One of the most famous German side dishes are bread dumplings. They are easy to make and are a wonderful opportunity to make use out of rolls that are not soft enough anymore. Bread dumplings are the perfect side dish to Sauerbraten, goulash, Rouladen and all kinds of saucy dishes. Try out some of our traditional German food recipes.
How are Bread Dumplings called in German?
Bread dumplings are called "Semmelknödel".
How to pronounce "Semmelknödel"?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Semmelknödel" in German.
How to make German Bread Dumplings Video Tutorial
Authentic German Bread Dumpling Recipe
Recipe
German Bread Dumplings
Ingredients
- 14 rolls
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch parsley
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 2 cups milk
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ tbsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cut rolls and onions into small cubes and add to a large bowl.
- Chop the parsley.
- Melt butter in the pan, add onions and fry until translucent.
- Add parsley and fry with the onions for one minute.
- Shut off the heat and add the milk to the pan.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and mix well.
- Add the eggs to a bowl and beat lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and mix well.
- Allow to rest for about 10 -15 min.
- Knead the mixture well for a couple of minutes.
- Add the bread crumbs and knead for another couple of minutes.
- Wet hands with a bit of cold water and form tennis ball sized balls.
- Bring water to a simmer and add salt.
- Lower the dumplings into the water with a slotted spoon or strainer and let simmer for about 15 to 20 min.
- Remove the dumplings from the pot and serve hot.
Nutrition
Yield: 1grams
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Markel says
Such a great recipe! My entire family loves these dumplings and they never last long. Thank you for sharing this yummy combination!
Barb says
What kind of rolls are typically used for this? If I don't have rolls, can I use the bagged bread/stuffing (they have both seasoned and unseasoned variations) they sell in stores as a substitute? If I do, would I need to alter any other part of the recipe?
Thanks! 🙂
Angela Schofield says
Thanks for that great question! You can use bread, I personally don´t like boxed stuffing as it is very dry, but in a pinch it would do. Depending on how fresh the bread is, you probably need less milk. If you are using stuffing, you probably need more milk.
William says
Really good, just like when I was in Germany!
Some tips I found:
* Try to avoid hard-crusts, they will persist into the dumplings and may not always be liked.
* "bunch of parsely" is really ambiguous. I'd say you want 4 tbsp.
* Add bacon with the onion. It's sooooo good.
* If you don't add bacon, add extra salt, the recipe I think needs it.
Angela Schofield says
Thank you! That’s the ultimate compliment! 🥨🇩🇪 So glad it brought back those delicious German memories.😊