National Dish Austria: Sausage Dumplings (Recipe)
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Say hello to sausage dumplings, one of Austria’s most comforting plates of home cooking. Tender dumpling dough is studded with savoury pieces of sausage, then gently simmered and, if you like, given a final crisping in the pan. Hearty, frugal and full of old-world charm, they are the perfect way to turn leftover sausage and bread into something genuinely special. Bring a taste of Austrian hospitality straight to your own table.
About Sausage Dumplings
Sausage dumplings are one of the real treasures of Austrian cooking, prized as much for their flavour as for their thrift. Not only are they a treat for the palate, they are also a wonderful way to use up leftover sausage and bread. The dish brings together the tender texture of dumpling dough and the rich, savoury taste of finely diced sausage. Equally at home as a main course or a side, they offer a genuine slice of Austrian tradition and warmth — much like the country’s other beloved Austrian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g breadcrumbs
- 200 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 100 g sausage (e.g. bratwurst or Debreziner)
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for sausage dumplings, it is well worth paying attention to quality. Fresh, regional sausage often has the edge on flavour and gives the dish that extra something. The breadcrumbs are also worth getting right — making your own is an excellent option here. The remaining ingredients, such as milk, eggs and onions, should likewise be as fresh as possible to draw out the maximum flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing sausage dumplings is straightforward, though a few steps are worth following to get a perfect result. Start by cutting the sausage and the onion into small pieces. The onion can be softened in a little butter until translucent before being added to the rest of the mixture. Do not forget to soak the breadcrumbs in the milk either, as this is crucial to the final texture of the dumplings.
Step-by-step instructions
- Soak the breadcrumbs in the warm milk and leave them to swell for a few minutes.
- Fry the onion in butter until translucent, then add it together with the sausage to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Add the egg and mix everything thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper and parsley.
- With damp hands, shape the mixture into dumplings and cook them in gently simmering water for about 20 minutes.
- Pan-fry the sausage dumplings if you like, and serve them warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the sausage dumplings, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or quinoa. Alternatively, an equal mix of cornmeal and rice works well. To make the dumplings lactose-free, plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk is recommended. Lactose-free butter can also be used for the frying.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegan versions of the sausage dumplings, plant-based sausage alternatives can be used. There are now plenty of tasty products on the market that make an excellent addition. Instead of egg, a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can be used to bind the mixture. These tweaks mean that vegetarians and vegans can enjoy this treat too.
More tips and tricks
A few tips and tricks can make your sausage dumplings even tastier. Adding spices such as nutmeg or caraway, for instance, brings out the aromas and lends extra depth. Fresh herbs can also contribute a wonderful flavour. And last but not least: giving the finished dumplings an extra turn in the pan gives them a crisp, golden and appetising surface.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Sausage dumplings are very versatile and easy to tailor to personal preference. Experiment with different kinds of sausage, such as turkey or beef sausage, to discover new flavours. Adding vegetables — spinach or carrots, for example — can also make for an interesting variation. Likewise, the intensity of the seasoning can be turned up or down as you wish.
Ingredient substitutions
If some ingredients are not to hand, there is always an alternative. Instead of breadcrumbs, rolled oats can be used for a different texture. For the sausage, you can reach for vegetarian or vegan alternatives based on peas or soya. The parsley, meanwhile, can be swapped for other herbs such as chives or basil to give the dish a new twist — much as you might vary the greens in a plate of Rahmfisolen.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with sausage dumplings. A classic Austrian beer is always an excellent choice and complements the hearty flavours perfectly. If you would rather skip the alcohol, a refreshing ginger ale or sparkling water with lemon is a good option. For wine lovers, a fruity Grüner Veltliner rounds the dish off harmoniously.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of sausage dumplings can be lifted with an attractive garnish. A little posy of fresh herbs or a light gravy made from meat or mushroom jus can dress the dumplings up nicely. A side of steamed vegetables also adds colour and makes for an inviting plate. Be sure to arrange the dumplings warm on the plate for the best possible eating experience.
A bit of history
Sausage dumplings have a long tradition in Austrian cooking and count as a kind of home-style fare. They were originally created as a simple way to use up leftover sausage and stale bread. Over the centuries, various regional variations have developed, showcasing the diversity of this delicious dish — in the same spirit of resourceful cooking that gives us classics like Tiroler Gröstel. To this day they remain a popular dish in many Austrian homes and restaurants.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sausage Dumplings
Sausage dumplings are a truly delicious dish that offers both tradition and tasty variety. With simple ingredients and an uncomplicated method, these hearty dumplings are easy to bring into your own kitchen. Whether as a rustic main course or a side for all kinds of occasions, they always draw attention. Let Austrian cooking inspire you and enjoy these wonderful dumplings for yourself!
