Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe – A Taste of Germany in Every Bite!

If you’ve ever craved a savory, flavorful meat dish, then German Frikadellen should definitely be on your list. These traditional German meatballs, also known as “Bulette” or “Fleischpflanzerl” in some regions, are packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you enjoy them as a hearty meal, a tasty snack, or part of a sandwich, Frikadellen are versatile, juicy, and absolutely mouthwatering.

Made from a combination of ground meat, spices, and a touch of bread soaked in milk, these meatballs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for any occasion, this Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Germany with every bite! 😋🇩🇪

Why You’ll Love German Frikadellen

• Flavorsome and Juicy – Tender meatballs packed with savory goodness.
• Simple Ingredients – Classic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them as a main dish, in sandwiches, or with a side salad.
• Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes, making them a go-to dinner idea.

Let’s get started and bring some German flair to your kitchen! 🍽️✨

🛒 Key Ingredients for Authentic German Frikadellen

For these delicious meatballs, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Let’s break it down:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground beef – You can also use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor 🐄🐖
• 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 slices of stale bread or breadcrumbs 🥖
• 100ml milk – To soak the bread or breadcrumbs 🥛
• 1 egg 🥚
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor) 🔥
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley 🌿
• 2 tablespoons mustard (German mustard is best!) 🍯
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For frying 🍳

Optional Sauce for Serving:

• 100g sour cream or Greek yogurt 🍦
• 1 tablespoon mustard 🍯
• A pinch of salt and pepper 🧂

💡 Substitutions & Variations

• Meat Options: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the milk-soaked bread and use a dairy-free milk alternative to keep it dairy-free.
• Herb Choices: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like marjoram or dill for a unique twist!
• Spicy Frikadellen: For an extra kick, add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Authentic German Frikadellen

Now, let’s dive into the process of making these succulent German meatballs. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have Frikadellen ready in no time! 😍

Step 1: Soak the Bread

1️⃣ Tear the bread slices into small pieces and place them in a bowl. 2️⃣ Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for about 5 minutes until the bread softens. 3️⃣ Once soft, squeeze out the excess milk and crumble the bread into small bits. This helps the meatballs stay juicy!

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked bread, finely chopped onion, egg, and mustard. 🥣 2️⃣ Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and herbs (thyme or parsley). 🍃 3️⃣ Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are well-combined. This will form the base of your Frikadellen.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the meat – just combine the ingredients until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

1️⃣ Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Flatten it slightly to create a patty-like shape. The size can vary, but aim for about 2 inches in diameter for perfect bite-sized portions. 🍔 2️⃣ Repeat the process until all the meat mixture is used up.

💡 Pro Tip: Wet your hands with a little water to make shaping the meatballs easier and less sticky!

Step 4: Fry the Frikadellen

1️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. 🍳 2️⃣ Once the oil is hot, carefully place the Frikadellen in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd them. This will allow them to cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. 3️⃣ Fry the Frikadellen for about 4–5 minutes on each side, turning them carefully until golden brown and crispy. 🔥 4️⃣ Once cooked, place the Frikadellen on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the Frikadellen at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Once crispy and cooked through, serve the Frikadellen with your favorite sides, such as potatoes, salad, or sauerkraut. 2️⃣ For an extra touch, you can serve them with a mustard-based sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side. 🧄🍋

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Frikadellen are incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:

• With Mashed Potatoes – A classic German pairing! Serve with rich, creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. 🥔
• In a Sandwich – Place a Frikadelle in a bun, add some mustard, lettuce, and pickles for a delicious handheld snack! 🥪
• With Sauerkraut – A tangy, traditional German side that pairs perfectly with the savory Frikadellen. 🥬
• With Potato Salad – Cold potato salad adds a refreshing balance to the warm, crispy meatballs. 🥗

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating:

• To reheat Frikadellen, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or heat them in a frying pan with a little oil until crispy again.
• If using the microwave, place the Frikadellen on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-second intervals until warm, though the crispiness might not be as pronounced.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use just beef or pork for Frikadellen? Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses a mix of beef and pork, you can definitely use just one type of meat, depending on your preference. Ground chicken or turkey are also options!

2️⃣ Can I prepare the Frikadellen ahead of time? Yes! You can shape the Frikadellen and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying them. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

3️⃣ What can I use instead of mustard? If you don’t have mustard, you can substitute with a bit of ketchup or mayonnaise, or even Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.

4️⃣ Can I bake the Frikadellen instead of frying them? Yes! Baking is a great option for a healthier version. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the Frikadellen on a baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🍴 Conclusion – A True German Delight!

Frikadellen are a delicious and comforting dish that brings the taste of Germany right into your home. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or as a meal prep option, these Authentic German Frikadellen will never disappoint. With their crispy, golden crust and juicy, flavorful center, every bite is an experience you’ll want to savor.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and try making these savory meatballs today! Your taste buds will thank you. 😍🔥