Pleasingly, German soup recipes often take a backseat in the vast culinary landscape of Germany, overshadowed by more iconic dishes like sausages, schnitzel, and beer.
Nevertheless, I’ve made it my mission to compile a comprehensive list of 15 mouth-watering German soups that showcase the diversity of this often-overlooked cuisine. Interestingly, despite its brevity, this collection boasts an impressive range of flavors, textures, and ingredients.
German Potato Soup With Sausage
Underneath its seemingly simple appearance, this soup packs a punch with generous portions of hearty meat and potatoes that more than make up for the thin broth. Unlike other soups, it requires less than an hour to prepare and brings together a medley of ingredients such as thick, juicy brats (or any German sausage), chunks of waxy potatoes, onions, celery, cabbage, bay leaves, and more.
Its incredible filling properties make it the perfect option for cold winter nights, while its surprisingly rich flavor and aromatic scent will leave you eager to take another bite. You’ll find yourself enjoying the anticipation of smelling it almost as much as the satisfaction of eating it.
Buttermilchsuppe
Taking a look at traditional German cuisine, Buttermilchsuppe stands out as a beloved soup among locals and visitors alike. Typically characterized by its rich, creamy texture, this dish skillfully balances the depth of flavors from onions, chives, and bacon with the tanginess provided by lemon juice and buttermilk. Unlike other soups that often contain large chunks of ingredients, Buttermilchsuppe’s consistency makes it easy to enjoy either by drinking or eating it straight from a spoon.
Nonetheless, I find myself indulging in this deliciousness by dipping thick slices of dark bread into its velvety goodness.
German Crepe Soup
Wrapped in a delicate balance of flavors, this soup is a masterclass in simplicity. With only nine ingredients required to create it, you’ll be pleased with its ease of preparation. Whether you choose vegetable or beef broth, the option is flexible and allows for a naturally vegetarian-friendly alternative. At its core, the recipe consists of a combination of broth and seasonings, complemented by thin strips of crepes or pancakes that add texture and depth to each spoonful.
Despite its unconventional composition, this soup has proven to be surprisingly good and worth trying.
Beer Soup
Brewing up a pot of beer soup is surprisingly easy, requiring minimal effort to create a rich and creamy dish in under an hour. The combination of spiced beer and broth provides a deep flavor profile that’s both soothing and satisfying. Brown sugar and crème fraiche add a touch of sweetness, while the crispy ham and cheese gougères on top take it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Whether you enjoy this German-inspired favorite hot for dinner or cold the next day served over bread with breakfast, its versatility is part of its charm.
German Beer Cheese Soup
Essentially, this recipe is an elevated version of traditional beer soup, incorporating three cups of sharp cheddar cheese and several additional elements to create a richer, more complex flavor profile. The end result is a creamy, cheesy soup that still maintains the underlying essence of traditional beer flavor. While some may prefer the classic simplicity of regular beer soup, others will appreciate the bold twist offered by this version.
Ultimately, I recommend trying both recipes and deciding for yourself which one you enjoy most.
German Wedding Soup
Keeping in mind that German wedding soup, or hochzeitssuppe, requires a decent amount of ingredients, it’s not an understatement to say it takes some effort to prepare. Nevertheless, its rich flavors and hearty texture make every minute worthwhile. Richly flavored with fresh vegetables, homemade noodles, and plump meatballs crafted from sausage, ground beef, and breadcrumbs, this soup is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser.
As a traditional dish often served at weddings and anniversary celebrations, it also proves to be an excellent choice for cozying up on chilly evenings.
Oma’s Matzo Ball Soup
Offering a taste of Jewish cultural heritage, matzo ball soup has gained popularity among non-Jewish residents in Germany as well. This comforting dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring fewer than ten ingredients and less than an hour of cooking time. The flavorful broth and thick, doughy matzo balls create a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
Imagine savoring chicken broth infused with the rich taste of matzo, only instead of crumbling crackers, you get big, soft balls floating on top of the soup.
