The Best Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crispy edges and juicy centers define these delectable german frikadellen that spark memories of cozy kitchen gatherings.

Meat lovers appreciate the robust blend of ground beef and pork dancing with aromatic spices.

Traditional recipes often pass through generations, carrying whispers of comfort and home.

Each bite tells a story of rustic German culinary traditions.

Grandmothers across Deutschland have perfected these delightful patties with meticulous care and passion.

Subtle herbs and a golden-brown crust make these frikadellen irresistible to anyone seeking hearty comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this classic German delight.

Step-by-Step Frikadellen Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Soak and Crumble Bread

Grab a kaiser roll and dunk it into a bowl of water. Let it swim for about 10 minutes until it becomes super soft. Drain the water and squeeze out the excess moisture. Crumble the bread into tiny, delicate pieces that will blend perfectly with the meat.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Crumbled soaked bread
• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Chopped onion
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Tangy mustard
• Fragrant marjoram
• Warm paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it becomes a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Make sure no ingredient feels left out!

Step 3: Shape Mouthwatering Patties

Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from clinging. Gently form the meat mixture into beautiful circular patties. Aim for a size that’s just right – about the width of your palm and not too thick.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Warm up a large skillet and add butter or oil. Carefully place the patties into the pan, giving each one breathing room. Let them dance in the heat, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side. Watch them transform into a deep, appetizing brown. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, give the Frikadellen a moment to rest. Plate them up with classic German sides like potato salad, tangy sauerkraut, or creamy mashed potatoes. They’re equally delicious served hot or cold – perfect for a hearty meal or a quick snack between adventures!

Tips for Browning, Juiciness, and Texture

• Maximize Bread Soaking: Choose kaiser rolls or day-old bread for better texture absorption, ensuring your frikadellen remain moist and flavorful without becoming soggy.
• Prevent Meat Mixture Clumping: Use wet hands when mixing ingredients and shaping patties to maintain a smooth, even consistency that helps frikadellen hold together perfectly.
• Temperature Control Matters: Cook frikadellen over medium heat to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy without burning the exterior.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap kaiser roll with gluten-free bread crumbs or cooked quinoa to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the authentic German flavor profile.
• Rest and Serve Strategy: Allow frikadellen to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and packed with delicious meat flavors.

Storage Advice for Leftover Frikadellen

• Refrigerate leftover frikadellen in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each patty individually with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Cool the meat completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm in the oven at 325F for 10-12 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist.
• Freezing works wonderfully for extended storage – place cooked and cooled frikadellen in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always ensure thorough reheating to an internal temperature of 165F for food safety.

Sides That Suit This Savory Dish

• Savor Bavarian Beer Pairing: Complement the rich, hearty Frikadellen with a crisp, malty German pilsner or a traditional hefeweizen. The beer's refreshing qualities cut through the meat's richness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Match with Tangy Sides: Serve alongside zingy sauerkraut or a sharp mustard to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the savory meat patties. The tangy elements enhance the Frikadellen's deep, robust taste.
• Create a Classic German Plate: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a traditional German potato salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. These classic sides add texture and complement the meat's robust flavor profile.
• Embrace Wine Companions: Select a medium-bodied red wine like a German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) or a crisp Riesling. These wines offer enough acidity and subtle fruitiness to match the Frikadellen's robust meat flavors.

Ways to Spice Up the Traditional Recipe

• Spicy German Meatballs: Kick up the heat by adding red chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Incorporate cayenne pepper for an extra punch of spiciness that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty meal.
• Herb-Infused Frikadellen: Enhance the flavor profile by mixing in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. These aromatic herbs bring a vibrant, garden-fresh taste to the traditional German patties.
• Cheese-Stuffed Frikadellen: Create a molten surprise by inserting a small cube of gouda or emmental cheese in the center of each patty before cooking. The melted cheese center adds a creamy, rich dimension to the classic recipe.
• Lean Protein Option: Swap half the ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. This variation reduces fat content while maintaining the delicious traditional flavor profile of authentic Frikadellen.

