Top 25 Best German Appetizers

Try one or two of these German Appetizers. They just may become one of the best parts of your next meal!

It awakens your cravings and makes your palate persuaded to eat more.

German cuisine has a wide variety of flavors, and the same could be said about their appetizers.  

There’s a lot to choose from, and they are all divine!  

Plus, they are also great to eat while drinking with friends. 

Not to mention, they are easy to cook and don’t require any complex techniques during preparation. 

They are indeed remarkable recipes for their simplicity and authentic taste. 

From various cheese appetizers, soups, spreads, meat, and vegetable salads—all of them are incredibly flavor-packed. 

Are you thinking of organizing a great surprise for your family? or of throwing a weekend gathering? 

Having a hard time, what to serve with your game and movie nights? 

You surely don’t want to miss what we’ve dug through for you.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy what we’ve covered for you on this list.

We’ve rounded up these amazing German appetizers to complete your full course meal.

You better look and try #13, it’s surprisingly scrumptious! 

What—German Pancake Soup? Yes, please! German Red Herring Salad? Uh, maybe?

1. German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad is a delightful salad that features a red potato salad with bacon and zesty dressing.

This German Potato Salad is one of those dishes that is simple to prepare by just combining all the ingredients.

2. Smoked Trout Dip

This could be a great suggestion to serve your smoked trout. 

Combining cream cheese, lemon zest, sour cream, and spring onion altogether goes very well to accentuate the smokey flavor of trout.  

You can also prepare this recipe with other kinds of smoked fish such as salmon.

3. German Pickled Eggs

Pickling is a popular method of preserving food, bringing out a superb taste of food.

Refrigerate your pickled egg in a jar and remember to use a clean spoon each time you want to grab a bite.

This perfect balance of sour, salt, and sweet pickled eggs is best paired with an icy cold beer.

4. Beer Brat Bites

This recipe is made from pan-fried or grilled bratwurst sausage, sliced into bite-size pieces, and tossed in a caramelized beer sauce.

The beer glazed is a perfect match and is what makes your bratwurst soft and juicy.

Throwing a party at the last minute could be quite easy and simple if you try this delicious appetizer.

Surprise your pals with these tiny bite-sized delicacies that will leave you fully satiated and craving for more!

5. German “French” Fries

French fries are named “pommes frites” in Germany.

These homemade soft fried potato strips can be paired with any dipping sauce and can be seasoned with parmesan cheese, salt, and parsley to add more flavor. 

Your typical fast food taste fries will not be the same again once you’ve tried this.

Perfect snack for a lazy Sunday!

6. German Meatballs

Heads up, meatball lovers!

This german-style meatball is usually pan-fried.

Mix all your ingredients thoroughly and keep an eye on their consistency to prevent the meatballs from falling apart. 

Form a rough ball into your palm. 

Once ready, you can fry.

This goes well with mashed or fried potatoes.

7. German Beer Cheese Spread

“Obatzda,” also known as German Beer Cheese Spread in English, is the perfect dip for your pretzels or rye bread.

It’s made by combining camembert-style cheese, cream cheese, and butter, and is often seasoned with paprika and onion.

8. German Pancake Soup

You’ll definitely resist scooping this bowl of flavor surprise. 

This soup with a small cut, rolled crepe-style pancakes are usually served in a beef broth with parsley, chives, and leeks.

Grab your spoon and enjoy the cold days with your family. 

Get cozy together while digging into this warm soup.

9. Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket

If you’re a fan of mini sausages and soft pretzels, these Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket will be your new favorite snack!

Wrap those little smokies in each dough, and boil them in water with baking soda for at least 20 seconds. 

This will make the crust look and taste like a pretzel. 

Transfer to baking sheets and brush with egg wash.

What a tasteful bite!

10. German Red Herring Salad

The Red Herring Salad recipe includes common ingredients like red beets, pickles, onions, apples, and pickled herring tossed in a creamy sauce.

This pinkish-red color dish that brightens your eye and tickles your palate, is wonderful on any occasion.

11. German Onion Pie

German Onion Pie is bursting with flavors that are truly mouth-watering.

This pie has bacon, onion cream, and egg, placed into a pie crust and baked in an oven.

12. German Potato Pancakes

German Potato Pancakes are crisp outside and fluffy inside. 

They’re a popular snack, most enjoyed during Oktoberfest in Munich Germany.

