German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (2024)

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (1)Helene Dsouza

Kartoffelnknödel, or so-called Erdäpfelknödel or Kartoffelklösse, are Potato Dumplings. Classic soft German potato dumplings prepared with homemade potato dough. You serve them up the same way as the Semmelknödel, with Sausages, Sauerkraut or with any other pork cuts.

Total Time: 27 minutes minutes

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

10 dumplings

4.9 from 13 votes

VIDEO RECIPE

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (2)

German Potato Dumplings are a wonderful side dish idea. It's mostly served with delicious meals such as Sauerkraut and Sausage, Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage.

Potato Dumplings, aka Kartoffelknödel in German, are easy to prepare.

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German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (4)

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Jump to:
  • 📕 What are German PotatoDumplings?
  • 👄 German Names
  • 🥔 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How to make them?
  • 💡 Tips
  • 🍱 Storing
  • 🍴 Serving
  • 💭 FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

📕 What are German PotatoDumplings?

The German Potato Dumplings are common round dumplings prepared with potato dough.

The dumplings are served as a savory side dish in all the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Neighboring countries and former countries from the empire, such as the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (North Italy) and Slovenia, count these potato dumplings as their traditional food.

Potato Gnocchi from Italy resembles the German Potato Dumplings.

In fact, potato dough is quite a popular dough variety in Central Europe and other dumplings and noodles are prepared with this dough as well.

👄 German Names

Potato Dumplings are known as Kartoffelknödel or Kartoffelkloß in most parts of Germany.

InAustrian, we call the Erdäpfelknödel, in Bavaria the potato dumplings are known as Reibeknödel.

The word for dumpling in German is "Knödel/Knoedel or Kloß/Kloss".

In North Germany, they will say Kloß and in the southern regions Knödel.

The Potato is known as Kartoffel in German.

In Austria and Bavaria, potatoes are called Erdäpfel (literal translation, Earth apple).

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (5)

🥔 Ingredients

Here is an overview of what you will need to make these from scratch at home. The detailed US and metric measurements are located in the printable recipe card further below.

  • Potatoes - A mealy, easy to boil, variety. They shouldn't be too hard. Russet potatoes are a great choice!
  • All-purpose Flour
  • Corn Starch - If you don't have corn starch, use just all-purpose flour. Corn starch helps to bind and makes them a bit softer.
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg - Important flavor giver, don't skip adding a pinch!
  • Egg - Also helps to keep your dumplings together when boiling them and adds flavor.
  • Butter (optional) - Adds flavorful but not a must.

🔪 How to make them?

To prepare the potato dumplings, you will need to follow simple steps.

Step 1

Mash boiled potatoes.

Place mashed potatoes with flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and egg into a bowl.

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (6)

Step 2

Combine to a smooth dough.

Shape into balls.

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (7)

Step 3

Keep a pot with salt water to boil.

Drop dumpling balls into the boiling water.

Boil until they swim on top. Strain and serve up.

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (8)

💡 Tips

We learned to make these dumplings in school (I went to school in Austria) and the teacher shared some tips with us.

  • Prepare the dough with hot potatoes, it will blender better.
  • Don't over mix your potato dough or else your dumplings will turn out stone hard.
  • Always use salt water to boil. They just turn out better.
  • Shape them while the water is boiling, and drop them into the water. Don't leave them to sit for all too long on your kitchen counter.
  • You want your water to boil lightly, not too much. Too much movement can damage your dumplings.
  • After dropping the dumplings into the water, check if they are not sticking to the bottom of your pot. Loosen them up with a cooking spoon.
  • When you see them floating to the surface, leave them there for another minute or so before you take them out. That's to make sure they are properly cooked through.
  • Don't overcrowd your pan.

🍱 Storing

If you plan on eating the potato dumplings within 48 hours, prepare the dough and store it in the fridge until you get time to boil and eat them.

I think the dumplings taste better when freshly boiled.

You can boil the potato dumplings and keep them in the fridge, but then they tend to get chewy and hard.

To reheat, place them into the oven and gradually heat up for a few minutes.

To store the German potato dumplings over a longer period of time, freeze them.

Prepare the dough, form the dumplings, cook them and then wrap them in a clean wrap.

Freeze the potato dumplings.

To take the frozen dumplings out, defrost them in room temperaturewater and cook them again so that they get hot.

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (9)

🍴 Serving

The savory potato dumplings are usually served with saucy/gravy-rich meat meals, such as Beef Goulash.

