Kartoffelklöße (Traditional German Potato Dumplings)

These traditional Kartoffelklöße (also known as Kartoffelknödel) are a beloved German side dish made from starchy potatoes. They’re thick, soft, and slightly chewy dumplings that soak up rich gravies and sauces beautifully.

Whether you’re serving them with a hearty roast, schnitzel, or vegetarian gravy, these potato dumplings are the perfect comfort food — and they’re surprisingly simple to make at home!

🥔 What Are Kartoffelklöße?

Kartoffelklöße are large German potato dumplings, traditionally served as a side dish across regions like Thüringen and Franken in Germany. Made primarily from starchy potatoes and a bit of potato starch, these dumplings are mild in flavor, making them ideal for soaking up flavorful sauces and gravies.

They’re a staple at German Sunday dinners, holidays, and festive meals — just like Oma used to make!

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, authentic, and comforting. These dumplings remind me of cozy German meals and family gatherings. They’re easy to make from scratch and pair beautifully with almost any German main dish.

Whether you’re making Sauerbraten, Jägerschnitzel, or even a vegetarian mushroom sauce, these dumplings fit right in. Let me show you how to make them step-by-step — no complicated ingredients required!

📋 Recipe Overview

🧾 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

🧾 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Starchy Potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold): These give the dumplings their perfect texture. In Germany, “mehlig kochende” (mealy/cooking) potatoes are used.

• Potato Starch: Binds the dumplings and helps them keep their shape. You can use cornstarch in a pinch, but potato starch gives the most authentic texture.

• Egg (optional): Adds richness and structure. You can omit it for a slightly softer, lighter dumpling.

• Salt: Essential for seasoning. Traditionally, these dumplings are kept mild in flavor so they pair well with bold sauces.

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

• Potato ricer or food mill – For lump-free mashed potatoes

• Large pot – To boil the dumplings

• Slotted spoon – For lifting dumplings out gently

• Mixing bowl – To combine the dough

👩‍🍳 How to Make Kartoffelklöße (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Boil: Place unpeeled potatoes in salted water and boil until tender (about 20–25 minutes).

• Cool slightly: Drain and let them cool just enough to handle — don’t wait too long or they’ll be harder to mash.

• Peel & Rice: Peel the potatoes while still warm and pass them through a potato ricer or food mill into a mixing bowl for a smooth, fluffy texture.

2. Make the Dumpling Dough