Traditional Bavarian Weißwürste and Pretzels
- Breakfast & Brunch, Germany
Looking for a taste of traditional Bavarian cuisine? This easy recipe for Bavarian Weißwürste and Pretzels brings the flavors of Germany straight to your table. Perfect for Oktoberfest celebrations or a hearty brunch, these Bavarian white sausages are best enjoyed with pretzels and Bavarian sweet mustard. Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest party or craving an authentic Weißwurstfrühstück, this dish is a must-try. Don’t worry if you’re short on time—using ready-made Weißwürste and pretzels makes this recipe both quick and delicious. Pair it with a cold Weissbier for the ultimate Bavarian experience!

Bayerische Weißwürste, or Bavarian white sausages, are a beloved culinary specialty from Bavaria, Germany. They were first created in the 19th century, traditionally made from minced veal, pork, and spices, and are known for their light color and delicate flavor. The dish reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage and is often associated with Bavarian hospitality.
How to Eat Weißwürste
(1) Do Not Eat the Skin: The casing of Weißwürste is not typically eaten. The traditional way to enjoy them is to remove the skin before eating the sausage.
(2) Zuzeln (Sucking the Sausage): The most traditional method is called “zuzeln,” where you cut off one end of the sausage, hold it with your fingers, and suck out the meat from the casing. This method is informal and more common at casual gatherings, particularly at Oktoberfest.
(3) Knife and Fork Method (More Polite): If you prefer a neater method or are at a more formal meal: Use a knife to make a shallow cut along the length of the sausage. Peel the skin away from the meat and eat the sausage with a fork. This is the more commonly practiced way in restaurants or social settings where etiquette is a bit more refined.
(4) Serve with Sweet Mustard: Weißwürste are traditionally served with süßer Senf (Bavarian sweet mustard). Dip each bite into the mustard for the authentic Bavarian experience. The sweet flavor complements the mild, savory taste of the sausage.
(5) Pretzels and Beer: They are typically enjoyed with a freshly baked pretzel (Brezn) and a tall glass of Weissbier (wheat beer). This pairing is a classic for Bavarian breakfasts or brunches, especially during Oktoberfest.
(6) Eat Before Noon: Traditionally, Weißwürste are eaten before noon, as they were historically made fresh and had no preservatives. While this isn’t strictly followed today, it’s still considered a custom in Bavaria. This ritual is part of the charm of enjoying a Weißwurstfrühstück (white sausage breakfast), making it as much about the experience as it is about the food!
Where to Buy Outside Germany:
For those living outside Germany, Bavarian white sausages can be found in specialty German or European markets. Some online retailers also offer authentic Weißwürste shipped internationally. Additionally, check local butchers who may carry imported goods or even make their own versions of these sausages.
Ingredients:
- 5 Bavarian white sausages
- 2-4 pretzels (from the bakery or frozen)
- Bavarian sweet mustard for serving

Directions:


(1) Heat the Sausages:
Place the Bavarian white sausages in a pot of lightly simmering water and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the water boil to prevent the sausages from bursting.
(2) Prepare the Pretzels:
If they are fresh from the bakery, they can be served immediately. If frozen, bake them in the oven according to the package instructions until golden brown and crispy.
(3) Serve:
Arrange the heated white sausages alongside the freshly prepared pretzels and Bavarian sweet mustard.



Some Recipe Tips:
Choosing the Right Sausages: Look for high-quality products from reputable brands or local butchers to ensure authentic flavor and texture. For those living outside Germany, Bavarian white sausages can be found in specialty German or European markets. Some online retailers also offer authentic Weißwürste shipped internationally. Additionally, check local butchers who may carry imported goods or even make their own versions of these sausages.
Cooking Temperature: When heating the Weißwürste, use lightly simmering water rather than boiling water to prevent the sausages from bursting. The ideal temperature is around 70-80 °C.
Do Not Eat the Skin: The casing of Weißwürste is not typically eaten. The traditional way to enjoy them is to remove the skin before eating the sausage.
Serve with Sweet Mustard: Weißwürste are traditionally served with Bavarian sweet mustard (Süßer Senf). Dip each bite into the mustard for the authentic Bavarian experience. The sweet flavor complements the mild, savory taste of the sausage.
Pretzels and Beer: They are typically enjoyed with a freshly baked pretzel (Brezn) and a tall glass of Weissbier (wheat beer). This pairing is a classic for Bavarian breakfasts or brunches, especially during Oktoberfest.

Traditional Bavarian Weißwürste and Pretzels
Course: Breakfast & BrunchCuisine: GermanyDifficulty: Easy1 - 2
servings15-20
minutesLooking for a taste of traditional Bavarian cuisine? This easy recipe for Bavarian Weißwürste and Pretzels brings the flavors of Germany straight to your table. Perfect for Oktoberfest celebrations or a hearty brunch, these Bavarian white sausages are best enjoyed with pretzels and Bavarian sweet mustard. Whether you're hosting an Oktoberfest party or craving an authentic Weißwurstfrühstück, this dish is a must-try. Don’t worry if you’re short on time—using ready-made Weißwürste and pretzels makes this recipe both quick and delicious. Pair it with a cold Weissbier for the ultimate Bavarian experience!
Ingredients
5 Bavarian white sausages
2-4 pretzels (from the bakery or frozen)
Bavarian sweet mustard for serving
Directions
Heat the Sausages:
Place the Bavarian white sausages in a pot of lightly simmering water and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the water boil to prevent the sausages from bursting.
Prepare the Pretzels:
If they are fresh from the bakery, they can be served immediately. If frozen, bake them in the oven according to the package instructions until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Arrange the heated white sausages alongside the freshly prepared pretzels and Bavarian sweet mustard.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Sausages: Look for high-quality products from reputable brands or local butchers to ensure authentic flavor and texture. For those living outside Germany, Bavarian white sausages can be found in specialty German or European markets. Some online retailers also offer authentic Weißwürste shipped internationally. Additionally, check local butchers who may carry imported goods or even make their own versions of these sausages.
- Cooking Temperature: When heating the Weißwürste, use lightly simmering water rather than boiling water to prevent the sausages from bursting. The ideal temperature is around 70-80 °C.
- Do Not Eat the Skin: The casing of Weißwürste is not typically eaten. The traditional way to enjoy them is to remove the skin before eating the sausage.
- Serve with Sweet Mustard: Weißwürste are traditionally served with Bavarian sweet mustard (Süßer Senf). Dip each bite into the mustard for the authentic Bavarian experience. The sweet flavor complements the mild, savory taste of the sausage.
- Pretzels and Beer: They are typically enjoyed with a freshly baked pretzel (Brezn) and a tall glass of Weissbier (wheat beer). This pairing is a classic for Bavarian breakfasts or brunches, especially during Oktoberfest.