Serve it the traditional way with potato dumplings, known as Kartoffelklöße, and sweet-sour red cabbage, or Rotkohl. The dumplings soak up the savory pan sauce, the cabbage adds brightness, and the pork brings the whole meal together like a proper German family dinner.
What Is Schweinebraten?
Schweinebraten means pork roast in German. It is a traditional roast pork dish often served for Sunday dinner, holidays, family gatherings, and festive meals. Depending on the region, Schweinebraten may be made with pork shoulder, pork loin, or pork roast, and it is commonly served with gravy, potato dumplings, bread dumplings, sauerkraut, or red cabbage.
This version uses pork loin, German mustard, herbs, bacon, vegetables, and red wine for a flavorful roast that pairs beautifully with Kartoffelklöße and Rotkohl.
Pork Roast with Potato Dumplings (Schweinebraten mit Kartoffelklößen)
Ingredients
- 4 lb boneless pork loin
- 3 teaspoons German mustard
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 carrot
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup red wine
Instructions
- Rub the meat with the mustard, sprinkle with herbs and salt and lay in a roasting dish. Fry the bacon in the butter and pour over meat.
- Roast in a pre-heated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 90 minutes until juices run clear and meat is no longer pink (use a meat thermometer to check correct internal temperature is reached). Periodically pour water over roast (about 3/4 cup).
- In the meantime, chop the carrot, parsley and onion. Add wine and vegetables to roast after 40 minutes.
- Serve with German potato dumplings (Kartoffelklößen) and German red cabbage (Rotkohl).
Notes
What to Serve with Schweinebraten
Serve German pork roast with:- Potato dumplings, or Kartoffelklöße
- Bread dumplings, or Semmelknödel
- Red cabbage, or Rotkohl
- Sauerkraut
- German potato salad
- Braised cabbage
- Cucumber salad
- Rye bread or pumpernickel
- German mustard
- Beer, red wine, or apple spritzers
About the Potato Dumplings and Red Cabbage
This recipe is designed to be served with German potato dumplings and red cabbage. The potato dumplings soak up the pan sauce, while the red cabbage adds sweet-sour balance to the rich pork. Use homemade Kartoffelklöße and Rotkohl if available, or serve with prepared German dumplings and jarred red cabbage for an easier weeknight version.Make It Easier with Prepared German Sides
For a shortcut German dinner, prepare the pork roast from scratch and serve it with ready-made or packaged German potato dumplings and red cabbage. This keeps the meal traditional while saving time on the sides.Easy Substitutions
- No pork loin? Use pork shoulder for a richer, more forgiving roast, though the cooking time may be longer.
- No German mustard? Use Dijon or another medium mustard.
- No red wine? Use beef broth, vegetable broth, apple cider, or nonalcoholic red wine.
- No bacon? Leave it out or use pancetta, smoked ham, or a little extra butter.
- No marjoram? Use thyme or oregano.
- Want more gravy? Add extra broth to the pan and thicken the juices lightly with cornstarch or flour after roasting.
How to Store Pork Roast
Store leftover pork roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pan sauce separate if possible.How to Reheat Pork Roast
Reheat sliced pork gently in a covered pan with a little pan sauce, broth, or water. Avoid overheating, as pork loin can dry out. Leftover pork also works well in sandwiches with mustard, pickles, and rye bread.Can You Make German Pork Roast Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can season the pork with mustard and herbs several hours ahead or the night before. The cooked roast can also be made ahead and reheated gently with sauce, though it tastes best freshly roasted and rested before slicing.FAQ Section
What is Schweinebraten?
Schweinebraten is German pork roast. It is a traditional main dish often served with gravy, potato dumplings, bread dumplings, sauerkraut, or red cabbage.
What cut of pork is best for German pork roast?
Pork loin works well for a lean roast, while pork shoulder is richer and more forgiving. This recipe uses boneless pork loin.
What temperature should pork roast be cooked to?
Pork loin should be cooked to 145°F in the thickest part, then rested before slicing.
What do you serve with German pork roast?
German pork roast is traditionally served with potato dumplings, red cabbage, sauerkraut, bread dumplings, potato salad, or rye bread.
Can I make this pork roast without red wine?
Yes. Replace the red wine with broth, apple cider, or nonalcoholic red wine.
How do you keep pork loin from drying out?
Do not overcook it. Baste during roasting, add liquid to the pan as needed, and use a meat thermometer. Let the roast rest before slicing.
Are Kartoffelklöße the same as potato dumplings?
Yes. Kartoffelklöße are German potato dumplings. They are often served with roasts and gravy.
Can I make German pork roast ahead of time?
Yes. You can season the roast ahead or cook it ahead and reheat gently with sauce. For best texture, slice it after resting and reheat with moisture.
