Oktoberfest Eats: Munich Weisswurst
It’s the end of day two at Oktoberfest in Munich and there are sure to be more than a few people desiring a recovery breakfast in the morning. Whether you’re at the actually Oktoberfest or recovering from a domestic celebration, I recommend a traditional Munich breakfast that always got me back on my feet…Weisswurst, Brezn (pretzels), and Bier. For those of you unfamiliar with Weisswurst it’s a sausage made from veal and pork, combined with parsley and other spices. It’s served with Suesser Senf (sweet Bavarian mustard) which enhances the sausage’s subtle flavors. The overall combination produces one tasty meal that always seems to make the world a better place.
But whether you require Weisswurst to get you back on your feet or just want a simple satisfying Bavarian breakfast, there are few important things to know about preparing and eating this wonderously delicious white sausage.
1) Never grill Weisswurst. Weisswurst is meant to be boiled in hot water for around 10 minutes (do not allow the casing to crack or split). Shame on all those so called “German” restaurants in America that serve this sausage grilled.
2) Weisswurst is only to be served with Suesser Senf…period.
3) There is an art to removing the sausage meat from the casing and when in Munich be prepared to be mocked if you can’t handle this “complicated” task.
- Make an incision at one end of the sausage.
- Continue the incision down along the spine to the opposite end of the sausage.
- If you’ve got the skills use a fork and knife, otherwise use your hands to gently pull the casing off the sausage.
- Yes that was simple, but one mustn’t commit cultural faux pas.
- Slice and enjoy with Suesser Senf, pretzels, and of course your German beer of choice (traditionally a Weiss Bier).
Wondering where you can pick up some Weisswurst? Try your local German Deli or your can order from Stiglmeier online.
Also be on the look out this week for….a few Bavarian food recipes and Oktoberfest bier reviews (finally!).
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I love homemade pretzels! I made them ages ago as one of my first recipes on my blog and they were so fun to make.
And definitely enjoyed with a good German beer!
I haven’t tried one of this yet only bratwursts. Thats looks like a healthy version of a sausage as it was boiled.
If you can find them, they are worth a try!
Very interesting sausage. Can’t say that I’ve ever run across that particular variety but now I know I will NOT grill it should it show up in my fridge. . Thanks for the tips. Where’s the gorgeous pretzel recipe? C’mon? I’m here for the carbs.
LOL…I’m working on it!
I know o a good German butcher and have had many of their homemade wurst. Haven’t tried this one – yet. Thanks for the heads-up!
You got it. If you try it with the mustard you won’t be disappointed.
Love those pretzels/carbs! New to the sausage…may have to give that a try.
Best mustard ever. Seriously, my sister was over in Germany and we had her mail us some back. Love that stuff. Great post.
I concur…best mustard ever period.
Great post and happy memories of being at Oktoberfest once when I was working in Munich. Such fun, the music, the beer, the pretzels and everyone dressed up!
Thanks and I too love being in Munich for all the fests. The city is my home away from home.
Hmm, what makes the sausage so white? I’ll have to see if I can find them somewhere, not sure I have ever seen them. Again, I love these food and beer posts!
The sausages are white due to the type of meat ingredients used, the casing, and that they are “fresh” sausages not aged. Before preservatives, the sausages actually had to be eaten in the morning hours and thus it became a breakfast dish.
In the DC area you can find Weisswurst at:
http://www.germangourmet.com/default.asp (Arlington)
http://www.cafemozartgermandeli.com (DC)
http://www.heidelbergbakery.com/ (Arlington)
Cool, thanks, I’ll have to try that next time i’m in DC (I’m in Richmond). I love sausage for the morning.