British folks enjoy their bacon sandwiches while Australians grab a meat pie for breakfast. Have you ever thought about traditional German morning foods?
They love using potatoes, though they often use less bacon than I prefer. Sweet dishes typically feature fresh fruit components.
Usually, locals stick to crusty bread with deli meat or spreads. Check out these 14 German breakfast foods for something a little different.
1. German Waffles
German waffles are usually thinner than the ones you might know. The flavor profile is extremely similar though.
You bake them into heart shapes in Germany. Serve these with a tart cherry sauce.
They freeze well so you can thaw them in a toaster later.
2. Hopple Popple German Breakfast Casserole
German housewives loved using this recipe to save money back in the day. It uses leftovers to create an egg casserole.
Think of this dish as a breakfast pizza. The base features shredded hash browns and eggs.
Toppings include cheese and pepperoni. Eating pizza in the morning feels so right.
3. German Semolina Pudding (Griessbrei)
This is a cheaper alternative to rice pudding. You serve it thick, warm, and sweet.
The consistency is very similar to porridge. Add a dollop of Nutella or jam on top.
Locals enjoy it with warm sweetened milk and apple cinnamon.
4. German Potato Omelet
Omelets offer a protein-heavy start to the day. This German version adds fried potatoes for a more filling meal.
It is quite similar to a Spanish tortilla. You cook potatoes in butter with salt and green onions.
They get crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. Toss in caramelized onion or breakfast sausage.
5. Homemade Bircher Muesli
Upgrade your standard overnight oats with this traditional muesli recipe. Mix oats with cinnamon, dried fruits, nut butter, and milk.
Stir half an apple into the bowl and let it soak overnight. Top it with fresh apples for a tart crunch when you are ready to eat.
I serve it cold with extra honey.
6. Broetchen (German Bread Rolls)
Most people in Germany wake up to tea or coffee and crusty bread. They pair the rolls with butter, jam, or Nutella.
Sliced meats and sausages are popular toppings too. It makes for an easy meal on the go.
This simple combo is always a winner.
7. Apple Cinnamon Kaiserschmarrn Recipe
This recipe is quite different from American pancakes or Dutch babies. The result is closer to a French crepe.
You can use a crepe maker or keep the batter thin in a skillet. Top them with powdered sugar or your favorite jam.
The classic version features a generous amount of apple cinnamon compote.
8. German Eggs in Mustard Sauce
This vegetarian dish is frugal and tasty. It features hard-boiled eggs in a creamy mustard sauce.
If you like deviled eggs you will love this. The sauce uses vegetable stock, flour, mustard, and cream.
Lemon juice and dill add extra flavor. Serve it with a side of potatoes.
9. Sticky German Cinnamon Buns (Schnecken)
Sticky buns are universally loved. This version is soft and incredibly sweet.
You place a syrup made of brown sugar and pecans on the bottom of the dish. Roll and bake the dough.
Turn it upside down to reveal a nutty caramel topping.
10. German Potato Breakfast Casserole
This egg and potato dish rounds out the savory options. You top it with cheese and peppers.
It bakes and serves just like a quiche. The recipe uses pre-made potato salad for the base.
Par-boil your own potatoes if you cannot find the salad.
11. Potato Pancakes (German Kartoffelpuffer)
Mix finely grated starchy potatoes with flour, onion, egg, and sea salt. You must squeeze the liquid from the potatoes.
Skipping that step prevents the edges from getting golden and crisp. Cook them on high heat.
Tap the excess grease onto a paper towel. I serve them with bacon and fried eggs.
12. German Apple Custard Cake (German Apfelkuchen)
Fruit-filled dishes are perfect for breakfast. This cake is tender and moist thanks to an abundance of apples.
You pour custard over the baked cake so it soaks in. Add dried fruits or nuts for more texture.
Enjoy it with your morning coffee.
13. German Apple Pancakes
Americans love a tall stack of pancakes covered in syrup. This international option adds variety to your rotation.
In the States we call them Dutch babies. The batter is sweetened and thick.
You bake it as one large pancake and slice it to serve.
14. Farmer’s Breakfast (German Bauernfrühstück)
This meal combines a Spanish tortilla with a German potato omelet. Cook your potatoes in a skillet until crisp.
Add onions to soften. Pour a mix of herbs and eggs on top.
Slice it straight from the pan. Serve with smoked cheese and bacon.