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German Potato Dumplings, also called Kartoffelknödel or Kartoffelkloß, are a true thing of beauty.
Chewy, wiggly, and squishy – these delightful balls of potato, bread, eggs and butter, rank among my favourite comfort foods (and dumpling types) in the entire world.
I am very lucky to have spent a few years living in Munich, where these potato dumplings are a staple of many traditional meals, whether with roasted pork and gravy, a creamy mushroom sauce, or pan fried with eggs and bacon.
Of course, there are plenty of delicious meals you can prepare with German potato dumplings, beyond the classics!
So, if you’re wondering what to serve with German Potato Dumplings, I’ve gathered up this tasty list, with everything from traditional dishes to other soups, salads, veggies and meats that go great with these versatile dream-clouds.
No matter what you decide to serve with German Potato Dumplings, they’re sure to be a hearty and delicious meal… so here are some ideas to try out!
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Traditional Ideas for What to SERVE WITH gERMAN pOTATO duMPLINGS
German potato dumplings (AKA Kartoffelknödel or Kartoffelklöße) are a staple side dish in Germany, particularly in Southern Germany, where you’ll find it on every traditional restaurant’s menu.
Due to their unique texture and relatively mild flavour, German potato dumplings work best in dishes where they can soak up some kind of flavourful gravy or sauce.
In this regard, braised meat dishes or stews pair perfectly with German potato dumplings, usually with a side of sauerkraut or red cabbage.
If you’re looking for the most traditional accompaniments for your German potato dumplings, here are some common dishes and recipes to try.
Typical dishes to have with German potato dumplings:
- Pork knuckle (or slices of roasted pork) with gravy: This is possibly the most popular pairing when it comes to German potato dumplings, consumed in beer halls all over Southern Germany, and a crowd favourite at big folk festivals like Oktoberfest. Commonly paired with a dish of sauerkraut, this flawless combination is a tough one to beat.
- Roasted duck with gravy and red cabbage: This is another popular dish that goes perfectly with potato dumplings, and features heavily on menus across Southern Germany.
- Creamy mushroom sauce/stew: While creamy mushrooms are often served with Semmelknödel (bread dumplings), they taste great with potato dumplings too, and make for a great vegetarian alternative to the meat heavy dishes usually served with potato dumplings.
- Pan fried with eggs and bacon: This is an unbelievably tasty German potato dumpling dish that you’ll find in some traditional Bavarian restaurants – it’s comfort food at its finest!
Looking for more options beyond the most traditional potato dumpling accompaniments?
Well, if you are still not sure what to serve with German potato dumplings, look no further because I’ve asked some food blogger friends to share their best recipes, and here they are – 30+ tasty sides to eat with German potato dumplings for dinner, including:
- Soups and salads to serve with German potato dumplings
- Vegetable sides to serve with German potato dumplings
- Meat dishes to serve with dumplings
Soups and Salads To Serve with German Potato Dumplings
While German potato dumplings are largely regarded as a side dish of their own, one of the best ways to round out your meal is by adding some additional sides (particularly veggies, just to add some more health to the meal!)
Here are some ideas on soups and salads that would work well with potato dumplings:
1. “Gurkensalat” Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad
This simple salad is made with thinly sliced cucumber and onions, chilled and marinated in a sweet vinegar base. Its tanginess goes well with German potato dumplings.
Click here to get the recipe from Strength & Sunshine.
2. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you’re looking for an easy side dish, this Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup recipe is the one. All you need is a few ingredients to make this delicious, creamy, hearty soup from scratch.
Click here to get the recipe from Healthy Recipes 101.
3. Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, this easy salad is filled with crisp broccoli florets, dried cranberries, red onion, bacon, pistachios, and chunks of mouthwatering smoked gouda cheese. Serve broccoli salad alongside german potato dumplings for a refreshing side dish.
Click here to get the recipe from The Forked Spoon.
4. Pea Salad
This easy pea salad features crunchy bacon, shredded cheese, and a flavorful dressing. This no cook picnic favorite comes together in 10 minutes with just 6 ingredients.
Click here to get the recipe from Baking Beauty.
5. Vegan Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is an easy and popular recipe. It has fresh crisp apples, grapes, and crunchy walnuts which makes this side dish a winning combination. A refreshing vegan Waldorf salad is a perfect side dish to any meal.
Click here to get the recipe from Vegan in the Freezer.
Vegetables Sides That Go With German Potato Dumplings
Most traditional dishes involving German potato dumplings are quite light on the veggie front, but if you’re looking for some ways to make the meal a bit healthier, consider adding these vegetable dishes that go well with potato dumplings!
6. Butter Braised Cabbage
Braised Cabbage is a classic comfort food popular in across Europe. It’s a hearty low carb side dish with lots of flavor that’s easy to make.
Click here to get the recipe from Peter’s Food Adventures.
7. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted Broccoli is the perfect side dish to serve alongside any meal! This broccoli is roasted over high heat until golden brown and tender then tossed with lemon juice and parmesan cheese!
Click here to get the recipe from Chef Savvy.
8. Balsamic Spinach and Mushrooms
Balsamic Spinach and Mushrooms are an incredibly fast and easy side dish that’s also super healthy!
Click here to get the recipe from Served from Scratch.
9. Roasted Baby Carrots with Honey
These roasted baby carrots with honey make the perfect tender carrots with just the right amount of sweetness. This is the perfect quick side dish that goes with so many dinners, and the prep time is super fast.
