Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Crisp

If you’re craving traditional German comfort food, Frikadellen are a must-try! These savory, juicy, and pan-fried meat patties are a beloved staple in Germany, often served with potatoes, mustard, or a fresh salad.

Unlike American burgers, Frikadellen are softer, more flavorful, and infused with rich seasonings, making them a perfect weeknight dinner, meal prep favorite, or party appetizer.

Let’s dive into why these German meat patties are so popular, how to make them step by step, and pro tips for getting the juiciest texture with a crispy golden crust!

Why Everyone Loves Frikadellen

These classic German meat patties are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor!

✅ Traditional German Comfort Food – A staple in German homes, beer gardens, and Oktoberfest celebrations.

✅ Juicy & Tender – Thanks to soaked bread and onions, these patties are extra moist.

✅ Crispy & Flavorful – The pan-fried crust locks in the juices, giving them the perfect bite.

✅ Easy & Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers big flavor.

✅ Perfect for Any Meal – Serve with potatoes, bread, mustard, or even in sandwiches!

With these incredible qualities, it’s no surprise that Frikadellen are a beloved dish in Germany!

How to Make Authentic German Frikadellen

This traditional recipe delivers juicy, crispy, and flavorful meat patties that are perfect every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the meat mixture:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 slice stale bread (or ½ cup breadcrumbs)
½ cup milk (for soaking the bread)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon dried marjoram (for authentic German flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For frying:

2 tablespoons butter or oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Bread

In a small bowl, soak stale bread in milk for 5 minutes, until soft.
Squeeze out excess milk and break the bread into small pieces.

2. Mix the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread, egg, diced onion, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, marjoram, and parsley.
Mix gently until well combined (but don’t overmix to keep them tender).

3. Shape the Frikadellen

Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten slightly into an oval-shaped patty.

4. Pan-Fry to Perfection

Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Place Frikadellen in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Reduce heat if needed and cook until fully done (internal temp of 160°F/71°C).

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with potatoes, mustard, sauerkraut, or fresh bread!

Pro Tips for the Best Frikadellen

🔥 Use a mix of beef and pork – Pork adds juiciness and authentic German flavor.

🍞 Soak the bread properly – This keeps the patties soft and tender.

🌡 Don’t overwork the meat – Mix just until combined for a light, juicy texture.

🍳 Cook over medium heat – Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks through.

🧄 Try different seasonings – Add nutmeg, cumin, or a touch of Worcestershire sauce for a unique twist!

With these simple tricks, your homemade Frikadellen will turn out perfect every time!

What to Serve with Frikadellen

These savory, crispy German meat patties go perfectly with:

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Classic side with gravy or butter.
🥬 German Sauerkraut – Adds a tangy contrast.
🍞 Fresh Bread & Mustard – A simple beer garden-style meal.
🥗 Crisp Green Salad – For a lighter, fresh pairing.
🍻 A Cold Beer! – The ultimate authentic German experience.

Why These Frikadellen Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These flavor-packed, crispy meat patties are great for so many meals:

Classic German Dinner – Serve with sauerkraut and potatoes.
Beer Garden Snack – Perfect with mustard, pickles, and rye bread.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead, freeze, and reheat for quick meals.
Sandwich Filling – Use in pretzel rolls with mustard for a delicious Frikadellen burger.

No matter how you serve them, these juicy, golden-brown patties will always be a hit!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a traditional, hearty, and flavorful German dish, these Authentic Frikadellen are the perfect choice.

With a crispy golden crust, tender juicy center, and rich German spices, these savory meat patties are an easy and delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again!

The best part? They’re simple, quick, and totally customizable—so you can enjoy them your way!

So grab your ingredients and start cooking—because once you try these Frikadellen, they’ll become a family favorite!

Guten Appetit! 🍽✨

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