Oktoberfest Sausage Platter (Wurstbrett)
Oktoberfest Sausage Platter (Wurstbrett), is a traditional Bavarian feast that celebrates Germany’s long-standing love affair with sausages, bread, beer, and convivial dining. At its heart, the platter features an assortment of regional sausages, each with its own history and preparation method. Classics include Bratwurst, a pork and veal sausage that traces back to Franconia in the Middle Ages, and Weißwurst, the pale, delicately seasoned “white sausage” of Munich, first created in 1857 and traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard and pretzels. Smoked varieties, such as Knackwurst or Landjäger, highlight the preservation techniques that sustained rural communities through long winters.
The accompaniments are equally rooted in tradition. Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage enriched with caraway or apple. It reflects centuries-old methods of preserving vegetables. German potato salad (Kartoffelsalat), often dressed warm with bacon and vinegar. It represents rustic peasant cooking that became a staple across central Europe. Pickles, radishes, and rye bread add freshness and balance. The Bavarian pretzel, distinct for its dark, chewy crust and soft interior, has been tied to monastic bakeries since at least the 12th century.
Mustard plays a central role in the platter’s identity. Favorites are sweet Bavarian mustard (Süßer Senf) originating in 19th-century Munich and grainy, spicier versions from Düsseldorf and beyond. Each type complements the sausages differently, encouraging diners to mix and match flavors.
HISTORY & ORIGINS
This type of spread embodies the spirit of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival. It was first held in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. Since then, Oktoberfest has evolved into a global celebration of Bavarian food, music, and beer culture. The Wurstbrett exemplifies its communal ethos: generous, hearty, and designed to be shared at long wooden tables. Served alongside steins of Märzen or Helles lager. It is more than a meal, it is a symbol of Bavarian heritage, hospitality, and festivity
Oktoberfest Sausage Platter (Wurstbrett)
Ingredients
Method
- Arrange on a Large Board or Platter:Place sausages in sections (whole and sliced).Fill bowls with mustards and tuck them among the sausages.Add piles of sauerkraut, potato salad, and pickles around the edges.Place pretzels/rolls in a basket nearby or directly on the board if space allows.
- Scatter fresh radishes and parsley around for a festive pop of color.