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What Are the Different Types of German Appetizers?

Hollie Thomas
Hollie Thomas

German appetizers, or vorspeise as they are known in Germany, typically are served before a soup dish and the main course. It is not uncommon for German appetizers to be served as side dishes in restaurants or as pre-dinner snacks in German households. The range of German appetizers is extensive, but a classic German appetizer will often include ingredients such as cheese, meats, vegetables, potatoes and fish. The different types of appetizers can be categorized by which of these ingredients is the main one, such as meat, potatoes or fish. Although some of the more traditional appetizers are served in restaurants throughout Germany, there can be regional variations in terms of how the dishes are prepared.

German potato salad, or kartoffelsalat, originated in the southern regions of Germany, where the dish is served warm. This appetizer is rather sour to taste, because the salad is served with vinegar and finely chopped onions, bacon or pork. In the northern regions of Germany, however, potato salad is served with mayonnaise instead of vinegar.

Gherkins are often used on the inside of rollmops, a German appetizer.
Gherkins are often used on the inside of rollmops, a German appetizer.

One of the most common appetizers in German restaurants is herring with beetroot. Usually, this combination of fish and vegetables is served with carrots, mayonnaise, onions, black pepper and dill. There also are regional variations of how this dish is served, and some restaurants will serve herring and beetroot with rye bread.

A specialty in Berlin, rollmops are a popular appetizer in many German restaurants. Slices of pickled herring are layered with onion and gherkins, then rolled to form cylindrical parcels. Usually served cold, rollmops might be served with or without bread.

Beetroot is often served with herring as a German appetizer.
Beetroot is often served with herring as a German appetizer.

Bierkase is a German white cheese and a specialty in the southern regions of Germany. This particular cheese is often referred to as beer cheese because it typically is eaten with beer. Generally, bierkase is served with sliced onion on small slices of pumpernickel bread as a finger food. Bierkase is renowned for its pungent aroma and intense flavor.

Bratwursts and other varieties of German sausages can be served on an appetizer plate.
Bratwursts and other varieties of German sausages can be served on an appetizer plate.

Aufschnitt platte is an appetizer platter that consists of a range of meats. Various types of sausages, hams and other cooked meats are included on the platter, but they are often served cold. Rye bread, butter, pickles, onions and tomatoes are often served as an accompaniment to German appetizers that contain cold meats.

Kartoffelknodel is a form of potato dumpling that might be served as an appetizer or side dish. In Bavaria, kartoffelknodel is prepared using both cooked and raw potato. As an appetizer, potato dumplings usually are served without any accompaniments.

Discussion Comments

discographer

My favorite German appetizer is a simple one with German pretzels, sausage and cheese. I also love Sauerkraut balls which are also made with sausage and a bunch of other ingredients like sauerkraut, cheese and herbs.

I love German meats and sausages so when I think about German appetizers, these come to mind first. Of course, they need some starch to go with it and pretzels go great with them.

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    • Gherkins are often used on the inside of rollmops, a German appetizer.
      By: ChantalS
      Gherkins are often used on the inside of rollmops, a German appetizer.
    • Beetroot is often served with herring as a German appetizer.
      By: Wolna
      Beetroot is often served with herring as a German appetizer.
    • Bratwursts and other varieties of German sausages can be served on an appetizer plate.
      By: SunnyS
      Bratwursts and other varieties of German sausages can be served on an appetizer plate.
    • Bierkase is a type of cheese typically served with beer.
      By: sdraskovic
      Bierkase is a type of cheese typically served with beer.
    • In Germany, most versions of potato salad are served warm with a vinegar dressing.
      By: anjelagr
      In Germany, most versions of potato salad are served warm with a vinegar dressing.