Moreover, they are quite effortless to make from home. 

It’s a combination of grated potato, seasoned with onion, salt, and pepper. 

You can manage what you can manage to eat as well. 

Make it small or big, it’s all up to you. 

TIP: Flatten your pancakes to achieve your desired crispness.

13. Pretzel Ring Beer Cheese Dip

Look no further! 

This recipe will surely satisfy you!

Gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese are a great combination in making this cheese dip for your pretzel.

Using beer gives your dip additional flavor and a smooth texture.

Definitely, a must-try!

14. Wurstsalat

The recipe name translates as “Sausage Salad.”

Preparing Wurstsalat is just so quick and easy.

Simply slice your sausages into fine strips, and marinate them with salt, pepper, vinegar, onion, and oil — presto!

You have your own sausage salad right away!

15. Bavarian Pretzels

Perhaps, pretzels are one of the most popular German baked treats.

With a simple yeast dough that is shaped into a pretzel then plunged into baking soda or lye. 

Drenched with salt and baked to a golden brown, perfectly delicious with any cheese dip.

These original Bavarian pretzels will certainly become crowd favorites at any party. 

16. Liver Dumpling Soup

You may not be fond of liver dishes but wait until you’ve tried this recipe!

In a food processor, combine the liver, onion, parsley, butter, and seasonings and grind until smooth. 

Add a bit of breadcrumb to make your dumplings hold together.

Served in a beef broth, it’ll make your dinner nice and warm.

17. German Coleslaw

German Coleslaw is a common shredded cabbage salad. 

This cabbage slaw features just a few basic ingredients which make it easier to prepare.

The crunch of fresh cabbage with vinegar and oil dressing goes perfectly with any meat dishes you love.

A better-for-you appetizer that can be enjoyed with no guilt!

18. Flammkuchen

Tired of the usual pizza slice?

Thin crust pizza with creme fraiche onions and smoked bacon completes this incredible recipe.

You can also dive into various toppings such as sliced cooked potatoes, yogurt, and spring onions.

19. German Sauerkraut Balls

Though you’re fond of kraut, these delicious sauerkraut balls will change your mind.

It’s made from bratwurst and cream cheese wrapped in kraut rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.

Crunchy bite plus tasty flavor, it’s great!

20. Limburger Cheese Salad

Limburger is semi-soft cow’s milk cheese, known for its strong aroma and creamy texture that gives an extra savory taste to a dish.

The cheese is marinated in a vinaigrette, onion, and seasoning. 

Best paired with a Bavarian Pretzel.

21. German Sauerkraut Soup

Sauerkraut soup or “Sauerkrautsuppe” in German is an incredibly flavorful and warm dish.

This recipe is filling enough to satisfy your tummy.

With just a few veggie ingredients you can make an extraordinary soup in no time.

22. Krautstrudel

German Krautstrudel is a plain and flavorful cabbage roll with sauteed strips of cabbage.

It comes with bacon, onion, and caraway seeds rolled in a  crisp crust.

Perfect on any occasion, with family or friends.

23. Mushroom And Goat Cheese Strudel

This recipe is one of the most popular German strudels.

The mixed flavor of strong and tangy goat cheese plus the savoring taste of mushroom is an excellent combination.

Best paired with wine or a cold beer! Cheers!

24. German Beer Cheddar Fondue

Level up your party with this famous appetizer across beer halls in Germany

This quick and easy cheese fondue is truly irresistible.

Enjoy with your favorite dipping staples like hotdogs, ham, pretzels, and even apple, and broccoli.

25. German Herb Butter

Softened butter that is filled with various herbs creates a great complement to fresh bread.

Kräutterbutter, also known as herb butter, is a staple in every German household. 

It can be served with pretzel bread and rolls and sandwiches. 

Another wonderful idea for a spread.

The bottom line

Serving new-to-you appetizers might sound quite difficult but many of these offer readily available pantry items and grocery stock.

From an old-fashioned perspective, the basic purpose of appetizers is to boost your hunger and prepare your appetite for the main dish. 

But we all know they make a great snack, party platters, and all-around handy finger food that makes a meal when you double the serving. 

We hope this list of German appetizers will lessen the burden of your appetizer dilemma.

For more German-inspired recipe inspirations, let me introduce to you our compilations of 30 German Desserts and 25 German Cookies.

We also have our own version of the German Cucumber Salad Recipe and German Chocolate Cookies!