Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

The humble Frikadellen brings authentic German comfort food right to your table. These juicy meat patties blend carefully seasoned ground meats with soaked breadcrumbs, creating a tender texture that's distinctly different from regular hamburgers. The combination of beef and pork, enhanced with fresh parsley and sautéed onions, delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite. After making these countless times, I've found that letting the meat mixture rest for 30 minutes before shaping really helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Must-Have Ingredients

Ground meat blend: Equal parts beef and pork create the ideal fat content and flavorDay-old bread: Provides better texture than packaged breadcrumbsFresh parsley: Adds brightness and authentic colorYellow onion: Must be finely diced for even distributionGerman mustard: Brings subtle tanginess and depthWhole milk: Helps create tender, juicy patties

Preparing Perfect Frikadellen

Creating the Base: Soak bread in milk until fully softenedMixing the Meats: Combine ground meats with soaked bread and seasoningsSeasoning Stage: Add mustard, spices, and herbs to enhance flavorsShaping Time: Form oval patties with slightly wet handsCooking Process: Pan-fry until golden brown on both sidesResting Period: Allow patties to rest before serving

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Growing up, my grandmother would always make extra Frikadellen for sandwiches the next day. The flavors actually improve overnight, making them perfect for meal prep.

Perfect Accompaniments

Transform your meal by serving these patties alongside traditional German potato salad, pickled vegetables, or crusty rye bread. For a modern twist, serve them on brioche buns with caramelized onions.

Flavorful Adaptations

Create your signature version by incorporating grated apple for sweetness, adding crushed caraway seeds, or mixing in finely chopped mushrooms for an umami boost.

Fresh and Ready

Keep uncooked patties covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store cooked Frikadellen in an airtight container, reheating gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth. Having cooked Frikadellen in both home and professional kitchens, I've found that patience is key - taking time with each step ensures that perfect, traditional flavor that makes this dish so beloved in German cuisine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Frikadellen ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat in a pan or enjoy cold in sandwiches.

→ What's the best meat to use?

Traditional Frikadellen use a mix of ground beef and pork, but using only beef works great too.

→ Why soak the bread in milk?

Soaking bread in milk keeps the patties moist and tender during cooking.

→ What sides go well with Frikadellen?

German potato salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are classic choices. Also great with a green salad.

→ Can I freeze Frikadellen?

Yes, freeze raw or cooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking or reheating.