National Dish Switzerland: Berner Platte (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Berner Platte, one of Switzerland’s grand festive dishes! This generous platter brings together tender boiled beef, smoky cured pork and an assortment of sausages, all piled high alongside hearty sauerkraut and potatoes. Traditionally reserved for celebrations and convivial gatherings, it captures the warmth of Alpine hospitality. Bring a taste of Bernese Gemütlichkeit straight to your own table.
About Berner Platte
Berner Platte is a tradition-rich dish from Switzerland, especially beloved in and around the city of Bern. It brings together tender meat with a variety of sausages and hearty vegetables. Regarded as a true feast, it is often served at celebrations and festive occasions, where lively groups gather around the table. The Bernese platter reflects the culinary richness of the Alpine region and is a genuine treat for the senses.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300g beef, e.g. shoulder or brisket
- 200g pork, e.g. belly bacon
- 2–3 different sausages, e.g. Salsiz and Cervelat
- 300g potatoes
- 200g sauerkraut
- 1 onion
- 2–3 juniper berries
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
To prepare a delicious Berner Platte, it is worth buying your ingredients fresh. Using good-quality meat is crucial to the flavour and tenderness of the dish. Visit a local butcher or a specialist market to find the best products. Remember to choose fresh vegetables and spices too, so you can enjoy the full flavour of the Bernese platter.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking the Berner Platte, it is important to prepare all the ingredients properly. Cut the meat into even pieces so they cook uniformly. The sausages should also be readied by slicing them into suitable portions. The vegetables need to be washed and, where necessary, peeled to make the cooking straightforward.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the meat to the boil in a large pan of water and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Peel the onion, quarter it and add it to the simmering water.
- Add the sauerkraut, potatoes and juniper berries and cook for a further 30 minutes.
- Add the sausages during the last 10 minutes so they warm through and stay juicy.
- Arrange the Berner Platte and garnish with fresh herbs.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Berner Platte is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as long as you use the right ingredients. Do take care that the sausages you buy contain no additives that might include gluten or lactose. This makes the dish an ideal choice for people with particular dietary needs. Recipes like the Berner Platte show that even traditional dishes can be wonderfully adaptable.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although Berner Platte is traditionally made with meat and sausage, you can easily create a vegan or vegetarian version. Replace the meat with tofu, seitan or spiced vegetable patties. The aromas of herbs and spices can be used just as intensely here to deepen the flavour. A flavourful vegetable ragout can form the base of a delicious plant-based dish.
More tips and tricks
To get the most out of your Berner Platte, it helps to plan the cooking times carefully. Start with the meat and add the ingredients one after another to make sure everything cooks perfectly. Do not underestimate the importance of the seasoning, either, as it can make the difference between a good dish and a great one. Bring your own creativity and preferences to the pan to turn the Bernese platter into something special.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Berner Platte can be tailored to personal preference by using different kinds of meat or vegetables. If you have a taste for fiery flavours, for example, you can add chilli or spicy sausages to give the dish a lift. The choice of sides can also change with the season and what is available. For a harmonious result, it is worth making sure the ingredients you choose work well together — much as the flavours come together in Aelplermagronen.
Ingredient substitutions
If some ingredients are not available, there are plenty of alternatives you can use to prepare a tasty Berner Platte. The beef, for instance, can be replaced with lamb for a different flavour. Likewise, various vegetables such as carrots, celery or squash can be added to make the dish more colourful and varied. A cured speciality like Buendnerfleisch also makes a fine addition to the platter, letting you create new takes on this classic time and again.
Drink pairing ideas
Berner Platte pairs wonderfully with a range of drinks. A good house beer or a typical Swiss white wine such as a Chasselas goes well with the hearty flavours. For those who like a fuller drink, a red-wine-based option can be a fitting accompaniment. When choosing your drinks, it is worth considering the flavours of the dish to round off the meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the Berner Platte attractively, take care to arrange the various components beautifully. Use large platters to lay out the food and garnish with fresh herbs. Different colours and textures should be shown off to make the dish look appetising, as they do in a generous Chaes Platte. An inviting presentation can noticeably heighten the enjoyment of the meal and build the anticipation.
A bit of history
Berner Platte has a long tradition in Swiss cuisine and is closely associated with the region of Bern. Its origins are tied to the farming and cattle-rearing life of the Alps. Originally conceived as a simple farmers’ meal, the dish has grown over the years into a festive spread. Today the Berner Platte is a symbol of Swiss food culture and is prepared for all manner of occasions.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Berner Platte
Berner Platte is not just a feast but an experience that makes the hearts of meat lovers beat a little faster. With its combination of tender meat, aromatic sausages and freshly prepared vegetables, it brings the essence of Swiss cooking straight to the table. Whether for celebrations or cosy evenings with the family, the Berner Platte is perfect for enriching convivial gatherings. Let this traditional dish inspire you and enjoy the culinary richness of Switzerland!
