Frikadellen, a beloved staple of German home cooking, are flavorful meat patties made from a blend of ground beef and pork. Pan-fried to a golden brown, these patties are traditionally served on toasted bread with fresh chives, crisp radish slices, and a touch of mustard. Simple yet hearty, they make a satisfying dish for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic German flavor using classic ingredients
- Perfectly seasoned meat patties with a crisp exterior and juicy interior
- Quick to prepare—ideal for weeknight meals
- Balanced with fresh, sharp garnishes like radishes and chives
- Can be served as a main dish or appetizer
- Family-friendly and great for entertaining
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices or toppings
- Works well with a variety of sides, from salads to roasted potatoes
- Economical and uses accessible ingredients
- Great for meal prep or next-day sandwiches
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 4 slices bread, lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 6–8 radishes, thinly sliced
- Dijon mustard (for serving)
directions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about 2–3 inches wide.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until they are golden and cooked through.
- While the patties cook, toast the bread slices. Spread lightly with butter or olive oil and sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Once cooked, place each patty on a slice of toasted bread.
- Top with sliced radishes and a small dollop of Dijon mustard.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
Variations
- All-Beef Version: Omit the pork and use all ground beef for a leaner patty.
- Herb Mix: Add fresh parsley or marjoram for a more aromatic profile.
- Cheese-Stuffed: Insert a small cube of cheese in the center of each patty for a gooey surprise.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red chili flakes or hot mustard for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on gluten-free bread.
- Mini Frikadellen: Make smaller patties for serving as appetizers or finger food.
- Vegetable Add-In: Add grated carrot or zucchini to the mix for extra moisture and nutrition.
- Sauce Variation: Serve with creamy horseradish sauce or herb yogurt instead of mustard.
- Lettuce Wraps: Skip the bread and serve the patties in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Classic Side: Serve with German potato salad or sauerkraut for a traditional meal.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked patties between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave gently in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Frikadellen and meatballs?
Frikadellen are larger and flatter than typical meatballs and are pan-fried rather than baked or boiled.
Can I use only one type of meat?
Yes, but using both beef and pork gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Do I need to chill the mixture before shaping?
It’s not necessary, but chilling for 20 minutes can make the mixture easier to shape.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
What bread works best for serving?
Rustic sourdough, rye, or whole wheat bread hold up well and add texture and flavor.
How can I make them more moist?
Avoid overcooking and consider adding a spoonful of plain yogurt or grated onion to the mix.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild seasoning and soft texture make them very kid-friendly.
Can I serve these cold?
Yes, they taste great cold and can be used in sandwiches or lunchboxes.
What sides go well with Frikadellen?
Try potato salad, cucumber salad, sauerkraut, or roasted vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients for a larger batch, and cook in multiple rounds.
Conclusion
Frikadellen Meat Patties are a comforting and versatile dish that brings a taste of traditional German cuisine to your table. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, these patties are perfect for quick dinners, casual lunches, or gatherings. Served warm with crunchy radishes, tangy mustard, and fresh herbs, they offer a satisfying and authentic bite every time.
Frikadellen Meat Patties
These classic German frikadellen meat patties are perfectly seasoned and served with fresh chives, radishes, and a dollop of mustard for a savory, flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 4 slices bread, lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 6–8 radishes, thinly sliced
- Dijon mustard (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the patties are cooking, toast the bread slices and spread each one with butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Once the patties are cooked, place each one on a piece of toasted bread.
- Top each patty with a few slices of radish and a small dollop of Dijon mustard.
- Serve the frikadellen immediately, enjoying the savory combination of flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or mustard powder to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can serve the frikadellen with a side of salad instead of bread.
- These patties can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with bread
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg