellen in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Make Ahead Options

These Authentic German Frikadellen are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated to maintain freshness. Simply combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread, onions, garlic, egg, mustard, and spices as described, then shape into patties and cover tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just heat your skillet and fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring you achieve that golden-brown crust. This approach not only saves you time on busy weeknights, but the frikadellen will taste just as delicious as when made fresh!

What to Serve with Authentic German Frikadellen?

Creating a memorable meal means pairing your frikadellen with delicious, complementary sides that elevate the entire dining experience.

German Potato Salad: This warm, tangy salad made with vinegar and herbs perfectly balances the richness of the frikadellen, adding a refreshing touch.
Sauerkraut: The tartness of sauerkraut contrasts delightfully with the savory patties, offering a bite that brightens each forkful.
Fresh Rolls: Soft, crusty rolls serve as a wonderful vehicle for enjoying frikadellen, ideal for making mini sandwiches with mustard.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or carrots provide a crisp, fresh element that balances the hearty nature of the dish.
Creamy Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw adds crunch and a creamy texture, complementing the juicy frikadellen while enhancing the flavor profile.
Herbed Quinoa: A nutty quinoa salad infused with herbs brings a nutritious and wholesome balance to your meal, adding texture and flavor.

Serving these delightful companions alongside your Authentic German Frikadellen completes the culinary experience, making every bite a delight!

Authentic German Frikadellen Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and bring your personal flair to these delightful patties!

Gluten-Free: Substitute stale bread with gluten-free bread or oats for a safe, delicious option.
Vegetarian: Use mashed lentils, chickpeas, or black beans mixed with sautéed onions and garlic for a hearty, plant-based version.
Cheesy Twist: Incorporate shredded cheese like gouda or cheddar inside the patties before frying for a delightful surprise.
Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to bring a beautiful heat to your frikadellen.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or dill instead of parsley for a refreshing twist.
Smoky Flavor: Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika to intensify the flavor profile of the patties.
Lentil Delight: Combine lentils and finely chopped vegetables for a savory vegetarian option that packs in amazing flavor.
Nutmeg Flavor: Introducing a pinch of nutmeg to the mix can elevate the warmth of these patties, providing a cozy, home-cooked feel.

Tips for the Best Authentic German Frikadellen

Mix Gently: Avoid over-mixing the meat mixture; this prevents tough patties and keeps the texture tender and juicy.
Use Stale Bread: Ensure your bread is stale for the ideal texture. Fresh bread can lead to soggy patties that’ll fall apart while cooking.
Patty Resting Time: Let the patties rest for about 15 minutes after shaping. This resting period helps them hold their shape during frying.
Temperature Check: Always verify that your patties reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) for safety and optimal texture.
Cooking Oil Choice: For frying your Authentic German Frikadellen, don’t skimp on the oil; it ensures a perfectly golden-brown exterior that’s hard to resist!
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or herbs like chives for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe FAQs

What ingredients should I choose for best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best flavors in your Authentic German Frikadellen, select quality ground beef and pork—look for a good fat-to-lean ratio (around 80/20). Fresh spices and herbs can make a significant difference, too! Ensure your onions are firm without any dark spots, and use stale bread for a better texture; fresh bread may make the patties soggy.

How should I store leftover frikadellen?
Very! To store cooked frikadellen, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay good for about 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them. To freeze, place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer!

Can I freeze authentic frikadellen? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Authentic German Frikadellen, first allow them to cool completely after cooking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them within 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them up in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

What if my frikadellen are falling apart while cooking?
Oh no, we certainly don’t want that! If your patties are falling apart, it could be due to either not adding enough binder (the egg) or overly moist bread. Make sure to drain excess milk from your soaked bread before mixing. Adding a little more beaten egg, if needed, can also help bind everything together.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of Authentic German Frikadellen, simply use gluten-free bread or oats in place of the regular stale bread. Just ensure that all other ingredients, especially the mustard, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these hearty patties without missing out on flavor!

Can my pets eat frikadellen?
Great question! While the basic ingredients of frikadellen are safe for dogs in moderation, always be cautious. Onion and garlic are toxic to pets, so I advise keeping any left-over frikadellen well away from your furry friends and feeding them only pet-safe foods.