When you think about German food, the first thing that comes to mind is usually sausage and potatoes. However, there are many different dishes in German breakfasts that are enjoyed by locals every day.
One aspect of German culture that is often overlooked by tourists is the food. In this article, we will be discussing a few of the most popular German breakfasts.
We will also provide information on what these breakfasts include and why you should try them. If you are visiting Germany and looking for some good breakfast ideas, then this is for you!
What Do Germans Eat For Breakfast?
German breakfast food is special because it is very hearty and filling. It usually includes meats, cheeses, bread, jams, and eggs.
The German breakfast dishes are usually simple to make, but they can be very tasty and satisfying. They also include German bread or pastries.
Most of the German breakfast foods include bread or some type of pastry, so it is a great way to start your day with some carbohydrates and energy. The German breakfasts also usually have a lot of protein from the meats and cheeses, so you will feel full until lunchtime.
Most Popular Breakfast In Germany
One popular German Breakfast dish is traditional German Pancakes or Eierkuchen.
Eierkuchen (Traditional German Pancakes)
These soft treats are German favorites and often served for breakfast. The German word “Kuchen” is derived from the German word for cake, and Eier translates to Egg cake.
German pancakes are traditionally made by combining flour, eggs, milk, sugar, salt and butter. Vanilla extract or cinnamon can be added to the batter for sweet variations. This batter is then spread into an oven-proof dish (either round or rectangular) and cooked on both sides.
The pancake can then be added with all sorts of stuff from jams, applesauce to nutella. As you will see, this pancake serves as the base for a multitude of German breakfast dishes that can be sweet or savory.
Sweet German Breakfasts
Apfelkuchen (German Apple Custard Cake)
Apfelkuchen an apple custard cake that is traditionally served as breakfast or dessert, and it consists of a dough-like crust topped with an egg custard filling of milk, eggs, sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and apples.
The crust has to be baked until golden brown while the inside cooks through so that it becomes juicy but not runny. It is a very moist and flavorful cake that German locals love to eat for breakfast.
The Apfelkuchen is one of the most popular German desserts because it tastes delicious! It includes many different flavors like rich pastry dough mixed with sweet apples in an eggy custard. The cake can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream on top.
If you are looking for something new and sweet for your next breakfast in Germany, this is certainly a good option.
German Apple Pancakes
German Apple Pancakes are a popular German breakfast dish that travelers should try when visiting Germany. These pancakes are made with fresh apples and served with a sweet apple sauce on top. They are fluffy, soft, and delicious! German Apple Pancakes are definitely a must-try for breakfast in Germany.
Hopple Popple (German Breakfast Casserole)
Hopple Popple is a casserole that is served as breakfast in Germany. It’s one of the most popular German breakfasts because it involves mixing eggs with different leftover ingredients that you have.
Potatoes, cheese, and sausages are just some ingredients that go well in this dish. The dish is said to have originated from Berlin and is great for reducing food waste by recreating them into a sumptuous German breakfast.
Apple Cinnamon Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrns are fluffy pancake chunks made with eggs, flour, sugar, and milk. The chunks are fried in butter and sprinkled with sugar. The dish is very common for breakfast in Germany, especially during the winter months.
Kaiserschmarrn can also be served with a variety of toppings, such as jam, chocolate sauce, or powdered sugar.
One of the most popular German breakfasts is Apple Cinnamon Kaiserschmarrn. This delicious pancake dish is made with fresh apples and is served with a sweet cinnamon sauce on top. These are definitely a must-try for breakfast in Germany.
Griessbrei (German Semolina Pudding)
Semolina pudding or Griessbrei is a popular German breakfast option that travelers should try when visiting Germany. This delicious pudding is made with semolina, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s simple to make by cooking everything together.
It is tasty by itself but can be topped with fruits to give it an extra flavor and texture.
Schnecken (German Cinnamon Buns)
German cinnamon buns, or Schnecken as they are called in German, are a popular breakfast food in Germany. They are puffy and gooey with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling. German cinnamon buns are definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Germany for breakfast.
The taste of German cinnamon buns can vary depending on the region you are in. For example, in the south of Germany, they tend to be more dense and chewy, while in the north they are lighter and fluffier. However, no matter where you are in Germany, you are sure to find a delicious German cinnamon bun for breakfast.
