Planning a Bavarian-style fall feast is as fun as it is to attend. The celebratory atmosphere of the traditional Oktoberfest is easy to recreate at your own home through colorful decor, festive costumes, and artisan bread from La Brea Bakery, like our French Baguette, shown above.
The Origins of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
The event quickly became an annual tradition, transforming into a festival celebrating Bavarian culture, featuring traditional beer, foods, and music.
In the U.S., Oktoberfest has been embraced with enthusiasm, with many cities hosting their own versions where attendees appreciate authentic German beers and savor an array of classic German foods like sausages, pretzels, and, notably, bread.
Bread plays a vital role in Oktoberfest celebrations, symbolizing sustenance and community. Artisan breads are an essential part of hearty fall dishes, and they often feature prominently in festive menus, reflecting the importance of baking in German culture.
Oktoberfest at Home Recipe Ideas
- Classic Reuben Sandwich made with rye bread and sauerkraut, two German staples since the Middle Ages.
- Cheesy French Onion Dip served appetizer-style in mini bread bowls. Garnish with pretzel pieces for extra German flair.
- Sourdough bread, made sweet with butter and brown sugar, forms the base for this decadent Crème Brûlée dessert.
- Traditional German Sausages jazzed up with bacon and apple sauerkraut for authentic Oktoberfest flavors. Pairs perfectly with La Brea Bakery Rustic 8 Grain Loaf.
- Old-school Bavarian Pork Schnitzel — crispy outside, tender inside, this is a hearty, classic dinner perfect for any fall gathering. Serve warm La Brea Bakery New York Rye Loaf on the side.
- The ideal side dish for your Oktoberfest get-together, this Potato Salad features red wine vinegar, nutmeg, and German mustard. Serve alongside a selection of warm La Brea Bakery breads.
What About the Beer?
To round out your Oktoberfest celebration, serve Oktoberfestbiers from these Munich breweries that are official participants in Oktoberfest:
- Löwenbräu
- Spaten
- Hofbräu
- Augustiner
- Hacker-Pschorr
- Paulaner
Traditional Oktoberfestbiers come in two types: dark, malt-forward Märzen, and lighter, hoppier Festbier.
A Last Word
At Oktoberfest, the traditional way to say “cheers” is “Prost!” This German word is commonly used when raising a glass to toast, and it’s a key part of the festive atmosphere during the celebration. When saying “Prost!” it's customary to make eye contact with others while clinking glasses before taking a drink. Enjoying this ritual is an important aspect of the communal spirit at Oktoberfest.
Let’s Get Social
Share your creations made with La Brea Bakery bread by using #LaBreaBakery on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.
