Oktoberfest is the perfect occasion to bring a slice of Bavarian culture to your backyard. With hearty food, refreshing drinks, and a festive atmosphere, your guests will feel like they’ve been transported to Germany with these Oktoberfest Recipes for your Backyard Biergarten party.
A few years ago we hosted a Backyard Biergarten Oktoberfest Party for our friends, and it quickly became one of our favorite parties and has become an annual celebration. The first year I kept things very simple with the food with beer, brats, and pretzels.
But, as our Backyard Biergarten Oktoberfest party grows, it’s time to step up our game with our Oktoberfest Recipes. Natives often say that to drink beer like a German one must eat like a German. Certainly a ring of truth to that! Here’s how to craft an authentic Oktoberfest menu.
Oktoberfest Bratwurst and Sausage
The centerpiece of any Oktoberfest menu is bratwurst. Grill various sausages, from traditional pork bratwurst to weisswurst (a delicate veal sausage). Serve with freshly baked pretzel buns, mustard, and sauerkraut for a truly German experience.
Beer Braised Bratwurst and Sauerkraut – naturally fermented sauerkraut and browned brats simmer in a delicious broth with spices and German beer. Serve plated or on a bun with Bavarian sweet mustard.
Oktoberfest Appetizers and Sides
Accompany your sausages with traditional German sides. German potato salad is a must, with its tangy vinegar and bacon dressing. For something heartier, try one of these.
Easy Beer Cheese Dip – This easy beer cheese dip is an Oktoberfest staple menu item. Serve with pretzel bread or veggies for dipping and enjoy this luscious German cheese dip with incredible flavors of cheese, beer, German mustard, and a touch of horseradish.
German Potato Salad – This classic Oktoberfest side dish features tender red potatoes and bites of bacon in a tangy bacon, vinegar, and mustard dressing.
Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board – assemble your own version choosing among traditional cheeses, meats, and liverwurst, of course.
Flammkuchen – a “white German pizza’ popular on beer garden menus. A delicious thin crust, topped with creme fraiche, thinly sliced onions, smoked bacon lardons, and caraway seeds.
Bavarian Pretzels
No Oktoberfest is complete without oversized, soft Bavarian pretzels. Serve them warm with a selection of mustards, or get creative with cheese dip for a modern twist. My favorite way to serve soft warm pretzels is by creating a pretzel bar.
Sweet Treats to Finish
End your meal on a sweet note with traditional German desserts.
Apfelküchle (Apple Ring Fritters) – This classic German dessert of apple slices soaked in rum, dipped into an airy batter, and fried to perfection. Often served with ice cream.
Double Chocolate Pretzel Bark – This crispy, salty chocolate snack pairs perfectly with your favorite Oktoberfest beer and is sure to disappear quickly at your next party.
Black Forest Cake – This rich chocolate cake hails from the Black Forest region of Germany. It’s a layered confection soaked with cherry liqueur, and filled with whipped cream and cherry preserves
German Beers and Beverages
Oktoberfest is synonymous with beer. Stock up on German brews like Paulaner, Hofbräu, and Spaten, or opt for a local craft beer with a similar flavor profile.
With this menu, your Backyard Biergarten Oktoberfest party will be a hit, offering a delightful taste of Bavaria right at home!
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