America is a melting pot of cultures, people, and traditions, and most of the foods we think of as American originated elsewhere. It’s a nation of assimilated immigrants from all over the world, and when they came to America, they brought some of their native cuisine with them.
German immigrants, in particular, have significantly influenced what we often consider “American” food. Here are 21 dishes that are more German than American.
Pretzels
Americans love soft pretzels, and you can buy them in almost every shopping mall, but most people don’t know that pretzels were brought to America by Germans who emigrated here. They have since become a staple of American snack culture.
Apple Strudel
Apple strudel is a popular dish in America; most restaurants offer it on the dessert menu. However, most people associate this dessert with Austria when it actually hails from Germany.
Lebkuchen
These delicious gingerbread cookies are 100% German, but they are a popular snack during the festive holidays in the US. If you can resist these spiced treats that are covered in tasty icing, then you have better willpower than us.
Stollen
Stollen is a type of bread that’s filled with dried fruit and marzipan and dusted with powdered sugar. Although stollen is 100% German, it’s become a traditional Christmas treat in America, and it’s common to see this dish on the table during the holidays.
Weisswurst
Weisswurst means “white sausage,” and it is a traditional Bavarian sausage made from veal and pork. It’s typically enjoyed with pretzels and mustard, especially during Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S.
Black Forest Cake
Known in Germany as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, Black Forest cake is a decadent dessert made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries. It has become a staple at celebrations and bakeries in the U.S.
Potato Salad
We bet you didn’t realize that potato salad was German, but yes, indeed, it is. Typically made with vinegar, bacon, and onions, this dish has been adapted into various forms in the US. The American version often includes mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs, but the German influence remains.
Hamburgers
Would you believe that a hamburger gets its name from “Hamburg” in Germany? Yes, German immigrants brought the idea of minced beef to America, where it evolved into the hamburger as we know it today.
Hot Dogs
This one might be a bit hard to swallow, but another iconic American food with German roots is the hot dog. It originated from the German Frankfurter Würstchen and was also brought to America by German immigrants. We know we get it; it’s hard to believe that the hot dog is not 100% American.
Pork Schnitzel
The clue is in the name of this one, and pork schnitzel is a breaded and fried cutlet, a German classic that Americans have embraced. Port schnitzel is often served with lemon and potatoes, and it’s a comforting and satisfying dish.
Streuselkuchen
Also known as crumb cake, streuselkuchen is a German dessert with a sweet, crumbly topping. It has become popular in American bakeries and homes and is often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Bratwurst
You probably already knew this one: Bratwurst is a German sausage that has become a favorite at American cookouts and Oktoberfest celebrations. Made from pork or veal and seasoned with spices like marjoram and nutmeg, bratwursts are often grilled and served in buns with mustard and sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut
This notoriously German food often divides opinion; some people love it, and some people love to hate it. This fermented cabbage dish is a staple of German cuisine and has been embraced in America, particularly as a topping for sausages and hot dogs.
Many Americans also eat sauerkraut because it is reportedly beneficial for healthy gut bacteria.
Cabbage Rolls
German cabbage rolls, or Kohlrouladen, consist of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings. American home cooks have embraced this hearty dish, a common comfort food, but it’s ultimately a German dish.
Beer Brat Soup
This hearty soup combines bratwurst with beer, another nod to German culinary traditions. It’s a warming dish that’s perfect for cold weather and popular in regions of America with a strong German heritage.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices. It is another traditional German dish that has entered American cuisine. It’s often served with potatoes or dumplings and red cabbage.
Spätzle
Spätzle is a type of soft egg noodle that is a common side dish in German cooking. In America, you can find spätzle in German restaurants, which are often served with gravy or cheese.
Rouladen
Rouladen is thin slices of beef rolled around a filling of bacon, onions, and pickles, then braised until tender. This dish is a favorite in German households and has been adopted by American cooks looking for hearty comfort food.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is considered to be a comfort food in American households, and it’s believed to have been inspired by German “Hackbraten.” This dish consists of ground meat mixed with various ingredients that have been adapted over time, but meatloaf remains German in its origins.
Donuts
This might be another shocking revelation, but even donuts have German origins, particularly the style known as “Berliner,” or jelly-filled donuts. German immigrants popularized these sweet treats in America, and they have become an iconic part of American breakfast and dessert culture.
Quark
If you don’t know what this is, bear with us; we shall explain (no, it is not a character from Star Trek). Quark is a dairy product similar to yogurt that is widely used in German cuisine. It has found a place in American kitchens, especially in baking and as a healthy spread.
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