German Meatball FAQs Explained Simply

• What are Frikadellen and where do they originate?

Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties, similar to hamburgers, that have been a staple in German cuisine for generations. They originated in northern Germany, particularly in regions like Hamburg, and are loved as a classic home-cooked comfort food.

• Can I use different types of meat for Frikadellen?

While the traditional recipe uses a blend of ground beef and pork, you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken. However, the mix of beef and pork provides the most authentic flavor and juiciness that makes Frikadellen special.

• Why do I need to soak bread for this recipe?

Soaking the kaiser roll helps create a moist and tender texture in the meat patties. The bread acts as a binding agent, absorbing moisture and preventing the Frikadellen from becoming dry or crumbly during cooking.

• How can I tell if my Frikadellen are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat and cooked thoroughly while maintaining a juicy and flavorful interior.

Why German Frikadellen Is a Must-Try Classic

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up these authentic German Frikadellen in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, hassle-free dinner solution.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these juicy meat patties hot with traditional German sides or cold in sandwiches, offering flexibility for different meals and occasions like picnics, lunch boxes, or casual dinner gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Using affordable ground meats and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, proving that delicious meals don't require expensive components.
• Cultural Culinary Adventure: Transport your taste buds to Germany with these traditional Frikadellen, allowing home cooks to explore international cuisine without leaving their kitchen, creating an authentic dining experience.

Ingredients for These Juicy German Patties

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Classic German meat combination with rich flavor, choose higher fat content for juiciness, freshly ground meat recommended.

• Kaiser Roll, Egg: Help bind ingredients together, day-old bread works best, fresh egg ensures proper texture.

• Onion, Parsley, Marjoram, Mustard, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide depth of traditional German flavor profile, use fresh herbs when possible, freshly ground spices enhance taste.

• Butter, Oil: Creates golden brown exterior, helps prevent sticking, neutral oils work well for even cooking.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

German Frikadellen bring hearty comfort to weeknight dinners with classic pan-fried meat patties packed with rich flavor. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make these traditional German meatballs a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• ⅔ pound (300 grams) ground beef
• ⅓ pound (150 grams) ground pork
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard (preferably German or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Bread Binder:

• 1 kaiser roll (or any white bread roll)

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bread base by immersing the kaiser roll in water, allowing it to soften completely for roughly 10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and delicately crumble the bread into fine fragments.
2. Transfer the crumbled bread into a spacious mixing vessel and integrate ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onions, egg, fresh parsley, tangy mustard, aromatic marjoram, vibrant paprika, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Gently knead the ingredients until uniformly blended, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the meat mixture. Dampen hands with cool water to prevent adhesion while crafting uniform patties.
4. Carefully shape the mixture into rounded, flat discs approximately 3-4 inches wide, maintaining a moderate thickness to guarantee even cooking.
5. Warm butter or oil in a robust skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden cooking surface. Strategically place patties without overcrowding, allowing each to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
6. Cook the frikadellen for approximately 5 minutes on each side, monitoring their transformation to a deep mahogany color. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure complete doneness.
7. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the frikadellen to a resting surface, allowing residual heat to stabilize. Present alongside traditional German accompaniments like potato salad, tangy sauerkraut, or creamy mashed potatoes. Optional: Enjoy cold as a delightful sandwich filling with a generous mustard spread.

Notes

• Bread soaking is crucial for achieving a tender, juicy texture in Frikadellen. Use day-old kaiser rolls or stale bread for best results.
• Mixing meats creates a more complex flavor profile and ensures a succulent patty. Aim for an 80/20 beef to pork ratio for optimal richness.
• Moistening hands with water prevents the meat mixture from sticking and helps create smooth, evenly shaped patties that cook more consistently.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soaked bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond flour to maintain the classic moisture and binding properties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg