So what is Oktoberfest?

A royal wedding in Germany in the year 1810 began the 16-day long festival of Oktoberfest that is now celebrated worldwide but most notably in Munich, Germany. According to Ofest.com, "Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event."

To celebrate this marriage, an array of events commenced including horse races and elaborate feasts. In the year 1811, citizens requested to continue the horse racing and from that decision a tradition was born.The Munich Oktoberfest can now be considered an amusement park grounds where carousels, roller coasters and even beer stands are presents.

Around the world, Oktoberfest is just an excuse to celebrate German and Bavarian culture. Oktoberfest even has its own style of beer that is made worldwide seasonally for this holiday. So drink a beer, eat a spaetzle dumpling or a great juicy bratwurst. Recipe4Living can help!

To find out more about Oktoberfest, visit the official website of Munich's Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Recipes

Below is a collection of appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts to serve at your Oktoberfest celebration. As for what to drink: BEER! Oktoberfest beer to be exact. Here is a list of Top Oktoberfest style beers.

Oktoberfest Appetizer Recipes

The Dutchman - This German sausage recipe makes a flavorful dip or spread for any appetizer. Very meaty.

Bierocks - Bierocks are meat-filled pastries originating in Eastern Europe and will work as a snack or full meal.

Wilted Cabbage Salad with Bacon - This is also called a French cabbage salad. It is a wonderful way to serve cabbage. Skip the garlic, use cider vinegar, and it becomes a German cabbage salad. Add some sour cream and it becomes a Danish cabbage salad.

Pickled Knackwurst - I serve this pickled knackwurst as an appetizer with a tray of veggies and crackers and cheese. Men really like this dish.

German Soft Pretzels - This is a fun recipe to make with kids or for company. It's a nice change for a snack around the house, especially because you can freeze and reheat them!

Oktoberfest Main Course Recipes

Easy Apple Kielbasa Crockpot Dish -  This is a great one pot dish that can be made for a crowd or family the night before. It's a great way to use apples when they're so plentiful in the fall!

Beef Stroganoff -This is a very filling meal that feeds a bunch when you're stretching your dollars!

Schnitzel Paniert -  A classic German dish that is breaded and fried. Delicious on its own or on a sandwich. Feel free to substitute chicken if you like.

Ritter's Inn Sauerbraten and Dumplings - Who would of thought sirloin tip roast and gingerbread cookies would go so well together in one dish.

Pork Chops and Cabbage - This German dish features red cabbage and some unexpected touches like fresh, sliced pears.

Oktoberfest Side Dish Recipes

Holly's German Spaetzle Dumplings - This is a special recipe I make for my family. This is a recipe that has been in my family for many years.

German Potato Salad with Beer Dressing - Just so you know, this makes for a lot of potato salad - cut the recipe if you are not cooking for a large barbecue picnic.

German Bread - This is a fabulous and easy to follow recipe for the best German bread.

German Creamed Spinach -  The homemade cream sauce that goes over the spinach is better than anything you could buy at the store - put in the extra effort.

German Sweet and Sour Green Beans - Bacon and onions add smoky flavor to these veggies – a great side dish!

Oktoberfest Desserts

Plum Kuchen - This is a sturdy crust that will stand up under the juice that plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines are bound to release. 

German Chocolate Bars - These rich double-chocolate bars with coconut-pecan frosting will make you say "Wow"!

German Butter Cake - This is a very bready cake because it is made with yeast and rises for a few hours before baking.

Black Fruit Cake - This recipe has been passed down through four generations of women in our family.

Easy Apple Kuchen - Kuchen is the German work for cake. This one features cinnamon-sugar and coconut with the baked apples.

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Invite Your Friends To Raise A Glass and Celebrate Oktoberfest

Sources:
http://www.ofest.com/
http://beeradvocate.com/