Brotzeit
This German breakfast dish consists of meats, cheeses, jams, honey, and all sorts of yummy finger foodstuff. This is served with a basket of breads to go along.
It is sort of like a platter is perfect for those who want to sample a variety of German foods at once. Many cuisines actually have dishes in similar formats, like Picada in Argentina cuisine, Mezze in Turkish cuisine or just the classic Turkish breakfast.
This combination of sweet and savory treats is often consumed in between meals or like a brunch.
Savory German Breakfasts
Despite an array of sweet treats, German breakfasts also offer a variety of savory options for those looking for something hearty and filling in the morning.
Speckpfannkuchen
Speckpfannkuchen is a German breakfast dish that is made with bacon and pancakes. The bacon is pan-fried and then mixed in with the pancakes, making it a delicious and savory way to start the day.
Speckpfannkuchen is definitely a dish that you have to try when visiting Germany
Senfeier
Also known as Eier in Senfsoße, this is a German comfort food dish that is simply hard-boiled eggs in a creamy mustard sauce. This dish is also versatile to serve as a base for including more ingredients like potatoes, rice, spinach, carrots, and other vegetables.
Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
Kartoffelpuffer are a popular German breakfast food. They are simple to make and very tasty. The pancakes are made with potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, and salt. They are usually served with a side of applesauce or sour cream.
The German Potato Pancakes are a great choice for breakfast because they are filling and nutritious. The potatoes and onions give the pancakes a nice flavor, and the eggs make them hearty and satisfying.
If you are looking for a good German breakfast to try, then the German Potato Pancakes are definitely worth considering.
Bauernfrühstück (Farmer’s Breakfast)
The farmer’s breakfast is a filling German breakfast consisting primarily of egg omelet with potato chunks and cheese. Other complementary ingredients and spices like onions, rosemary, and basil can be added on preference as well.
For meat lovers, top it up with bacon or ham bits. It is a very filling breakfast and perfect for those who want something substantial to start their day.
Bauernomelett (Farmer’s Omelet)
One of the most popular German breakfast dishes is the Bauernomelett, or Farmer’s Omelet. This beast of an omelet is made with ham, bacon, as well as potatoes and onions.
It’s a hearty and savory way to start the day. It is sure to fill you up and keep you going as you explore all the beautiful landmarks in Germany.
Mettbrötchen
For meat lovers, Mettbrötchen is a German sandwich with mett (raw minced pork). The brötchen (bread roll) is cut in half and topped with a spread that includes minced pork, onions, and spices.
It is simple to make and it is very delicious. While the raw meat might put off some, it is still a popular breakfast food in Germany that the German locals eat today.
Weisswurst
Weisswurst is a white sausage that is a specialty of Munich. The name Weisswurst actually means “white sausage” in German.
This type of sausage is made from minced veal and pork. It is boiled in water and then served with sweet and sour mustard and a pretzel. Weisswurst is usually eaten as breakfast, but it can also be eaten for lunch or dinner.
German Potato Omelet
German Potato Omelet is one of the most popular German breakfast dishes. It is a simple omelet that is made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. It is usually served with a side of bread or toast.
The German Potato Omelet is a great choice for breakfast because it is filling and satisfying. The potatoes and onions give the omelet a nice flavor, and the eggs make it hearty and nutritious.
If you are looking for a good German breakfast dish to try, then the German Potato Omelet is definitely worth considering.
Drinks For Breakfast In Germany
German breakfast culture is one that has been greatly influenced by coffee and tea. These two drinks are the most popular options for German locals during the morning hours.
However, if you are looking for something different, hot cocoa and dark hot chocolate are great options too.
Zartbitter Heisse Schokolade (Dark Hot Chocolate)
Zartbitter Heisse Schokolade is a German hot chocolate that is made with dark chocolate. It is one of the most popular German breakfast drinks because it is both delicious and nutritious.
This hot chocolate is perfect for warming up on a cold winter morning. It is also very rich and flavorful, so it can satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.
Discovering German Breakfasts In Germany
When it comes to German breakfasts, there are plenty of delicious and traditional dishes to choose from. From savory meats and cheeses to sweet jams and pastries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Most dishes are not strictly for a specific meal and can be eaten at different timings.
These are just some of the popular German breakfasts that locals enjoy apart from the usual simple breakfast foods like toast, Rührei (scrambled eggs) and bread. If you are visiting Germany, do take the opportunity to try some of these more unique dishes.
