
Austrian cuisine is a blend of flavours and ingredients that reflect the country's history and cultural diversity. Austrian food is known for its baked goods, meat, and many flavours. Austrian cuisine has many different sausages and bacon is used in many traditional recipes as a salty spice. One such salty food from Austria is the classic Austrian dish, Schweinebraten, a succulent oven-roasted pork that is a staple at celebrations like weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salty Austrian Food | Pretzels, bacon, Schnitzel, Brettljause, Backhendl, Käsespätzle, Goulash, Leberkäse, Strauben, Zigeuner, Serbisch, Gselchtes, Liptauer, Speck, Grüne Würstl |
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What You'll Learn

Austrian Salty Dumplings
Austrian dumplings are a beloved part of the country's cuisine, with many variations on the dish. Tirolean dumplings, for example, are first recorded in a Tirolean cookbook in the 16th century, but their origins date back 400 years earlier in what is now Italy. Zillertaler Krapfen is another dumpling specialty from the Zillertal Valley, featuring a savoury grey cheese filling encased in a crispy shell. Spinach dumplings, or Spinatknödel, are another popular variety, made with fried spinach, onions, bread, milk, eggs, salt, and nutmeg. These dumplings are typically served with cheese and butter and go well with saucy dishes.
Austrian dumplings are often boiled or simmered in salted water, though they can also be fried. The dough for these dumplings typically consists of a mixture of bread, milk, eggs, and flour, though some varieties, like Zillertaler Krapfen, feature a crispy shell. When forming the dumplings, it is important to ensure that the dough is the correct consistency and not too sticky, as this can cause the dumplings to fall apart during cooking.
In addition to spinach, cheese, and ham, Austrian dumplings can also be filled with a variety of sweet and savoury ingredients. Sweet dumplings, such as Marillenknödel, are filled with apricots and served with warm butter-fried breadcrumbs. Savoury dumplings, on the other hand, might be filled with meat, such as the Tirolean dumplings, which are served with beef soup, sauerkraut, or salad depending on their size.
Austrian dumplings are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course, and they are a great way to experience the country's culinary culture. They are often served at festive occasions and bring a taste of Tyrolean festivity to any table.
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Salty Austrian Baked Goods
Austrian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours and ingredients that reflect the country's rich history and cultural diversity. The country's culinary offerings include a variety of baked goods, meat dishes, and sweet treats. Here is a guide to some of the salty Austrian baked goods you should try:
Pretzels
Pretzels hold a special place in Austrian cuisine, particularly in Vienna and the Salzburg region. These oversized, soft, and warm treats are widely available in heurigen (wine taverns), breweries, bakeries, and on street stands. While pretzels can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury varieties, the classic salted pretzel is a must-try when visiting Austria. They are often paired with cheese or chocolate-filled options, making for a delicious and indulgent snack.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn, which translates to "Emperor's mess," is said to have been a favourite dessert of Emperor Franz Josef. This salty Austrian baked good is essentially a thick pancake that is diced into large chunks and flambéed in butter, sugar, and rum to create a beautiful caramelised crunch. It is then dusted with icing sugar and typically served with a chilled plum compote on the side. While it is commonly found at Christmas or Easter markets, it is recommended to opt for freshly made Kaiserschmarrn at a restaurant.
Zillertaler Krapfen
A celebrated specialty from the Zillertal Valley, Zillertaler Krapfen is a traditional Austrian dish that is renowned for its delicious taste and its place in Tyrolean celebrations. This salty baked good features a savoury grey cheese filling encased in a perfectly crispy shell. While it may be a bit challenging to make, the effort is well worth it for this tasty treat.
Kiachl
Kiachl is a traditional Austrian treat, a type of doughnut pastry that is fried in lard to achieve a crispy, golden finish. It can be enjoyed in two ways: savoury with sauerkraut or sweet with cranberry jam and a dusting of icing sugar. Originally savoured during harvest time and on special holidays, Kiachl has become a cherished treat for festive occasions in Austria.
In addition to these salty baked goods, Austria offers a variety of other delicious savoury options, such as the Bosna or Bosner (a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll) and various sausages like Frankfurter, Käsekrainer, and Debreziner. Austrian cuisine also includes hearty meat dishes like Backhendl, a pan-fried chicken dish marinated in paprika, salt, and garlic, and served with parsley potatoes or French fries.
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Salty Austrian Meat
Austria has a diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of dishes, from hearty meat dishes to sweet delicacies. Austrian cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries, such as Italy, Switzerland, and Slovakia, as well as its geography, with the Alpine region being a significant source of ingredients.
When it comes to salty Austrian meat, there are several dishes that come to mind. One notable example is the traditional dish called "Brettljause", which is a cold hors d'oeuvre served on a wooden board. Brettljause typically includes a variety of salted and smoked meats, such as Gselchtes, air-dried sausages, and Speck, which is the Austrian term for bacon. Speck can be smoked, raw, salted, spiced, or prepared in other ways, and it is commonly used in traditional recipes as a salty spice.
Another salty meat dish in Austria is the famous "Leberkäse", which is a loaf made of corned beef, pork, and bacon, despite its name, which means "liver cheese". Leberkäse is often served in rolls, sliced, or as a schnitzel, and it is a popular choice for a quick bite between meals.
