We all know the Brits love their bacon sandwiches and the Aussies will eat a pie at any time of day. But German breakfast foods are in a league of their own.
They often incorporate potatoes into the mix or go for simple dishes with fresh fruit toppings. You might also find them enjoying crusty bread with Nutella or savory deli meat.
Get ready to try something new with these 14 traditional German breakfast recipes.
1. German Waffles
German waffles tend to be a little thinner than the versions you might be used to eating. You will often see them baked into a heart shape and served with a tart cherry sauce.
They have a very similar flavor profile to standard waffles. I love that you can freeze these and cook them right in a toaster later.
2. Farmer’s Breakfast (German Bauernfrühstück)
This recipe combines elements of a German potato omelet and a Spanish tortilla. You cook the potatoes in a skillet until crisp before adding onions to soften.
An egg mixture with herbs like rosemary and basil gets poured right over the top. I recommend serving this sliced from the pan with a heap of bacon and smoked cheese.
3. Apple Cinnamon Kaiserschmarrn Recipe
These pancakes are closer to French crepes than the classic American style. You can make them in a skillet by keeping the batter thin or use a crepe maker to speed things along.
They taste great with a little powdered sugar or a spread of your favorite jam. The classic German version features a generous helping of apple cinnamon compote.
4. German Potato Omelet
This omelet is a protein packed way to start the day. It features a nutritious filling of fried potatoes that makes it much more filling.
The potatoes crisp up on the outside while staying tender on the inside after cooking in butter with salt and green onions. I think it looks almost like a calzone when loaded into the omelet.
5. Sticky German Cinnamon Buns (Schnecken)
Who can say no to a sticky bun? These treats tend to be soft, sweet, and incredibly moreish.
You place a pecan and brown sugar syrup on the bottom of the baking dish. Turn the baked rolls out to reveal a beautiful and nutty caramel topping.
6. German Apple Custard Cake (German Apfelkuchen)
I like to think anything loaded with fruit is suitable for breakfast. The cake is tender and moist thanks to the abundance of apples.
It has a custard that gets poured over the baked cake to soak in. Serve it with your morning coffee.
7. German Eggs in Mustard Sauce
This vegetarian dish is frugal and super tasty. Fans of deviled eggs will love the hard boiled eggs served in a creamy mustard sauce.
The sauce comes together with vegetable stock, flour, mustard, cream, lemon juice, and dill. I like to nestle the eggs into the sauce and serve it with potatoes.
8. German Potato Breakfast Casserole
This potato and egg dish gets topped with peppers and cheese. It is baked and served just like a quiche.
The recipe uses a pre made potato salad for its base. You can par boil your own potatoes if you cannot find the prepared version.
9. Homemade Bircher Muesli
Give your overnight oats an upgrade with this traditional muesli. You combine oats with dried fruits, cinnamon, nut butter, and milk before stirring in half an apple.
Leave it to soak overnight. I add extra fresh apples to the top for tart crunch when I am ready to eat.
10. German Apple Pancakes
These German apple pancakes are better known as Dutch babies in the States. They are thick and often stuffed with a sweetened pancake batter.
You bake them as one big pancake rather than a stack of individual ones. Slice it up to serve.
11. Potato Pancakes (German Kartoffelpuffer)
You make these pancakes with finely grated starchy potatoes, onion, egg, flour, and sea salt. The trick is to drain and squeeze the potatoes to remove any remaining liquid.
You will miss out on that gorgeous golden crisp edge if you skip this step. Serve them with bacon and fried eggs.
12. German Semolina Pudding (Griessbrei)
This dish is a cheaper version of rice pudding that is best served warm. It has a thick and porridge like consistency.
You make it with sweetened warm milk. The Germans like to eat it with a dollop of something sweet like jam or Nutella.
13. Hopple Popple German Breakfast Casserole
This traditional egg casserole made with leftovers was a favorite of the German housewife. The recipe is somewhat of a breakfast pizza.
It features a base of shredded hash browns and egg. The topping is pepperoni and cheese.