The weather is getting chillier, harvest baskets are filling up with the best flavours of the season, and the traditional German celebration of Oktoberfest is happening around the world! You may be asking yourself, “Was essen wir zum Oktoberfest?” (or “What are we eating for Oktoberfest?” if you don’t speak German).
Although setting off for Munich isn’t in the cards this year, there’s no reason you can’t join in on the festivities from the comfort of your home. Time to bust out a few of your favourite seasonal recipes, put on a traditional playlist, and pour yourself a cold one (fruchtsaft or mineralwasser works too)!
Here are a few of our favourite Oktoberfest recipes to inspire your own festive feast with the family.
But First: A Little History
The very first edition of this cultural event took place on October 12, 1810 at the Wies’n (the fields in front of the city gates) to celebrate the royal wedding of future-King Ludwig I. That’s right, this October feast has been delighting Bavarians and beyond for over 200 years!
As time went on, the festivities grew into the carnival-style event we know and love today. Traditionally packed with food and beer tents, carnival rides and games, traditional music, and other fun-filled activities, Oktoberfest is a world-renowned event designed for people to eat, drink, and be merry.
Primarily known for its hundreds of beers available to taste, the festival also features the best finger foods of the season: sausage, pretzels, roast chicken, potatoes, sauerkraut, and more. Here are a few Oktoberfest recipes inspired by these German specialties!
Extra Old Cheddar Pork Burgers on Pretzel Buns
Did you know that both the pretzel and the hamburger originated in Germany? Putting them together just makes sense! This delicious recipe featuring juicy pork patties, extra old cheddar, and golden pretzel buns is a perfect easy meal for an Oktoberfest spread any day of the week. Serve with roast potatoes or your favourite side.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Portions: 2
Ingredients:
• 285g Ground pork • 2 Leaves of lettuce • 60ml Mayonnaise • Extra old cheddar cheese • Apple cider vinegar • 15ml Honey mustard • 2 Pretzel buns • Olive oil • 1 Scallion • 8g BBQ on Bourbon Street spice blend
Mise en placeIf using the BBQ, heat it on high, making sure to oil the grill first. Cut off and discard the root end of the scallion; thinly slice, separating the white bottom and green tops. In a medium bowl, make the creamy honey-mustard sauce by combining the mayonnaise, honey mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar; season with S&P to taste.
Prepare & cook the burger patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and white bottom of the scallion; season with the spice blend and S&P. Gently mix to combine and divide into 2 patties of equal size. Add the patties* to the BBQ (or to a large grill pan on medium-high, drizzled with oil) and cook, 5 to 7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Top the patties with extra old cheddar; continue to cook, 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Transfer to a plate and set aside (wipe out and reserve the grill pan, if using).
*Health Canada recommends cooking ground pork to a minimum internal temperature of 71°C
Toast the buns
Add the buns to the BBQ, cut-sides down (or to the reserved grill pan on medium-high, lightly drizzled with oil). Toast, 1 to 2 minutes, until warmed through and beginning to brown.
Assemble the burgers and serve
Transfer the buns to plates. Top each bun bottom with a spoonful of the sauce, a cooked patty, one of the reserved lettuce leaves and a bun top. Serve with your favourite side. Garnish with the green tops of the scallion. Bon appétit!
Oktoberfest Käseplatte (Cheese Platter)
Perfect for snacking, as an appetizer, or an easy lunch, an Oktoberfest käseplatte (“cheese platter” in German) is the ultimate customizable savoury treat. Add whichever cheeses you like alongside breads, sausages, and dips.
Ingredients (your choice):
• Extra Old Cheddar Cheese • Olive Oil & Herb Focaccia • Double Crème Brie • Parisian Baguettine • Louis d’Or Firm Cheese • Olive Party Mix • Halloumi Grilling Cheese • Protein Boost Trail Mix • Green Peppercorn Mustard • Sauerkraut • Roasted Garlic & Sweet Pepper Spice Blend • Grapes • Smoked Meat & Halloumi Cheese Pork Sausages • Parmesan Cheese & Black Pepper Pork Sausages • Dijon Mustard • Tomato & Pepperoni Lasagna Pork Sausages
Grill the sausagesIf using the BBQ, heat it on high, making sure to oil the grill first. If using a pan, drizzle with oil. Add the sausages, sprinkling with the spice blend. Grill on both sides, cooking-through to a minimum internal temperature of 71°C. Remove sausages and add the halloumi cheese to the grill or pan and cook for 2 minutes per side.
Prepare the bread & cheese
While the sausages cook, slice and toast your bread (if desired), slice cheeses, prepare the sauerkraut, and portion the dips.
Finish & serve
Slice finished sausages. Prepare your platter or lunch container, adding the sausages, bread, mustards of your choice, olives, snack mix, sauerkraut, and grapes. Bon appétit!
Oktoberfest-inspired Chicken Schnitzel
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Schnitzel, a thin, breaded slice of fried meat, originated in Austria and was popularized by Jewish immigrants in the early 19th century. This deliciously crispy dish is now a staple in Germany and a must-have at any Oktoberfest celebration. Like the locals, there’s no doubt you’ll be saying, “Es war lecker!” (“That’s delicious!”)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Portions: 2
Ingredients:
• Chicken fillets • 120ml Mayonnaise • 152g Panko • Olive oil • Zingy Garlic & Oregano spice blend
Prepare the chickenPat the chicken fillets dry with paper towel. In a medium bowl, season the panko with a few shakes of the spice blend. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise and 2 tbsp of water; season with S&P. Working one strip at a time, thoroughly coat the chicken in the mayonnaise mixture (letting the excess drip off), then in the panko (pressing to adhere). Place the breaded chicken on a plate as you go.
Cook the chicken
In a large high-sided pan (nonstick if possible), heat a layer of oil on medium-high. Add the breaded chicken* to the pan. Cook, 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through; add more oil as needed to keep a thin layer at the bottom of the pan. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with S&P.
*Health Canada recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C.
Finish & serve
Divide the schnitzel between your plates and serve with your favourite sides (salad, green beans, roasted potatoes, etc.). Bon appétit!
A Taste of Oktoberfest at Home
Whether you have German roots or just love trying out tasty new foods, celebrate all the flavours of the fair with delicious Oktoberfest-inspired recipes designed to turn mealtime into a festive feast. No plane ticket necessary!
Check out your selection page for even more festive recipes and products to bring flavours from around the world directly to your table.
Image Credits
Feature Image, Image 1-2, 4: via Goodfood
Image 3: via Unsplash & Goodfood