An Oktoberfest Board: How To Experience The Classic German Fall Festival At Home

This post may include affiliate links in which we earn a commission, as we are supported by our users. All opinions expressed are always our own and any commissions earned are of no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

It’s that time of year… the Ubahn is packed, the air is getting chilly and Trachten can be seen just about everywhere. As the birthplace of the most famous German festival, Munich absorbs millions of visitors every September and October for their Oktoberfest festivities. While many tourists descend upon the city to partake in the unfortunate excesses of the infamous beer halls, there are a plethora of other ways to enjoy this fall festival, particularly through their many delicious food options. In the coming weeks, I will dive more specifically into the best parts of this German tradition, however if you can’t make it to Munich this year and are looking to try a taste of Oktoberfest, here are all my favorite ways to experience this classic German fall festival within your own home with an Oktoberfest board. 

Traditional Oktoberfest Foods 

One of perhaps the most amazing parts of Oktoberfest is the wide array of Bavarian dishes that can be found throughout Theresienwiese. Everything from the classic schnitzel and bratwurst to roasted fish and Schweinshaxe can be found in pop up stands and beer halls. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, you likely will find an assortment of traditional dishes such as: 

And many, many more! Certainly experiencing the food throughout the Wiesen grounds helps to add to the state fair like atmosphere of Oktoberfest while layering it with the traditional history of Bavaria. 

Creating An Oktoberfest Board: Food Options

While Oktoberfest has an immense amount of delicious food to offer, much of it is offered in a traditional meal format and not necessarily with the idea of a shareable charcuterie board in mind. That being said, there are a few foods that you would typically find at Oktoberfest that make for perfect Oktoberfest board additions. These include: 

Savory Items  

Sausages / sausage pieces 

Whether using a traditional Bratwurst or a breakfast Weisswurst, adding an assortment of bite sized sausage pieces is perfect for sharing an Oktoberfest board. 

Mustards 

You can’t serve sausages without mustard! Try a typical Dijon, the Bavarian favorite Händlmaier’s Sweet Mustard, a whole grain mustard or a spicy beer mustard for a mix of flavors. 

Sauerkraut 

One of my favorite traditional additions to this Oktoberfest board is sauerkraut! Layer your sausage bites over a bed of sauerkraut for attractive presentation or serve it in a separate bowl to accommodate less adventurous eaters. 

Pretzels 

While large, soft pretzels are typically found being sold at Oktoberfest, feel free to add a mix of soft pretzels, pretzel bites or even pretzel sticks / chips to enjoy with your board. 

Obatzda 

Not specifically pictured on my board (though you can find my Obatzda inspired Pimento Cheese recipe creation HERE), an Obatzda cheese spread is an easy savory addition to enjoy on an Oktoberfest board. Serve with pretzels, pickles, radishes and onions for a both pretty and tasty display. 

Sweet Treats 

Lebkuchen Hearts 

Perhaps one of the most identifiable Oktoberfest sweets, Lebkuchen (gingerbread) hearts often are decorated with the classic Bavarian colors (blue and white), fun sayings and traditional symbols and can be given as gifts, worn around the neck or enjoyed. Find a Lebkuchen recipe or adapt your favorite gingerbread cookie recipe to make your own! 

Candied / Roasted Nuts 

Often alluring you in by their scent, stalls selling roasted / candied almonds are quite popular at traditional German festivals. Add a mix of candied or roasted almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts for a sweet and salty twist. 

Chocolate Dipped Fruit 

Lastly, but certainly not least, add a mix of chocolate covered fruit! Often served on a skewer at Oktoberfest (almost like a chocolate kebab), chocolate covered fruits like strawberries, bananas and apples are a delicious option for a sweet treat for your board. 

Creating An Oktoberfest Board: Presentation Festivities 

Once you have decided on which elements you would like to include for your Oktoberfest board, think through how you would like to display them! Here, I simply chose a large wooden board, however feel free to select a large board or platter, an arrangement of small dishes or even create an entire grazing table down a table runner. 

After deciding in which method you wish to display your Oktoberfest board, you can begin to add a mix of ribbons (particularly if you added Lebkuchen hearts!), greenery (such as garland or dried hops) and pops of Bavarian blue and white, whether that be through napkins, flag toothpicks or a runner. 

Final Thoughts 

Experiencing the traditional German fall festival of Oktoberfest goes far beyond the rowdy beer tents, especially when you are able to embrace such a mix of delicious food! And if you can’t make it to the festival this year, such an experience can be shared by many when created within your own home through a delicious Oktoberfest board. As I was working here with a smaller board, it was so hard to narrow down what to enjoy, however regardless of whether you decide to serve Obatzda and Lebkuchen or bratwursts and sauerkraut, this fall charcuterie is sure to bring Munich to you! So, have you been to Oktoberfest? If so, what foods would you like to see on your Oktoberfest board? And if not, be sure to save this post to try it out to experience a taste of Germany within your own home! 

Happy cooking!

Chloe 

– Pin For Later –