Last updated on May 7th, 2025
There’s something magical about biting into a Matjesbrötchen for the first time – that perfect balance of tender pickled herring, crisp onions, and fresh bread that transports you straight to the northern German coast. If you’ve been searching for an authentic taste of German seafood tradition, this Matjesbrötchen recipe is your answer. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, tweaking the ingredients and techniques until I found the exact combination that brings back memories of seaside markets in Hamburg. Furthermore, this simple yet flavorful sandwich makes for a perfect light lunch or impressive appetizer that comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Matjesbrötchen recipe has quickly become one of my most requested dishes, and for good reason. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too:
- Incredibly flavorful combination of tender matjes herring and crisp, tangy toppings
- Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep work
- Perfect balance of textures from the crusty bread roll, creamy sauce, and tender fish
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite toppings and bread
- Impressive presentation that looks like it came from a German seafood market
I first discovered Matjesbrötchen during a summer trip to Northern Germany, and I was instantly hooked on these simple yet delicious sandwiches. Now, they’re a regular part of my lunch rotation, especially when I’m craving something unique and satisfying.
Pure Comfort
There’s something deeply comforting about a well-made Matjesbrötchen. Perhaps it’s the way the flavors transport you to coastal Germany, where fishing traditions run deep and regional specialties are celebrated with pride. In addition, the herring sandwich brings together humble ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and special.
In Northern Germany, particularly in places like Hamburg and Bremen, these sandwiches are enjoyed year-round but are especially popular in summer when fresh herring is at its peak. Consequently, every bite carries the essence of German maritime culture, making it more than just a meal – it’s a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for your Matjesbrötchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each component playing an important role in the final flavor.
- 2-3 matjes herring fillets (young pickled herring)
- 2 fresh crusty bread rolls (Kaiser rolls or baguettes work well)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 crisp lettuce leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter or cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon German-style remoulade or mayonnaise
- 1 small dill pickle, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
- 1 small green apple, thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
- Lemon wedges for serving
If you can’t find matjes herring at your local store, ask at specialty European markets or consider ordering online. For the bread, while traditional German Brötchen is ideal, any crusty roll with a soft interior will work beautifully.
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All the ingredients you need for this Matjesbrötchen, ready to transform into something delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients prepared, let’s dive into the process of creating this delicious German sandwich. I’ll break this down into simple, manageable steps to ensure your Matjesbrötchen turns out perfect every time.
Preparation
First, let’s prepare all our ingredients properly:
- Gently rinse the matjes herring fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Slice the red onion into thin rings and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness.
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
- Slice the bread rolls horizontally, leaving a hinge on one side.
- If using apple, thinly slice it just before assembling to prevent browning.
Cooking Method
While there’s no actual cooking involved, the assembly requires careful attention to achieve the perfect balance of flavors:
- Lightly toast the bread rolls if desired for extra crispness.
- Spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Add a layer of crisp lettuce leaves to create a barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy.
- Place the matjes herring fillets on top of the lettuce, breaking them into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Drain the onion slices and pat dry, then arrange them on top of the herring.
- Add thinly sliced pickle and apple slices (if using).
- Finish with a small dollop of remoulade or mayonnaise on the top half of the roll.
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This technique ensures your Matjesbrötchen will have the perfect texture and flavor every time.
How to Know When It’s Done
Your Matjesbrötchen is perfectly assembled when:
- The bread is fresh and slightly crisp on the outside
- All ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure every bite contains a perfect balance of flavors
- The sandwich holds together well when gently pressed
Finishing Touches
To complete your Matjesbrötchen:
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for color and flavor.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
- Add a small side of vinegar-dressed cucumber salad for an authentic Northern German experience.
Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these professional tips to elevate your Matjesbrötchen to the next level:
- Allow matjes herring to come to room temperature before assembling for the best flavor
- Don’t overload the sandwich – balance is key to enjoying the delicate flavor of the herring
- If serving for guests, prepare all ingredients in advance but assemble just before serving to prevent soggy bread
Variations to Try
While the traditional recipe is undeniably delicious, here are a few variations to explore:
- Matjesbrötchen with Curry Sauce: Add a light curry sauce instead of remoulade for a flavor-packed twist
- Apple-Cream Matjesbrötchen: Use a thin layer of apple-sweetened cream cheese as your spread
FAQ
Can I make this Matjesbrötchen recipe ahead of time?
While you can prepare all the ingredients in advance, it’s best to assemble your Matjesbrötchen just before serving. Otherwise, the bread may become soggy from the moisture in the herring and toppings.
How do I store leftovers and for how long?
If you have leftover assembled sandwiches, they can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. However, the bread will soften considerably. For best results, store the components separately.
Can I freeze this dish?
I don’t recommend freezing Matjesbrötchen as the texture of both the bread and herring will suffer. This sandwich is truly at its best when freshly prepared.
What substitutions work for matjes herring?
If you can’t find matjes herring, you can use other pickled or smoked fish varieties like smoked trout or salmon. However, the flavor profile will be different from the traditional recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
This recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the traditional bread rolls with your favorite gluten-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Time to Get Cooking!
Now that you know all the secrets to creating the perfect Matjesbrötchen, it’s time to bring a taste of Northern Germany to your own kitchen! This simple yet flavorful sandwich is sure to impress family and friends with its authentic coastal flavors. Furthermore, it’s a wonderful way to introduce yourself to German seafood traditions without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other German-inspired dishes like Pretzel Rolls or Cucumber Dill Salad – perfect companions to your Matjesbrötchen feast!
