🇩🇪 German Frikadellen (German Meat Patties)

Frikadellen are classic German-style meat patties made from ground meat, onions, herbs, and soaked bread. They are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and are a staple in German home cooking, beer gardens, picnics, and family meals. They are similar to meatballs but shaped into flat patties.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Rest: 15 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Total: About 55 minutes

Servings

6 servings (12 patties)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 stale bread roll (Brötchen) or 2 slices white bread
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard (German mustard or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

1. Tear the bread into pieces.
2. Soak it in milk for about 5 minutes.
3. Squeeze out excess milk and mash into a soft paste.

2. Make the Meat Mixture

1. Combine ground beef, pork, onion, garlic, soaked bread, eggs, parsley, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
2. Mix gently with your hands until combined.
3. Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to develop flavor.

3. Shape the Patties

1. Wet your hands slightly.
2. Form the mixture into oval patties about ½–¾ inch thick.
3. You should get about 10–12 Frikadellen.

4. Fry the Frikadellen

1. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook patties for 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
3. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Traditional Serving Ideas

• 🥔 German potato salad (Kartoffelsalat)
• 🥨 Pretzels with mustard
• 🥬 Sauerkraut
• 🥗 Cucumber salad (Gurkensalat)
• 🥖 Crusty bread rolls

Variations

Berliner Frikadellen

Add:

• A little marjoram
• More onion
• A splash of milk-soaked bread for a softer texture

Cheese Frikadellen

Add:

• Small cubes of Gouda or Emmental cheese

Herb Frikadellen

Add:

• Chives
• Dill
• Extra parsley

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked patties for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the outside crispy.

Tips for Perfect Frikadellen

• The soaked bread keeps the patties tender and juicy.
• Don’t overmix the meat, or the texture becomes dense.
• Let the onions cool slightly before adding if you sauté them first.
• They taste even better the next day—great for sandwiches and lunch boxes.