There is nothing subtle about the lore of Oktoberfest. It’s all about the beer…and lots of it! Paired with homemade German pretzels, a yummy cheese dip and the iconic sausage and sauerkraut, you and your guests are bound to clink your way to a bountiful harvest season.
Consider yourself warned: the average American beer bottle is just 12 ounces, but in traditional German beer halls, beer is sold “ein Halb” (half liter) or “ein Mass” (1 liter) servings. Our Allegorie Munich Wheat Beer Glass, a classic German design, holds a full 1/2 liter (17 ounces) of beer, so prepare to indulge yourself.
German Sausages with Sautéed Apples, Onions and Sauerkraut:
While many cooks make their own sauerkraut, it’s much easier to purchase at the supermarket. Opt for refrigerated Sauerkraut instead of canned for a superior taste.
Warm your Sauerkraut on the stove while you gently sauté some apples and onions. If you have some caraway seeds, add them to the apples and onions. Serve grilled German sausages on crusty rolls. Top with sauerkraut, spicy German mustard or the sautéed apples and onions.
While you can buy pre-cooked bratwurst, fresh bratwurst has a better flavor and texture. Before adding your bratwursts to the grill, simmer them in beer for about 10 minutes until they are cooked halfway. (Be careful not to boil the beer or your bratwursts may burst.) This step adds extra flavor and improves the “bite” or texture of the bratwurst.
Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe:
It’s simple to make your own soft pretzels from basic yeast dough. Prepare ahead of time or let your guests join in the fun by twisting their own pretzels! (Click here for Villeroy & Boch’s Soft Pretzel Recipe.)
Obatzda Recipe (Bavarian Beer Cheese Spread):
Obatzda, a popular Bavarian snack, is served in beer halls throughout Germany. Revelers at Munich’s Oktoberfest slather this tasty beer cheese spread on soft pretzels and slices of warm bread. (Click here for Villeroy & Boch’s Obatzda recipe.)