Fredericksburg, TX is well known for its rich German heritage and what better way to experience it than through incredible cuisine that tastes like it came right from Germany?
From savory bratwurst to fluffy Berliners, our town offers a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. So, book your stay at one of Cozi Vacation Rental’s Fredericksburg properties and get ready to explore 13 of the best German dishes you can try while in the area! If you’re planning to visit around the holidays, don’t miss the Fredericksburg New Year’s Eve festivities for an unforgettable experience.
Grab your fork and let’s dive in.
1. Bratwurst
What’s this? A classic German sausage, often served with mustard and sauerkraut.
Looking for an ultra-traditional German food right here in Texas that is as iconic as it is satisfying? Then you have to try bratwurst.
This savory German sausage, traditionally made from pork, veal or beef and often served with mustard and sauerkraut, is a comfort food for many. Whether grilled to perfection at a summer barbecue or simmered in beer on a cold winter evening, bratwurst is a hearty, satisfying meal no matter the season!
Lucky for you, most German restaurants in Fredericksburg have brats on the menu.
2. Sauerbraten
What’s this? Traditional pot roast.
When it comes to hearty, flavorful dishes that showcase real good authentic German cuisine, then look no further than sauerbraten.
This meaty pot roast is marinated in a tangy vinegar-based mixture for days for maximum flavor and tenderness. Once braised the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, complemented perfectly by a sweet-and-sour gravy that pairs perfectly with spaetzle, dumplings, or red cabbage.
For the best sauerbraten in the area, check out the Old German Bakery & Restaurant.
3. Schnitzel
What’s this? Breaded and fried cutlet of pork or veal.
A beloved classic in German cuisine, schnitzel is the perfect balanced bite of crunchy and tender.
It features a thin cutlet, usually pork or veal, that has been breaded and fried to golden perfection. That breading locks in the meat’s natural juices so every bite is tender and flavorful.
Pair it with some buttery potatoes, tangy potato salad, or a fresh side of greens for the ultimate comfort meal. Otto’s German Bistro has some of the best schnitzel in the area, and you won’t be left disappointed.
4. Spaetzle
What’s this? Soft egg noodles, often served as a side dish.
Spaetzle is pretty much the ultimate comfort food for German dishes. These soft, egg-based noodles have a deliciously chewy texture and are often served as a hearty side dish.
It pairs well with rich gravies or creamy sauces, soaking up every bit of flavor. It can also be topped with melted cheese or served alongside roasted meats for a fuller, classic meal.
If you’re looking for some great spaetzle, try heading to Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Bar for some of the best of the best.
5. Kartoffelsalat
What’s this? German twist on potato salad.
The German potato salad, or Kartoffelsalat, is a tangy, savory take on an already much-beloved side dish. Served warm, this salad combines the tenderest of potatoes with zesty vinegar, crispy bacon, and onions sauteed to perfection.
What you get is a rich and hearty dish that pairs well with everything from sausages to schnitzel. Unlike its creamier American counterpart, this version is a bit lighter and bolder – and as satisfying as it is delicious!
6. Pretzels
What’s this? Soft dough twisted and baked into shape.
Soft, chewy, and sprinkled with some coarse salt, the German pretzel is a real treat – especially when you partner it up with some beer or mustard. Its warm, golden crust has a tender, fluffy interior that is hard to pass up and the pretzel can be enjoyed as a snack, as a side dish, or even part of a larger meal.
They’re especially popular during Oktoberfest celebrations (but we love them all year-round!)
7. Rouladen
What’s this? Thin rolled beef stuffed with bacon, onions, and pickles.
A quintessential German dish, the Rouladen is savory perfection – slices of thin beef rolled up with smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and crispy onions before being slow-cooked to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
The result? A seriously flavorful, comforting, and hearty meal traditionally served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or spaetzle to soak up all that rich gravy. The Auslander restaurant has some of the best-tasting Rouladen in the area that will keep you coming back for more.
8. Goulash
What’s this? Hearty beef stew with several spices.
German-style goulash is the warm and hearty beef stew you would want on the coldest of nights, though it is great all year round!
It is spiced with paprika and other herbs and features tender chunks of slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich, savory broth filled with vegetables like onions and peppers. Pairing well with dumplings or crusty bread, it is a truly satisfying choice for those looking for a belly-filling meal.
9. Rotkohl
What’s this? Sweet and tangy braised red cabbage.
Rotkohl is a sweet and tangy side dish found in plenty of German restaurants or at BBQs, and it beautifully balances slow-cooked red cabbage with vinegar, apples, and spices like cloves and bay leaves.
It has a vibrant, beautiful, deep red color and a slightly sweet flavor that makes it pair perfectly with roasted meats like pork or duck. Rotkohl adds both a pop of color and a depth of flavor to any meal.
10. Apfelstrudel
What’s this? Warm, flaky pastry filled with spiced apples.
Looking for something sweet? The apfelstrudel is a beloved dessert that combines flaky, buttery pastry with spiced apple filling that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth.
Often dusted with powdered sugar or served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream, its delicate layers and comforting flavors make it a must try-treat.
11. Black Forest Cake
What’s this? Rich chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream.
Black Forest cake is a show-stopping dessert made with layers upon layers of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream.
Originally hailing from the Black Forest region of Germany, this cake is often topped with chocolate shavings and a touch of kirsch (cherry brandy) for added depth of flavor.
The combo of moist cake, rich chocolate, and tart cherries is the ultimate in indulgent flavor and the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
12. Berliner
What’s this? Soft, fluffy doughnut filled with jam or custard.
Berliners, or German doughnuts, are fluffy, pillowy treats filled with sweet ham or custard, then dusted with powdered sugar. They’re often enjoyed during the holidays, but can always be enjoyed as a part of a big brunch or even an everyday snack.
With that golden, tender outside and rich, creamy filling there is nothing not to love when it comes to an authentic Berliner.
13. German Beer & Wine
What’s this? Various German-style beers and wines from Fredericksburg’s local breweries and vineyards.
No authentic German meal is going to be complete without a taste of the old country in the form of German-style beers and wines like crisp pilsners, smooth lagers, and fruity Rieslings.
Whether you’re enjoying live music with a stein of craft beer from one of Fredericksburg’s many biergartens or sipping a glass of something aromatic while on a wine tour at one of the area’s wineries, these beverages bring a taste of Germany right here to the Texas hill country.
Whether you’re looking for a great brewery or a fantastic winery, Fredericksburg has you covered.
Which German Food Will You Try First?
From hearty schnitzel to decadent Black Forest Cake, Fredericksburg offers a taste of traditional German right here in the heart of Texas. Just don’t blame us if you leave feeling absolutely stuffed with all the delicious food.
Bring this list of traditional German foods and book your stay in Fredericksburg today!
