6 Traditional German Recipes You Need to Try

German cuisine offers such a wide range of culinary treasures, and is especially abundant in the comfort food department. If you're looking for hearty dishes for chilly nights that just make you feel good, try out these six authentic, old-school German recipes.

Traditionally made with thinly pounded pork, schnitzel is coated and fried in a crispy breading. Serve it alongside french fries, fried potatoes, spaetzle, or whatever your heart desires. It's a comfort food through and through, and it's only elevated by side dishes.

Recipe: Allrecipes

Otherwise known as Käsespätzle, spaetzle is a German egg noodle pasta that has a chewy texture akin to dumplings. It is the epitome of comfort food and one of the most beloved German dishes. 

Recipe: Plated Cravings

A little bit of spicy brown mustard for dipping sends this dish right over the edge. Plus, saurekraut is touted for gut health, so it's a comfort food that provides a service to your health. We call that a win.

Recipe: Budget Bytes

Who doesn't love a good soft pretzel? Grab yourself some mustard, melted cheese, cream cheese ... whatever you've got a hankering for. 

Recipe: Food & Wine

Touted as a German fast-food dish or street food, currywurst is basically a cut up steamed, fried sausage topped with curry ketchup. Bursting with flavor, this one will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Recipe: The Kitchen Maus

Potato dumplings or Kartoffelklöße are the quintessential comfort food. There is nothing quite like a dumpling when you're looking for a warm food to fill your belly with.

Recipe: Quick German Recipes

Too busy to cook? Check out the best German restaurants across America.