Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties, similar to hamburgers but with a unique blend of spices and ingredients that make them juicy and flavorful. These delicious pan-fried patties are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack with mustard and bread rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic flavor – Traditional German seasoning gives these patties their signature taste.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a go-to meal.
Versatile – Serve them hot or cold, with sides or on a sandwich.
Juicy and flavorful – The combination of breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings ensures a moist texture.
Great for meal prep – Make a batch and store leftovers for later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Egg
Bread roll (or breadcrumbs)
Milk
Mustard (Dijon or German-style)
Parsley, chopped
Paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil or butter, for frying
Directions
Soak the bread: If using a bread roll, soak it in milk until soft, then squeeze out excess moisture and crumble.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, soaked bread, mustard, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the patties: Form the mixture into round, slightly flattened patties.
Heat the oil: In a skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
Cook the Frikadellen: Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Enjoy hot with mustard, potato salad, or on a sandwich.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add spices: Try adding nutmeg or marjoram for extra depth of flavor.
Use different meats: Substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy twist: Mix in shredded cheese for added richness.
Oven-baked option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked patties in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
What makes Frikadellen different from regular hamburgers?
Frikadellen have a softer texture due to the soaked bread and unique seasoning.
Can I bake Frikadellen instead of frying them?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best way to serve Frikadellen?
They’re great with mustard, potato salad, mashed potatoes, or on a sandwich.
Can I make Frikadellen ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
Do I have to use a bread roll?
No, you can use breadcrumbs as a substitute.
Can I use a meat alternative for a vegetarian version?
Yes, plant-based ground meat alternatives work well with the same seasoning.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients well and let the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or pork?
Yes, but turkey may result in a slightly drier texture.
What type of mustard works best for this recipe?
German-style mustard or Dijon mustard add the best flavor.
How can I make the Frikadellen extra juicy?
Using a mix of beef and pork and ensuring the bread is well-soaked helps retain moisture.
Conclusion
Authentic German Frikadellen are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. Whether served with traditional sides or enjoyed on a sandwich, these flavorful meat patties are a must-try. Give this recipe a go and enjoy a taste of Germany in your own kitchen!
PrintAuthentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers)
Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties made with ground beef and pork, seasoned with onions, mustard, and breadcrumbs. Unlike typical hamburgers, they are pan-fried for a crispy crust while remaining juicy inside. Perfect as a main dish with mustard and potato salad or served on a crusty roll as a sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 Frikadellen 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 day-old bread roll (or 2 slices white bread)
- ½ cup (120ml) milk or water (for soaking bread)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp mustard (Dijon or German-style)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp dried marjoram (or thyme)
- ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (if needed for texture)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Soak the bread: Tear the bread roll into small pieces and soak it in milk or water for about 5 minutes until soft. Squeeze out excess liquid.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread, chopped onion, garlic, egg, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, nutmeg, and marjoram. Mix well until combined. If the mixture is too wet, add breadcrumbs gradually.
- Form patties: With damp hands, shape the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties, about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
- Heat oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook Frikadellen: Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°F/71°C).
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with mustard, potato salad, or a side of bread.
Notes
- Bread substitute: If you don’t have a bread roll, use ½ cup of breadcrumbs instead.
- Make ahead: Frikadellen can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven before serving.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with German potato salad, sauerkraut, or on a bun with mustard.