Schweinshaxe: A Bavarian Classic You Can Make At Home When Brauhaus Schmitz first opened and we wanted to put Schweinshaxe, or roasted pork shanks, on the menu I wasn’t entirely sure how it would be received. In Germany, and especially in Bavaria, this dish is a beloved classic—a hearty, satisfying meal that showcases the rich […]
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How did this homemade bratwurst become my legacy? When I first came to Philadelphia, I never imagined that bratwurst—one of the most traditional German sausages—would become such a defining part of my culinary identity in this city. Looking back, it’s clear that this humble sausage, with its rich history and bold flavors, has not only
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My authentic spaetzle recipe is something that has evolved over many years of cooking German food professionally. My relationship with spaetzle is one that spans decades, rooted deeply in my personal history and culinary evolution. It all started in the outskirts of Reading, Pennsylvania, at a place that holds a special place in my heart—the
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Bavarian Style Pretzels OUR AT-HOME QUEST to make the perfect Bavarian Laugenbrezel, or soft pretzel, which took place long before Brauhaus Schmitz opened, stretched out over the course of a year. Every Sunday, we would experiment with different recipes, never quite nailing the unmistakable balance—crusty outside, soft inside, both sweet and salty—that we desired. Finally,
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German-style potato pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, Reibekuchen, Reiberdatschi, Rievkooche, or Gruembeerpannekuche, are a beloved dish that holds a special place in German cuisine. Whatever you call them, these crispy and golden-brown pancakes are made from grated potatoes, onions, and a few simple ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Whether served
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German cucumber salad, or Gurkensalat, is another popular side dish that we served at the restaurants I’ve worked at. Everyone loves the sweet and tangy dressing and the bright flavor from the fresh dill. Crisp, tangy, and bursting with flavor, German cucumber salad is a beloved dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of German cuisine.
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German fried potatoes, known as Bratkartoffeln, are a beloved dish in German cuisine that go well with a variety of traditional German dishes. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with flavors from caramelized onions, bacon, and a touch of fresh chives. We served these without bacon at the
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Smoked Sausage Sauerkraut Fritters, a delightful variation of the classic sauerkraut fritters, combine the robust flavors of smoked sausage and bacon with tangy sauerkraut, creating a tantalizing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Inspired by German culinary heritage, these fritters offer a unique blend of textures and tastes, with crispy exteriors giving way to a
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Wurstsalat, or German bologna salad, is one of my favorite quick lunches and a dish I’ve enjoyed many times in Germany. It’s perfect on a warm summer day in a beer garden, preferably paired with a crisp lager, pils, or wheat beer. With its combination of hearty sausage, tangy vinegar, crisp pickled cucumbers, and zesty
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No Biergarten menu in Bavaria would be complete without Obatzda, a Bavarian Cheese Spread. This savory cheese spread, often enjoyed alongside a hearty pretzel and a cold pint of beer, embodies the essence of Bavarian Biergarten culture. It is one of my favorite appetizers in restaurants and beer gardens in Munich and Bavaria. I’ll admit
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