German Cooking   There is no one way to define German cooking. Each region in Germany has its own specialties and variations. The southern region of Germany share many specialties that reach over to Austria and Switzerland. In the southwest, cooking is greatly influenced by French cooking. Cooking in the eastern region has more of an Eastern European flavor. There are also foods that are shared by all regions, but prepared differently. Sauerkraut is a good example. Each region has its own technique and recipe for preparing and cooking this dish.   German cooking is often thought of as being very hearty with an emphasis on meat and potatoes. This is explained partly by Germany's relatively northern location. During the cold winter periods, Germans had to consume higher calorie and nutritious foods to sustain their health. Resulting dishes, for example, included hearty potato creations (Germany belongs to the top potato consuming countries), as well as Sauerkraut, which provides a good amount of Vitamin C.

Each region in Germany has its own specialties and variations. This is usually based on the foods that are available locally. Here we break down Germany into its many regions and we provide information on each region's signature foods. Continue >> The most important side dish is the potato. These are served in many different ways: boiled, pan fried, dumplings, pancakes, soup, etc. Likewise, German pasta, Spätzle, is a favorite throughout Germany. Learn about these, plus many more! Continue >> Pork, beef, chicken, and game are the favorite meats in Germany. Likewise, Germany's northern coastlines yield abundant and flavorful seafood. Here, you'll learn about several of Germany's meat and seafood dishes. Continue >>

In this section, we not only discuss German soups and stews, but also another major part of German cuisine ... casseroles and sauces. Continue >> In German cuisine, vegetables are most often served in casseroles, soups, and as side dishes. Here, we identify some of Germany's favorites. Continue >> Butterbrot is the German word for a slice of bread smeared with butter. It is the basis of many morning, in-between, and evening meals. Continue >>

Foods in Germany are rarely spicy or heavily seasoned. Here you'll learn about the favorite herbs and seasonings used in German cuisine. Continue >>

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