German Bread Dumplings
German bread dumplings are soft, hearty, and comforting, made with bread, egg, and milk, perfect as a side dish or main for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together the egg and milk in a bowl.
- Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gradually stir in just enough flour until the mixture sticks together.
- Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and form into balls.
- Gently drop the dumplings into boiling water.
- Simmer until the dumplings rise to the top, about 10 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon, drain, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old bread to achieve the right texture. If you don't have soft bread, slightly stale bread can work well too. Adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture of the bread; the mixture should be sticky but not overly wet. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or nutmeg. This recipe pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Soup With Dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings hot, drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with fresh herbs. They make a great side dish for rich meats or pair well with sautéed mushrooms and onions. For a complete meal, accompany with a green salad or a hearty stew. They also complement dishes like Polish Pierogi Dumplings With Fillings beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer in water for a few minutes until warmed through, or place in a steamer. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Bread Dumplings contains roughly 565 calories, with 12g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1222mg per serving (53% 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 make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before boiling. Just ensure they are covered to prevent drying out.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Soft white bread or brioche works best, but you can also use whole wheat or sourdough for a different flavor. Just ensure the bread is not too crusty, as this will affect the dumpling texture.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, boil directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).