Bavarian Bread Soup
Among the many delicious recipes that are not keto-friendly is a thick, creamy soup that stands out for its rich flavor profile. Aromas of caramelized onions, tender beef, pungent garlic, and warm nutmeg mingle together with the savory taste of butter to create an incredibly mouthwatering experience. Adding to the appeal of this indulgent soup are the crunchy toppings made from bread, chives, and other ingredients that add texture and a burst of flavor.
Fortunately, crackers or bread are not necessary as they have already been incorporated into the recipe.
German Lentil Soup
Enjoying a hearty and comforting bowl of soup that’s packed with an assortment of chunky ingredients can be a true delight. Specifically, German lentil soup is a clear winner among many enthusiasts, and for good reason. This delectable dish is comprised of a medley of flavors and textures, featuring lentils as the star ingredient, accompanied by savory bacon, sautéed onions, carrots, celeriac, leeks, and potatoes.
While it may require some time to prepare and cook – approximately one hour in total – the end result is well worth the effort. With generous servings that are sure to fill even the largest of appetites, you can expect plenty of leftovers to enjoy for a second meal the following day.
German Cabbage Soup
Evidently, determining whether German cabbage soup is to your taste can be straightforward: If you enjoy fried cabbage, it’s likely you’ll adore its creamy and slightly sweet rendition. Conversely, if the thought of fried cabbage doesn’t excite you, it may not be worth exploring further. Nevertheless, other ingredients are present in the soup, such as a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, which complement the star ingredient – the cabbage – perfectly.
As a result, if you’re a fan of cabbage in any form, you’ll likely want to save this recipe for future reference.
German Borscht
Characterized by its unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, German borscht is a hearty and flavorful soup that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The addition of ham hock gives it a rich and meaty depth, while the abundance of spices adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish. When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless – you can choose from sour cream and scallions, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, or regular cream to add a touch of luxury to your meal.
Ultimately, German borscht is perfect for those who enjoy vegetable soup and aren’t opposed to a bit of meat in their meals.
German Goulash Soup
Carefully crafting German goulash soup is a labor of love that requires about 2 hours to complete, incorporating an array of delectable ingredients such as tender stewing beef, sautéed onions, diced potatoes, carrots, peppers, and minced garlic. However, what truly sets this dish apart from a simple beef and vegetable soup is the precise balance of spices. Without it, the flavors would be dull and uninspired.
In contrast, you’ll add sweet Hungarian paprika powder, marjoram (or sage), fresh parsley, bay leaves, sugar, and other seasonings to create an intricate spice mixture that elevates the soup to new heights of flavor. This harmonious blend gives the soup a rich depth and complexity that’s nothing short of exceptional, accompanied by just the right amount of heat that adds a thrilling dimension to each spoonful.
German Sauerkraut Soup
Omitting the strong flavors of cabbage soup for a moment, if you want to truly experience German cuisine, you should try making or ordering German sauerkraut soup at least once. Even those who don’t typically enjoy sauerkraut might find themselves surprisingly satisfied with it. One of the main reasons why this soup stands out from other similar dishes is its richer flavor profile compared to a simple cabbage-based broth.
A range of ingredients, including bacon, caramelized onions, tomato paste, garlic, and various herbs and spices, all work together to create a complex taste experience that balances out the tanginess of the sauerkraut. What’s more, the subtle presence of sauerkraut allows its distinctive flavor to shine through without overpowering the other ingredients.
Oma’s Beef Noodle Soup
Keeping comfort food traditions alive is a great way to introduce yourself to new German recipes without feeling overwhelmed. One such recipe that perfectly balances familiarity with new flavors is Oma’s beef noodle soup. The rich and satisfying dish features generous portions of over two pounds of slow-cooked roast beef, tender chunks of carrots, celery, and onions, paired with egg noodles (or your preferred type of soup-ready pasta).
This hearty, healthy, and deliciously flavorful soup is remarkably close to the classic beef and vegetable soups you’d find in a Campbell’s can, but its taste is unmistakably superior.
German Onion Soup
Packed with a generous helping of caramelized onions, German brats, beer, and scrumptious croutons made from pretzel rolls, German onion soup takes its rightful place as the most exceptional onion soup. Not only do fans of onion-based soups (French onion, four onion, kielbasa onion, etc.) adore this soup, but those looking for a new twist on an old favorite will also be impressed.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
