7 Easy Oktoberfest Food Ideas

Some people associate the month of October with Halloween, harvest, and pumpkin spice lattes. Others know that the month is really about — brats, sauerkraut, a cold beer, and the chicken dance. That’s right, it is time for Oktoberfest. 

Although you can always travel to Munich to immerse yourself in the festivities, you don’t have to. You can transform your own kitchen (or outdoor kitchen suite) into a Biergarten without having to pack a suitcase. 

So, dust off the accordion, as well as your dirndl or lederhosen, and start cooking some of these 7 easy Oktoberfest food ideas that will give you all the feels of this German tradition. Oh, and whatever you do, do not forget the German lager!

1. Beer Cheese Dip and Bavarian Soft Pretzels

Before going straight into the main course or if you are just looking for something to soak up all the beer, why not dive into some beer cheese dip using some soft pretzels? This dip is warm and perfectly gooey. It comes together in minutes. The longest part is waiting for all the cheese to melt. 

Besides a load of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese and, of course, beer, you are going to fill this dip with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and more.  

Use this recipe for authentic soft German pretzels for dipping, Slight crunch on the outside and soft dough on the inside, they are lightly salted and 1000% tasty. Easy ingredients, simple recipe, delightful outcome. 

2. Cabbage Stew with Kielbasa

October is the perfect time of year for a warm stew that is as incredible as it is filling. This dish is hearty and warming and is the ideal soup or stew to be eaten as an opener for the main course or to be the meal all on its own. The best part is that if you make a big enough batch, you can have the Oktoberfest all month long.  

So, what’s in a German cabbage stew— besides the kielbasa? Onion, garlic, green cabbage, potatoes, apples, chicken broth, seasonings, and beer because why not? Everyone will enjoy this combination.  

3. Jägerschnitzel (Fried Pork)

Believe it or not, Jägerschnitzel simply fried pork cutlets, steaks, or chips with a brown mushroom gravy. Sounds a bit like the answer to your hunger pangs doesn’t it? This is a must-have at your Oktoberfest dinner. 

It is breaded in egg and flour with a few simple seasonings and fried so that it is crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. For many, it is the true definition of comfort food. 

4. German Potato Salad

German potato salad is similar to traditional American potato salad since they both have potatoes. Other than that, there are a lot of differences. You can find this side dish served alongside all types of main courses or just as a dish by itself. And it can always be found at Oktoberfest. 

Well, what’s in it? What makes it so different? For starters, it is traditionally served warm or at least at room temperature. Aside from that, it has ingredients like onion, bacon, mustard, vinegar, and beef stock that keep it creamy but not dry. 

There is a method to get the right consistency so be sure to follow the recipe closely. Try serving it with your Jägerschnitzel.

5. Vegan Sheet Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Just because someone chooses not to eat meat does not mean they should have to be left out of the Oktoberfest celebrations. With this easy one-pan dinner, any vegan or vegetarian can feel like part of the group while chowing down on something delicious. This dish has nothing but love for the animals. 

Combine cabbage, potatoes, brussel sprouts as well as any preferred vegan kielbasa-style sausage, such as the one by Beyond Sausage, and place it in the oven. This dish is enhanced with flavors of caraway seeds, smoked paprika, and cider vinegar. Serve with a side of sauerkraut and mustard for dipping. 

This is sure to be a hit for meat lovers, too. 

6. Lemon-Thyme Roast Chicken

This is an easy roast chicken with a ton of flavor. Juicy inside, crispy skin, and flavors of lemon and thyme. You want to butter the skin with butter that has been blended with the lemon juice and thyme. Place a lemon on the inside before placing it into the oven for roasting. 

Let it rest for a few minutes before carving and drizzling with the drippings. 

This would be an even easier recipe if you have a THOR Kitchen outdoor grill with rotisserie. (hint, hint)

7. Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)

Some people refer to them as latkes, others pancakes, or kartoffelpuffer, and other names used in Germany. Either way, potato pancakes are a staple at Oktoberfest. You can eat them with apple sauce or powdered sugar on top for a sweet twist or as a savory side along with meat as part of a meal. 

Potato pancakes are made with shredded potatoes, grated onion, egg, bacon, or any various types of ingredients. They are fried so that they are crispy on the outside and crunchy on the inside. 

There are so many different versions of potato pancakes available that you can choose from and decide what you’d like to have with it. Just don’t forget to include them on your menu.

Get Ready for Oktoberfest with THOR Kitchen

Celebrating Oktoberfest at home means that you need a kitchen with the right appliances so that you can recreate some of these amazing authentic German dishes. Nobody can #cooklikeagod on anything other than the timeless stainless steel powerhouses you find from THOR Kitchen. 

Elevate your Oktoberfest celebration by taking the festivities outdoors. With an outdoor kitchen suite, you will be able to cook everything outside in your backyard oasis. Let that music flow as you dance, sing, drink, and have a great time. 

No need to travel — you have everything you need right here with these easy Oktoberfest food ideas. Genießen!