Also, fall-themed meals such as a venison dish as served with these potato dumplings. Here are some more ideas.

  • Jägerschnitzel with Chanterelle Mushrooms
  • Sauerkraut and Sausage
  • German cabbage slaw

💭 FAQs

Can I skip adding the egg to make it eggless or vegan?

No, you can't skip adding the egg to this recipe. The egg helps in keeping your dumplings together.

Why don't you use and add potato starch instead of all-purpose flour and corn starch?

Because you don't get potato starch everywhere, and I personally never have it in my pantry. Why buy an ingredient for just one recipe, right? But you are, of course, free to switch the all-purpose + corn starch with potato starch in this recipe. Potato starch would be a more suitable choice, but it's not the only choice.

Can I fill my dumplings?

Yes, there is a Bavarian variation where they add 2-3 bread croutons as a filling. It adds a crunch to the dumpling center. Flatten a dumpling ball in your hand into a circle and place 2-3 croutons into the center. Wrap the potato dough around the croutons to close the dumplings and boil as directed in the recipe. You can also fill your potato dumplings with chopped bacon or ground beef (or corned beef) or chopped sautéd mushrooms.

Why do dumplings fall apart?

They can fall apart if you didn't measure your ingredients (sorry, but cups won't do it) or if you skipped adding an egg. When shaping them, make sure that they are pressed and rolled into a round ball. The dumplings need to be added to boiling water, never cold water, and the water shouldn't be bubbling too much because that's how the dumplings can fall apart with the movement.

Why are my dumplings rubbery or hard?

Potato dumplings will get rubbery and hard when boiled for too long. Also, overworking your dough can result in hard and chewy dumplings. If you measure and add too much flour, your dumplings can turn harder, too. Choose easy cook-through mealy potatoes, instead of hard potato varieties.

Dear Reader, how and with what are you planning to serve the potato dumplings?

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German Potato Dumplings Recipe

Kartoffelnknödel, or so-called Erdäpfelknödel or Kartoffelklösse, are Potato Dumplings. Classic soft German potato dumplings prepared with homemade potato dough. You serve them up the same way as the Semmelknödel, with Sausages, Sauerkraut or with any other pork cuts.

4.85 from 13 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: German

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 dumplings

Calories: 95kcal

Recipe by: Helene Dsouza

Ingredients

  • 10.6 Ounces Potato boiled, about 3 potatoes
  • 1 Cup All-purpose Flour + some more flour to shape dumplings
  • Cup Corn Starch
  • Pinch Salt
  • Pinch Nutmeg
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tablespoon Butter melted, optional *See Notes

US - Metric

Instructions

  • Boil potatoes and peel.

    10.6 Ounces Potato

  • Place your peeled boiled potatoes in a bowl. Mash them.

  • Add the all-purpose flour and corn starch to the potato mash. Season with a pinch of salt and finely grated nutmeg.

    1 Cup All-purpose Flour, ⅓ Cup Corn Starch, Pinch Salt, Pinch Nutmeg

  • Mix everything together.

  • Make a slight well in the center and drop the egg into it. Add the butter too if you want your dumplings to turn out more smooth.

    1 Egg, 1 Tablespoon Butter

  • Mix the potato dough ingredients and start to create a dough by forming it gradually. The end result should be a smooth dough. Do not over work your potato dough or else it will turn out hard!

  • Keep a pot with salt water to boil.

  • Now shape your dumplings by taking some from the dough and rolling it into a round form. It helps to roll the dumplings out with flour because they can get sticky. Use up all the dough.

  • Once the water is cooking, drop your dumplings into the water. Make sure that they don't stick on the bottom of the pot. Gently move them. Also, the water shouldn't bubble too wild or else the dumplings may fall apart.

  • Leave the dumplings cook uncovered until they swim to the top.

  • Allow them to swim to the surface, watch them for a minute max and take them out with a slotted spoon.

  • Strain and serve up.

