
Rahmschnitzel, also known German Cream Schnitzel, is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Pork cutlets are cooked to perfection and then full covered in a creamy Rahm sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want to to lick the plate clean (no judgment here!).
This dish is a staple recipe in German kitchens and Gasthäuser (restaurants). It’s comforting, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with so many classic sides. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat! Let’s get cooked.
What Is Rahmschnitzel?
Rahmschnitzel is a traditional German schnitzel recipe, served with a creamy sauce. The Rahm sauce, made with broth, cream, and a touch of seasoning. It’s what makes this dish so delicious. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This dish is, easy to make, with this recipe. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests.
Rahmschnitzel is loved in Southern Germany and not only, where hearty, creamy dishes reign supreme. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Why I Love This Recipe?
Rahmschnitzel always takes me back to the dinners my family used to have. I can still hear the sizzle of the cutlets hitting the pan, when they were cooking. And smell the buttery, aroma going through the kitchen.
My grandmother made this dish with so much care. She was always making sure the sauce was just right. And let me tell you, this is comfort food at its finest! And now it’s a favorite in my own home too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Rahmschnitzel
Pork Cutlets: Thinly pounded pork loin or boneless chops work perfectly. You can also use chicken or turkey if you prefer.
Beef or Vegetable Broth: Adds a savory base to the sauce. Go for low-sodium to control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream or Half & Half: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. For a lighter version, half & half or whole milk will do the trick.
Butter & Olive Oil: These give the cutlets a golden crust and add richness to the sauce.
Flour (Optional): Coating the cutlets lightly in flour helps them brown beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, and paprika adds just the right amount of flavor.
Onion or Shallots: Sautéed onion adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
White Wine (Optional): A splash of wine gives the sauce an extra depth of flavor. Don’t worry—you can skip it if you prefer.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet: For frying the cutlets and making the sauce.
- Meat Mallet: To pound the cutlets nice and thin.
- Whisk: For a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Tongs: For flipping the cutlets easily.
- Serving Dish: Because this dish deserves a beautiful presentation!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Rahmschnitzel
Step 1: Prepare the Cutlets
- Pound the Pork: Place the pork cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them until they’re about ¼-inch thick.
- Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Cutlets
- Pan-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Sauté the Onion: Add diced onion or shallots to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup white wine (if using) and let it simmer until reduced by half.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in 1 cup broth and 1 cup heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the Cutlets: Return the cutlets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let them simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the cutlets, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Rahmschnitzel
Thin Cutlets Are Key: Pound them thin so they cook quickly and evenly.
Deglaze Like a Pro: Scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet—they’re packed with flavor!
Don’t Overcook: Pork cutlets cook fast, so keep an eye on them.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Mushrooms or a touch of mustard can take the sauce to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
Rahmschnitzel is perfect with spätzle, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies. Feeling very hungry? Pair it with fries for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently and add the cutlets when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cutlets and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Traditional Rahmschnitzel Recipe (German Cream Schnitzel)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Rahmschnitzel Recipe, is a must try! Tender pork cutlets smothered in a creamy Rahm sauce. This classic German dish is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 pork cutlets (about 1 lb/450g total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half & half
- 1 small onion or 2 shallots, diced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp flour (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cutlets: Pound the cutlets to ¼-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook the cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté the onion, deglaze with white wine, then add broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cutlets back to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve with sauce on top.
Notes
Flour the cutlets for extra browning and a slightly thicker sauce.
Mushrooms or mustard are great additions to the sauce.
Serve with classic German sides like spätzle or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bread the cutlets?
You can, but Rahmschnitzel is traditionally served unbreaded.
What sides go best with this dish?
Spätzle, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles are all excellent choices.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the cream for a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.



This recipe was delicious. The sauce got rave reviews. Thanks so much for posting it!!!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it—and so glad the sauce was a hit too! Thanks for trying the recipe!
This is what I remember rahmschnitzel tasting like in Austria when I had it years ago.Delicious! Definitely add the onion and mushrooms