In addition to these, Austria also has a variety of sausages, such as the Frankfurter, Käsekrainer, and Burenwurst. Most Austrian sausages contain pork, and they can be enjoyed in many ways, such as the traditional "Bosna" or "Bosner", a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll, commonly sold at sausage stands.
Lastly, one cannot forget the classic Austrian dish, "Schweinebraten", a succulent oven-roasted pork that is a staple at celebrations and special occasions, such as weddings.
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Salty Austrian Snacks
Austria's culinary scene is diverse, offering a wide range of dishes that cater to different tastes. If you're craving something savoury and salty, here are some Austrian snacks worth trying:
Pretzels
Pretzels hold a special place in Austrian cuisine, especially in Vienna and the Salzburg region. These oversized treats are soft, warm, and often served with a salty twist. While the classic salted variety is a favourite, you can also find more adventurous options like pretzels filled with cheese or chocolate. Enjoy them at heurigen (wine taverns), breweries, bakeries, or from street vendors.
Zillertaler Krapfen
Zillertaler Krapfen is a speciality from the Zillertal Valley. These delightful dumplings are boiled in salted water and then served with a drizzle of brown butter and a sprinkle of parsley. They have a savoury grey cheese filling encased in a crispy shell, combining rich, cheesy flavours with a satisfying crunch.
Austrian Sausages
Austria boasts a variety of sausages, including the Frankfurter, Käsekrainer, Debreziner, and Burenwurst. Most Austrian sausages contain pork and are often served with mustard, ketchup, and bread. The Bosna or Bosner, a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll, is an integral part of Austrian fast food culture.
Käsespätzle
Käsespätzle is a popular Austrian comfort food, especially in the western regions of Voralberg and Tyrol. It is a cheesy dish similar to macaroni and cheese, made with soft egg noodles and a blend of Austrian cheeses like Emmentaler and Bergkäse. It is typically served with caramelised onions and a side of potato salad.
Goulash
Goulash is a hearty stew originating from Austria's neighbouring country, Hungary. The Austrian version is typically thicker and includes beef, onions, paprika, and root vegetables. It is often served with a fried egg on top and a side of bread.
Backhendl
Backhendl is an Austrian speciality, featuring pan-fried chicken marinated in a mixture of paprika, salt, and garlic. The chicken is coated in flour and breadcrumbs, then fried to a crispy perfection. It is commonly served with parsley potatoes or French fries.
These salty Austrian snacks offer a delightful blend of flavours and are sure to satisfy any savoury craving. Whether you're wandering the streets of Vienna or exploring the Salzburg region, be sure to indulge in these savoury treats that showcase the diversity and richness of Austrian cuisine.
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Salty Austrian Cheese
Austrian cuisine is known for its variety of salty foods, including cheeses. While Austrian cheeses may not be as famous as their French or Italian counterparts, they offer a diverse range of flavours and textures that are worth exploring.
One of the most distinctive features of Austrian cheese is its regional diversity. Each region in Austria has its own unique cheese-making traditions, with recipes that have been passed down for centuries. For example, Upper Austria and Styria are known for their soft cheeses, often crafted in monasteries or small alpine dairies. These cheeses can have a wide range of flavours, from mild to tangy and strong.
On the other hand, hard cheeses are a speciality of the Arlberg region, with its strong, full-aromatic flavours. The Vorarlberger Bergkäse, a hard cheese with a fine tangy taste, is particularly popular. It is produced in the small province of Vorarlberg and has a dedicated fan base beyond its borders. Another renowned hard cheese is the Tiroler Graukäse, one of the oldest varieties in Austria. It is made from low-fat milk, without any chemical additives, resulting in a pure, natural product.
Austrian cheese culture also includes semi-hard cheeses, such as Gouda and Tilsiter, which have a long history in the country. These cheeses offer a range of textures, from soft to firm, and flavours, from aromatic to mild. Additionally, Austrian cheesemakers are known for their innovative cream cheese creations, incorporating cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk with exotic combinations of herbs, fruits, or vegetables.
Beyond the cheeses themselves, Austria also has a unique food culture surrounding cheese. Brettljause, a cold hors d'oeuvre served on a wooden board, typically includes various meats, grated horseradish, hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, pickles, and cheese with sourdough bread. Another traditional dish is Zillertaler Krapfen, a speciality from the Zillertal Valley. These dumplings are boiled in salted water and served with brown butter and parsley. They feature a savoury grey cheese filling encased in a crispy shell, combining rich, cheesy flavours with a satisfying crunch.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian cuisine uses salt in many dishes, including the traditional Backhendl, a pan-fried chicken dish marinated in a mixture of paprika, salt, and garlic. Salt is also used to boil Zillertaler Krapfen, dumplings with a savoury grey cheese filling. Another example is the classic Austrian pretzel, which comes in a salted variety.
Austrian cuisine offers a variety of savoury dishes, including:
- Schnitzel
- Strudel
- Goulash
- Käsespätzle, a dish similar to macaroni and cheese
- Leberkäse, a loaf of corned beef, pork and bacon
- Schweinsbraten, roast pork
- Game meats such as Hirschbraten, roast venison
Austrians enjoy a variety of salty snacks, including:
- Pretzels, which can be found in a classic salted variety
- Sausages, such as the Käsekrainer or Burenwurst
- Speck, a type of bacon that can be salted
- Open sandwiches called "belegte Brote"











































