It’s Thanksgiving season in America, a holiday I did not grow up with in Germany. While turkey and mashed potatoes (usually) take center stage, why not add a German touch to your feast this year?
As a German living in Kansas City, I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving table without a few dishes from home. Whether it’s my Oma’s buttery Spätzle or tangy red cabbage, these comforting recipes blend seamlessly with traditional American favorites.
Here are 14 authentic German recipes, from savory mains to cozy sides and festive desserts, that I know will make your Thanksgiving extra special.
1. Schweinebraten mit Pilzen (Roasted Pork Loin with Mushrooms)
A tender roasted pork loin served with a creamy mushroom sauce. Schweinebraten mit Pilzen is a show-stopping alternative to turkey. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect with bread dumplings or red cabbage.
👉 Try it: Roasted Pork Loin with Mushrooms Recipe
Why it works: It’s elegant yet easy to prepare, and pairs beautifully with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.
2. Whole Roasted Chicken (Brathähnchen)
If you’re celebrating a smaller Thanksgiving or want an alternative to turkey, try my German whole roasted chicken. It’s golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with fresh herbs.
👉 Try it: Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe
Why it works: It’s classic comfort food. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfectly portioned for smaller gatherings.
3. Spätzle (German Egg Noodles)
Soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy. Spätzle are a must-have on our Thanksgiving table! You can also make Käsespätzle, Germany’s answer to mac and cheese!
👉 Try it: Homemade Spätzle Recipe or Käsespätzle Recipe
Why it works: Comforting, versatile, and beloved by all ages.
4. Semmelknödel (Bread Dumplings)
These German bread dumplings made from day-old rolls, eggs, and milk are an amazing, new alternative to stuffing!
👉 Try it: Semmelknödel Recipe
Why it works: A classic German side that pairs perfectly with turkey gravy or mushroom sauce (Jägersoße) for a vegetarian option!
5. Kartoffelklöße (Potato Dumplings)
Soft and pillowy potato dumplings make an excellent alternative to mashed potatoes.
👉 Try it: German Potato Dumplings Recipe
Why it works: Their pillowy texture and mild flavor complement any main dish and they work perfectly with gravy!
6. Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Tart)
This savory onion tart with bacon, cream, and eggs has the fluffiest crust and is a German fall favorite. And it doubles beautifully as an appetizer or side! Zwiebelkuchen is a German harvest meal, as we usually pair it with fresh fermented white wine during grape harvest season.
👉 Try it: Zwiebelkuchen Recipe
Why it works: It’s hearty, aromatic, and the perfect balance to rich Thanksgiving flavors.
7. Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage)
Sweet, tangy, and full of color, Rotkohl (German red cabbage) is slow-cooked with apples, vinegar, and spices.
👉 Try it: Red Cabbage Recipe
Why it works: Adds brightness and balance to your Thanksgiving spread.
8. Laugenbrötchen (Pretzel Buns)
These German pretzel rolls are soft, chewy, and golden brown. They make perfect dinner rolls or mini turkey (or pork!) sandwiches.
👉 Try it: Pretzel Bun Recipe
Why it works: Adds a festive, German twist to your bread basket.
9. Brezeln (Authentic German Pretzels)
Soft on the inside, golden on the outside, German pretzels are a fun addition to Thanksgiving appetizers or bread baskets.
👉 Try it: German Pretzel Recipe
Why it works: A crowd favorite that makes your holiday spread instantly more special.
10. Sourdough Rye Bread & Potato Sourdough Bread
Rustic, hearty loaves like sourdough rye or potato sourdough bread add deep flavor and texture to your table. A beautiful loaf of bread always makes an amazing edible centerpiece! Serve with some really good butter.
👉 Try it: Rye Sourdough Bread Recipe or Potato Sourdough Bread Recipe
Why it works: Serve them with butter or use slices for leftover sandwiches!
11. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
This flaky pastry is filled with apples, raisins, and cinnamon and is a timeless classic from Germany and Austria! We love serving ours with homemade vanilla sauce and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
👉 Try it: Apfelstrudel Recipe
Why it works: A cozy, European alternative to apple pie.
12. Kürbis Käsekuchen (German Pumpkin Cheesecake)
A German-style cheesecake made with Quark (or Greek yogurt) and pumpkin purée. Optionally, add some marzipan leaves on top like I did. This cake is light, creamy, and spiced just right.
👉 Try it: Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Why it works: The perfect fall dessert with a German touch.
13. Pumpkin Berliner Donuts
Filled with pumpkin butter and rolled in sugar, these Pumpkin Berliners make a cozy afternoon treat, breakfast or dessert. They're so fluffy and so good!
👉 Try it: Pumpkin Berliner Recipe
Why it works: A fun, festive sweet treat for Thanksgiving morning.
14. Martinsbrezeln (German Sugar Pretzels)
Soft, lightly sweet Martinsbrezeln are baked for St. Martin’s Day in Germany, which is a German kid-focused holiday complete with a lantern parade and large bonfire. They also make afternoon treat or breakfast treat around Thanksgiving.
👉 Try it: Martinsbrezeln Recipe
Why it works: Symbolic, festive, and great for sharing.
Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Germany?
I grew up with ‘Erntedankfest,’ which I think of as our German Thanksgiving. It’s not celebrated on a specific day, but rather through a church service and public festivals. ‘Entedankfest’ means ‘harvest thanks celebration’ and means just that - it’s celebrating the harvest at the end of the season.
Decorations often include fruits, fall flowers, seasonal vegetables and grains, as well as ‘harvest crowns.’ Where I grew up, in Germany’s wine country, wine festivals serve as a celebration of the season’s grape harvest.
Bringing Germany to Your Thanksgiving Table
Adding German dishes to Thanksgiving isn’t just about food. It's about connection, comfort, and celebrating heritage. Whether it’s a platter of Spätzle or a roast covered in mushroom sauce, these recipes switch it up and add new traditions to your holiday table!
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