Do you love things on toast? HELLO, NO NEED TO ANSWER BECAUSE “THINGS ON TOAST” IS A PERFECTLY GLORIOUS FOOD GROUP.
And do you stand in support of breads that are hearty, flavorful, and a little bit different than your standard sandwich loaf? Okay, yes. Welcome. You and I are on the same team.
This collection of German breads is the answer to everything. We have savory. We have sweet. We have the kind of bread that makes you want to wrap up in a blanket and burrow into a carb cave and come out sometime never.
1. German Pretzels
These soft knotted breads, also known as Laugenbrezel, are salty and addictive!
They are a popular treat at Christmas markets and beer fests because there is nothing like a soft and crunchy snack while you are getting festive.
If you really want to eat these like a German, serve them with a side of runny honey or spicy mustard. You are going to love this!
2. Stollen Amish Friendship Bread
With a name like friendship bread, this loaf cannot be eaten alone. Bake it up and invite your neighbors over because they will love the fluffy crumb and sweet tastes of this holiday cake.
Stollen is usually served at Christmas time with typical festive flavors like dried fruit, candied citrus, and sweet spices.
This recipe adds marzipan to give it a deeper nutty taste, and it is crazy good!
3. German Potato Bread
Germany meets Ireland in this dense but moist loaf made with potatoes! The starchy vegetables add moisture and bulk to keep the texture beautifully soft so each slice melts in your mouth.
Thick and hearty, this is a savory bread that pairs well with savory sides like cheese, soups, and meats.It is also known as kartofelbrot, but do not worry because you do not have to know how to pronounce it to eat it.
4. Apfelmushörnchen (German Quark or Applesauce Croissants)
Easy to make and even easier to gobble up, these sweet pastries are to die for! They are bite-sized croissants featuring a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a soft apple filling.
There is applesauce in the dough as well as the center for extra fruity flavor. As they bake, all that applesauce browns to become a gorgeous caramelized goo.
Despite the fruit, these are not too sweet. If you are in the mood for something more dessert-like, fill them with jam and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Bauernbrot (Farmer’s Bread)
Farmers were on the mind when this chunky bread was created, and it is just the thing after a day in the fields. It is thick and filling and tastes amazing fresh from the oven.
Since it is made with rye flour and caraway seeds, it has a rich dark flavor that pairs perfectly with sharp cheese. It uses a sourdough starter which helps it rise and adds an intriguing tangy note.
This bread is crusty and dense and is not playing around. It is a heartier version of standard loaves and is enjoyed in country kitchens all over Germany.
6. German Brotchen Rolls
Brotchen rolls are a must-have at the dinner table! They are crusty, soft, white rolls that can be enjoyed with any main dish.
Use them to soak up meaty juices, dip them into rich stews, or just split them open and slather them with butter. These tasty rolls were originally created as breakfast food, but they are a versatile side that you can use in a variety of settings.
7. Vollkornbrot (Whole Wheat Rye Bread)
This rustic treat is authentically German! It is a country-style bread with many textures and flavors. Made with seeds, oats, and einkorn flour, it is chewy, crunchy, and very filling.
And you know this recipe is authentic because there is beer in the batter. A mild German brew gives the crumb more lift which results in a dense but moist loaf.
As an added bonus, you can finish off the bottle while you bake!
8. Kornstangen (German Seeds and Nuts Rolls)
These gorgeous rolls are the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy! The outer crust is studded with seeds and nuts which makes them beautifully crunchy and savory.
Inside is an airy crumb just begging for butter. With notes of aromatic caraway, fragrant fennel, and dark rye, this is a flavorful bread that is a step up from the usual bland dinner rolls.
9. Hefezopf (Braided Sweet Bread)
It is traditionally known as an Easter dish, but this fun braided bread is delicious year-round! Light and sweet, it is a chewy yeast bread that is also popular in Austria and the Czech Republic.
The Germans know it as Hefezopf, which is a mash-up of the words for yeast and braid. You do not need expert-level baking skills to create this crowd-pleaser. Just make your dough, thread it together, and bake until browned.
This recipe talks you through the entire process and has helpful diagrams so you can braid like a pro. It is fun to make this a weekend project and get the kids involved!
10. German Pumpernickel
Germany is famous for its dark breads! Pumpernickel originates from the country’s northwest area where it dates back to 1570 AD. After all those years, it is no surprise that German bakers have perfected their pumpernickel.
This rye bread is made with a sourdough starter, wheat, and yeast which gives it a pillowy soft crumb. Try it toasted to really make the most of its beautifully rich flavor and dark depths.
