Oktoberfest Party Recipe Roundup 2014
If you’re planning an Oktoberfest party this year, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got the right menu. It may sound a bit difficult if you are not fully versed in Bavarian culture, but with just a few key recipes you’ll be able to provide a meal with an authentic German feel. Here are a few of our favorite Oktoberfest recipes that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!
Baked Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a staple at Oktoberfest. The salty, carby delicious-ness goes perfectly with any beer and although bread-making may seem a bit intimidating, this simple recipe is perfect for even novices. Straight from one of my favorite baking blogs, Yammie’s Noshery, her Auntie Anne’s pretzel copycat recipe is a genuine crowd pleaser.
Start with 2 cups of warm milk and 1 ½ tbsp. of active dry yeast. Mix it together to activate the yeast, then add 6 tbsp of brown sugar to feed the yeast. Next add the 4 tbsp of melted butter and 4 ½ cups of flour 1 cup at a time mixing between each addition. Mix in 2 tsp of salt to season the dough then kneed for 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with cling wrap and let it rise for 1 hour. Punch down the dough then divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a pretzel shape and dip them into a baking soda/water mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet, sprinkle with course salt and bake at 450 degrees for 7-11 minutes.
See the full recipe here.
Garlic-Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is another common food found at Oktoberfest. This recipe takes minimal effort and is absolutely delicious.
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit while you prepare the chicken. Cover a whole chicken cut into pieces with 2/3 cups of olive oil. Season with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tbsp of fresh thyme leaves, and minced garlic from about 3 cloves. Set the chicken pieces in a baking dish along with broken, unpeeled garlic cloves from 2 whole heads of garlic. Bake for about 40 minutes or until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
See the full recipe here.
Bratwurst Sliders
Inspired by the gastro pub style recipe from HostTheToast.com, this “recipe” is more about assembling than it is cooking. We’ve simplified the recipe by using all store bought items. Either way, Oktoberfest would not be complete without some brats.
Grill bratwurst and slice into pieces. Assemble with slider buns and store-bought sauerkraut or grilled onions. Serve with mustard.
See the original recipe here.
German Potato Salad
This recipe makes a great side dish and unlike American potato salad, this version is served warm.
Boil 3 cups of diced and peeled potatoes until fork tender. Cook 4 slices of bacon and dice. Sautee 1 diced onion in the bacon grease. Add ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 tbsp of water, 3 tbsp of white sugar, 1 tsp of salt and 1/8 tsp of pepper and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, bacon, and 1 tbsp of chopped parsley to combine all ingredients. Serve warm.
See the full recipe here.
Chocolate Brownies
Finish off the meal with a chocolate brownie. Chocolate cakes and brownies are commonly served at Oktoberfest celebrations, so why not yours? Here’s a no-fail recipe from Hershey’s that is sure to end your meal right.
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix ¾ cup of cocoa powder and ½ tsp of baking powder and combine with 1/3 cup of butter. Add ½ cup of boiling water and stir until the mixture thickens. Add 2 cups of sugar, 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup of butter until smooth. Add 1 1/3 cup of flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp salt. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips and pour into a greased baking pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
See the full recipe here.
With the quick and easy recipes, you’ll be sure to host the best Oktoberfest party ever. Just don’t forget the beer! For more Oktoberfest party ideas, be sure to visit our blog the rest of the week. Do you have a favorite Oktoberfest recipe or meal that you look forward to? If so, share it with us by leaving a comment below.
