Get to know this Cincinnati specialty.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cincinnati is one of my all-time favorite cities.

It has awesome museums, libraries, restaurants, and bridges.

Plate of Sliced Goetta, Sunny Side Egg, and Toast

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

And, just as importantly, it has goetta.

This highly regional food is essentially a simple pork and beef sausage stretched out with oats.

Its sliced and griddled until crispy and most often served at breakfast with eggs and toast.

Plate With Sliced Goetta, a Sunny Side Egg, and Toast, and in the Surroundings, a Glass of Orange Juice, Another Plate With a Serving of Breakfast, a Plate With Sliced Goetta, a Plate of Toast, and Forks on the Counter

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

But this summary majorly underplays goettas appeal, which is not simply as an obscure breakfast meat.

Though goettas origins are German, today Cincinnatis diverse population showcases goetta in inspired multicultural preparations.

Making your own goetta takes time, but its not hard.

Sliced Goetta on a Griddle With a Spatula Slide Under One Piece

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Then you, too, can savor the goetta experience in your own home over and over again.

How To Say Goetta

First things first!

Go ahead and say it out loud a few times to practice.

Plate With Sliced Goetta, a Sunny Side Egg, and Toast, and in the Surroundings, a Glass of Orange Juice, Another Plate With a Serving of Breakfast, a Plate With Sliced Goetta, a Plate of Toast, and Forks on the Counter

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Yes, it is ripe for puns.

Where did this word come from?

But goetta itself traces back to immigrants from Germanys Westphalian region specifically.

Oats in a Dutch Oven, Stirred With a Wooden Spoon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

What Does Goetta Taste Like?

Flavor-wise, goetta tastes like a mild breakfast sausage.

The texture is where things get different.

Ground Beef and Pork in Mixer Bowl With Mix Attachment After Being Mixed

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

First of all, goetta isn’t greasy like sausage.

Secondly, it’s a little mushy because of the oats.

Variations from family to family are part of goettas lore.

Meat Mixture in a Mixer Bowl After Being Mixed With Beef Stock

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

The earliest goetta recipe, the seasoning only calls for salt, pepper, and allspice, says Woellert.

One recipe had raisins in it.

Goetta Culture in Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati is a city that knows how to rock its underdog status.

Meat Mixture and Bay Leaves Mixed Into Pot of Oats With a Spoon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Gliers goetta is a solid choice, although as mass-produced as goetta gets.

It has a hint of muskiness from the inclusion of pork hearts and skin.

Fried slices as a breakfast side are plenty deliciouscrispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.

Goetta Meat Mixture Cooking in a Dutch Oven, Consistency Still Slightly Liquid-y and Loose

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

For the best taste and texture, always fry or griddle your goetta before adding it to other recipes.

Dorsels is the traditional brand used in and around Cincinnati.

Mix on low speed until combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Goetta Mixture in a Dutch Oven With a Spoon, Consistency Thicker (No Liquid Leftover)

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Transfer the meat mixture to the pot with the oats.

Add the remaining beef stock and stir well to make a light pink sludge.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed; it should be salty the way sausage is salty.

Two Loaf Pans Lined With Parchment Paper and Sprayed With Cooking Spray

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Remove the bay leaves and set the pot aside for now.

Line the bottoms of two 8 1/2x4 1/2 or 9x5-inch loaf pans with parchment.

Grease the pans and parchment with cooking spray.

Goetta Mixture Added to Each Loaf Pan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Divide the mixture between the pans and smooth the tops.

Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 year.

For easy portioning, slice the goetta before freezing.

Set Goetta Sliced on a Baking Tray

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Thaw the goetta overnight in the refrigerator.

Even though the goetta is fully cooked, its always served sliced and fried or griddled.

Cut the loaf into 1/2-inch slices.

Goetta Slices Fried in a Cast Iron Skillet for Goetta Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

You may need to lower the heat of the pan bit by bit to keep it from scorching.

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Goetta Flipped on the Cast Iron Skillet

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Sliced Goetta Served With a Sunny Side Egg and Two Pieces of Toast

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe