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5.0 from 147 votes

Traditional Frikadellen (German Meatballs)

Delicious hot or cold, can be made in advance and freeze well, these deliciously seasoned meat patties are massively popular in Germany and Denmark!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 483 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German , Danish

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound ground beef , 80% recommended for moist Frikadellen; no leaner than 92%
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion , very finely chopped
  • 2 lices slightly stale white bread (about 2 oz or 50 g) (can also use fresh croutons and let them sit out a day); For gluten free use GF bread
  • 1/4 cup warm water or milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Break the bread up into small pieces, place them in a small bowl and pour water/milk over them and let them soak for 15 minutes while you're preparing the other ingredients. Squeeze out any excess liquid.
  2. Heat some oil or butter in a frying and saute the onions until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Place all of the ingredients (except for the olive oil and butter) in a large bowl along with the onion mixture and the soaked bread. Use your hands to thoroughly knead the mixture until well blended and the meat is smooth. The more you knead it, the better the results. Form the meat mixture into balls according to desired size and slightly flatten them. Cover and chill the patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Heat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan. Once hot add the Frikadellen / Frikadeller and fry on both sides on higher heat until nicely browned, then lower the heat and continue to fry over medium heat until cooked through according to desired doneness. Traditionally served with potato salad or a crusty bread roll slathered with mustard. See blog post for other serving ideas.

Notes

  • Advance Preparation:  You can make the meat mixture at least one full day in advance.  In fact we recommend it because the flavor only gets better.  Cover and refrigerate the meat mixture and then make and fry the patties when you're ready to use them.  Or you can also form the patties in advance and keep them covered and chilled until ready to use.  
  • Freezing the Frikadellen:  They freeze really and will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.  Wrap and store in ziplock freezer bags or airtight containers.  Simply thaw and reheat in the microwave, pan or oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories 483kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 10g (3%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 141mg (47%) Sodium 987mg (41%) Potassium 422mg (12%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 726IU (15%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 70mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 483

% Daily Value*

Calories 483kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 141mg 47%
Sodium 987mg 41%
Potassium 422mg 9%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 726IU 15%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 70mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.