Notes

  1. You may or may not add butter. This is up to you. I think the dumplings turn out more smooth with the butter, but if you want to cut on fats, then you can skip the Tbs.
  2. The corn starch makes the dumplings more elastic and maybe a bit lighter. You can choose to skip the corn starch and use simply all-purpose flour only instead.
  3. Do not skip the nutmeg. You need the nutmeg in the dumplings for flavor.
  4. Calorie per serving is for one dumpling.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

German Potato Dumplings Recipe

Amount Per Serving (90 g)

Calories 95Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Cholesterol 19mg6%

Sodium 19mg1%

Potassium 143mg4%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 1g4%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 60IU1%

Vitamin C 3.5mg4%

Calcium 13mg1%

Iron 1.7mg9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

German Potato Dumplings Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

What is a German dumpling made of? ›

German potato dumplings, also known as kartoffelklöße or kartoffelknödel, are unique spheres of seasoned potatoes and starch. There are many ways to make classic German potato dumplings, including some using all or part raw potatoes, some using wheat flour, and some using part wheat flour and part starch.

Why do my potato dumplings fall apart? ›

The most common reason for dumplings falling apart is that the water boils too much. It's best to bring the water to a boil and then turn down the heat to a simmer. The dumplings should only be cooked and not overcooked. Another reason potato dumplings fall apart is that not enough potato flour, or starch, was used.

Where do German potato dumplings come from? ›

Following the introduction of the potato to Europe, the German “kartoffel klöße,” or potato dumpling, emerged in northern Germany13.

Which flour is best for dumplings? ›

These dumplings start with all-purpose flour, which creates structure and holds the other ingredients together. Baking powder is a leavening agent, which means it releases gas that makes the dough expand. It's responsible for the dumplings' light and fluffy texture.

Why are my dumplings hard and not fluffy? ›

Using too much flour: If you use too much flour in your dumpling dough, the dumplings will be dense and tough. Be sure to measure the flour carefully and follow the recipe closely. Using the wrong type of flour: Different types of flour have different protein levels, which can affect the texture of the dumplings.

Why are my potato dumplings so dense? ›

Many factors affect dumplings' final density. Too much potato can prevent dumplings from holding together. Too much flour can result in dry dough and tough dumplings. To see whether you need to adjust the consistency, shape and cook a single test dumpling before shaping and boiling the full batch.

What are the 3 components of dumplings? ›

What are dumplings made of? The dumpling dough is made of three main ingredients: flour, water and salt. But which flour you use depends on which dumpling you want to make.

What is the German national dish? ›

Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.

Do you cook dumplings with lid on or lid off? ›

Once your water is boiling, let your dumplings cook in the steam for about ten minutes. Don't remove the lid as letting the steam escape will disrupt the cooking process and result in undercooked dumplings, so keep that lid on!

Are potato dumplings done when they float? ›

Once water reaches a rolling boil, gently add each dumpling and continue to boil until the dumplings float. Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon or strainer spoon and place in serving dish. Best served hot with gravy or sauerkraut. Dumplings also make one of the best leftover breakfast items ever!

What is a substitute for potato starch in dumplings? ›

9 Great Substitutes for Potato Starch
  1. Cornstarch. Often used as a thickener, an anticaking agent, and a gluten-free baking staple, cornstarch is one of the best substitutes for potato starch when you're in a pinch. ...
  2. Tapioca starch. ...
  3. Arrowroot powder. ...
  4. Rice flour. ...
  5. Mochiko flour. ...
  6. Wheat flour. ...
  7. Potato flour. ...
  8. Coconut flour.
Mar 25, 2022

What are the different types of German dumplings? ›

There are many types of dumplings in Germany, such as: Dampfnudeln, Germknödel, Grießklöße/ Grießknödel, Semmelknödel, Kartoffelknödel/Kartoffelklöße, Königsberger Klopse, Leberknödel, Zwetschgenknödel and Topfenknödel/Quarkknödel.

Are potato dumplings the same as gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta, but it is (in most cases) made using potatoes. Since it is not hollow or thinly shaped, is also a dumpling. Gnocchi is boiled, just like pasta and potato dumplings. While it is usually served like a pasta, gnocchi is also at-home in recipes that call for dumplings.

What is a type of Austrian or German dumpling? ›

Germknödel ([ˈɡɛɐ̯mˌknøːdl̩] in Austrian German) is a fluffy yeast dough dumpling (knödel), filled with spiced plum jam and served with melted butter and a mix of poppy seeds and sugar on top. It is occasionally – even though less traditional – served with vanilla cream sauce instead.

How to make dumplings more juicy? ›

Hand-mincing meat and adding more pork belly results in the juiciest dumplings. Traditionally, some Chinese cuisine uses hand minced meat for their dishes. For example, lots of dim sum items like siu mai, pork buns, beef meatball, and more use hand minced meat to control the texture and fat content of the dish!

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