Bavarian Bread Dumplings(Great With Sauerbraten)
Bavarian Bread Dumplings are hearty, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish with Sauerbraten, featuring soaked bread, bacon, onions, and herbs for a comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bread into small pieces and put in a bowl, then sprinkle with salt.
- Pour lukewarm milk over the bread and soak for about 1 hour.
- Pour off any excess milk, if there is any.
- In a skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon and cook until softened.
- Mix the soaked bread with bacon, onions, minced parsley, marjoram, and eggs.
- Add bread crumbs if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Form the mixture into dumplings and cook in boiling water until they rise to the surface and are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using day-old artisan bread instead of regular stale bread. If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for depth. Make sure to allow the bread to soak thoroughly in the milk for the best texture. Adjust the amount of bread crumbs based on how wet your mixture is; it should hold together but not be dry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bavarian bread dumplings alongside Sauerbraten for a traditional pairing that complements the rich flavors of the meat. They also work well with a light gravy or a fresh herb sauce. For an added touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with sautéed green beans or a mixed salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer them in broth or water until warmed through, which helps maintain their moisture. You can also pan-fry them for a crispy exterior, adding a delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bavarian Bread Dumplings(Great With Sauerbraten) contains roughly 1325 calories, with 29g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), and calcium (150% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1673mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Shape them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, boil them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Stale bread is key for this recipe; any crusty bread like sourdough or French bread works well. Avoid using soft sandwich bread as it may result in a mushy texture. The bread should be dry enough to soak up the milk without disintegrating.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
The dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also cut one open to ensure it's cooked through; it should be moist but not soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).