Click here to get the recipe from On My Kids Plate.
10. Braised German Red Cabbage
Braised German Red Cabbage is a simple side dish made of red cabbage. This sweet and sour favorite is a great compliment for any German meal.
Click here to get the recipe from Dish n The Kitchen.
11. Sauteed Asparagus
This sauteed asparagus is tender asparagus stalks cooked in butter, garlic and an assortment of herbs. A ten minute side dish that pairs perfectly with meat and potatoes.
Click here to get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.
12. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Make these brussels sprouts with bacon and dates with just 5 ingredients. It’s a flavorful, sweet yet nutritious side dish the whole family will love.
Click here to get the recipe from All Nutritious.
13. Easy Creamed Corn
Rich and delicious, this easy Creamed Corn Recipe sure beats anything from a can! All you need to make this classic side dish recipe is 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients!
Click here to get the recipe from The Soccer Mom Blog.
Meat Dishes to Have with German Potato Dumplings
Finally, we have some delicious meat dishes that would make the perfect accompaniment for some wiggly and jiggly German potato dumplings! Remember, the saucier the better, so consider adding additional gravy or sauce to any of these dishes for the perfect meal.
14. Beer Brined Schnitzel with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Ultra moist, tender and flavorful, this German schnitzel is coated with panko breadcrumbs to make a perfectly crisp coating while the creamy mushroom gravy adds a decadent finishing touch.
Click here to get the recipe from Burrata and Bubbles.
15. Sirloin Tip Roast
Cook a perfect sirloin tip roast with this recipe each and every time. Juicy, full of flavor and cooked to perfection, you can’t go wrong with an herb crusted roast like this!
Click here to get the recipe from Frugal Mom Eh!
16. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This turkey breast recipe is perfect for small holidays gatherings or to have homemade turkey for lunches and meals all week. For a tender, juicy turkey breast cook it in the Crock Pot!
Click here to get the recipe from Crock Pots and Flip Flops.
17. Pork Schnitzel with Apples and Cabbage
This pork schnitzel recipe has a quick side dish of cabbage and apples and is one of our favorite fall dinners.
Click here to get the recipe from My Therapist Cooks.
18. Frikadellen (German Meat Patty)
German frikadellen – a flavorful meat patty that is a cross between a meatball and a burger. This family favorite is so good and super versatile!
Click here to get the recipe from Maple and Mango.
19. German Pork and Beef Beer Goulash
There is no better comfort food than a hearty pot of goulash. This beef and pork beer goulash might be the king of all goulashes. With its malty rich flavours of paprika and beer; combined with the tender cuts of beef and pork, this stew is a definite treat.
Click here to get the recipe from My Dinner.
20. Perfect Filet Mignon
Learn how to cook the best filet mignon perfectly like a steakhouse, pan seared in a cast iron skillet & finished in the oven.
Click here to get the recipe from Wholesome Yum.
21.Tafelspitz (Austrian Prime Boiled Beef)
This national dish from Austria is perfect for serving during the holidays and would be incredible when paired with German potato dumplings.
Click here to get the recipe from Vividly Christmas.
22. Pan Seared Berkshire Pork Chops
Large Berkshire pork chops are seasoned with herbs and pan seared to lock in the juices so you get tender and flavorful pork chop.
Click here to get the recipe from Low Carb Yum.
23. Ham Loaf with Pineapple Glaze
This ham loaf recipe without ground pork is one of the best ways to use up leftover cooked ham from holiday dinners. Serve it with German potato dumplings for a delicious meal.
Click here to get the recipe from Mom Foodie.
24. Oktoberfest Smothered Pork Chops
When you need some classic comfort food, there’s nothing better than this Smothered Pork Chops and you can easily replace the egg noodles with German potato dumplings or serve with both.
Click here to get the recipe from Little Family Adventure.
25. Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and bake pork chops are are such an amazingly easy dinner recipe, you could even put the kids in charge of the family meal tonight! It’s a 30 minute recipe that tastes so good, you won’t believe it was really this simple!
Click here to get the recipe from Fun Money Mom.
26. Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Sheet pan oven roasted chicken and vegetables make an easy, healthy dinner in just 35 minutes! These roasted boneless chicken thighs and vegetables in the oven are delicious, flavorful, and super simple.
Click here to get the recipe from Wholesome Yum.
27. Sauerkraut and Sausage
With this super easy and totally tasty Instant Pot Sauerkraut & Sausage recipe, you can have something delicious that pairs well with German Potato Dumplings on the table in no time!
Click here to get the recipe from Keto Cooking Wins.
28. Air Fryer Cornish Hens
These Air Fryer Cornish Hens are made with a lemon butter garlic marinade that is out of this world! The air fryer is perfect for making chicken because the skin comes out perfectly crisp and it’s so juicy on the inside!
Click here to get the recipe from The Six Figure Dish.
29. Rouladen
Rouladen or Roulades (english way of writing it) is a classic German dish that you can eat in every German restaurant. It’s easy to make at home and goes well with German Potato Dumplings.
Click here to get the recipe from All About Baby Blog.
30. Boneless Pork Loin
Perfectly cooked boneless pork loin roast flavored with garlic and served with German potato dumplings is a warm and comforting meal.
Click here to get the recipe from Masala Herb.
Did we miss any of your favourite potato dumpling side dishes?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more to our list!