Cincinnati, a city with a rich cultural tapestry, offered me more than just a year-long work contract; it presented a culinary adventure. My mission was to immerse myself in its food, drinks, and local culture. From hidden jazz clubs to museum tours, opera nights, and bourbon tastings, I embraced it all. But among all the experiences, it was the discovery of goetta that truly captured my heart and taste buds.
Pronounced “get-uh,” this sausage-type patty is more than just a local food; it’s a Cincinnati icon, deeply rooted in the city’s German heritage. For anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful Breakfast Food, goetta is a must-try.
To truly appreciate goetta, understanding its historical context is key. Cincinnati, despite being in the Midwest, boasts a surprisingly diverse history. Founded in the late 18th century by people of English and Scottish descent, by 1850, a significant 60% of its population were German immigrants. These immigrants shaped the city, establishing their own churches, schools, and community centers, contributing significantly to Cincinnati’s cultural landscape.
This German influence is still palpable today, particularly in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood. Once a hub of German markets, businesses, and social halls, OTR became the heart of Cincinnati’s German-American community. It even boasted the highest concentration of breweries and beer halls in the country at one point. Although World War I led to the questioning of German-American loyalties and the renaming of German streets, OTR is now experiencing a vibrant revitalization. Artists, small businesses, and top-notch restaurants are breathing new life into this historic district, preserving its rich heritage. Walking tours offered by organizations like American Legacy Tours expertly delve into this fascinating history.
This historical backdrop leads us back to the star of our breakfast plate: goetta.
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Glier’s Goetta, a taste of Cincinnati breakfast tradition, cooked and enjoyed.
Cincinnati’s connection to pork further enriches the goetta story. Nicknamed “Porkopolis,” Cincinnati became a major center for pork production. By 1835, it housed the largest pork-manufacturing industry in the US, and by the 1840s, it was the world’s largest, fueling the city’s economic boom.
German Heritage + Abundant Pork = The Perfect Breakfast Food: Goetta
Goetta ingeniously combines German tradition with local resources. Similar to scrapple in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and black and white puddings in Ireland and the UK, goetta uses oats to extend meat. Specifically, it incorporates steel-cut or pinhead oats with pork and beef scraps, blended with spices, formed into loaves, sliced, and then fried to breakfast perfection.
What sets goetta apart from these other dishes is its unique flavor profile. It possesses a distinctive “funk,” a savory depth that might surprise you at first bite but quickly becomes addictive. The oats lend a satisfyingly meaty and slightly starchy texture, creating wonderful pockets that are perfect for soaking up runny egg yolks, applesauce, or even the region’s excellent maple syrup. Goetta is not just breakfast; it’s a flavorful experience.
While goetta was initially a homemade staple, its commercial journey began in 1946. Robert Glier, returning from war, decided to elevate his family’s butcher shop by focusing on this beloved local food. In Covington, KY, within a former brewery, the Glier family established a goetta factory. Two generations later, Glier’s is still considered by many Cincinnatians to produce the best goetta, with an annual production of around a million pounds.
My first attempt at cooking Glier’s goetta (easily found at any Kroger in the Cincinnati area) was a learning experience. Poorly cooked, goetta can be gooey and unappetizing. Overcrowding the pan leads to sticking, and adding oil, as I mistakenly did, results in a splatter of hot fat and oat shrapnel.
However, mastering the art of cooking goetta unlocks a breakfast marvel. Thinly sliced and fried, it becomes wonderfully golden and crispy, perfect on its own or as a savory addition to grilled cheese or even a hamburger. Some prefer a lower heat for a softer, hash-like texture. For ultimate crispiness, smash it incredibly thin and fry it until it resembles a potato chip. At the annual Goettafest in August, local food vendors showcase goetta’s versatility, incorporating it into pizzas, baked goods, and countless other dishes.
Beyond Kroger, you can find Glier’s and Queen City Sausage goetta at most Cincinnati butchers and throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. For those further afield, Cincinnati Favorites offers shipping. But to truly appreciate goetta, experiencing it at local Cincinnati breakfast spots is highly recommended.
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Goetta and eggs, a classic Cincinnati breakfast pairing, served at Anchor Grill in Covington, KY.
Here are some local Cincinnati establishments where you can savor delicious goetta breakfast dishes:
- The Pepper Pod: This classic 24-hour diner in Newport, KY, is the perfect place to begin your goetta journey. Try it fried with eggs or in an omelet.
- Tucker’s Restaurant: Another beloved family diner, Tucker’s offers a comforting plate of goetta and eggs, complete with a generous serving of syrup.
- Pizzelli Pizza: For a unique breakfast pizza experience, order the “Cincy Goetta” pizza, topped with apple-smoked bacon, a fried egg, mozzarella, provolone, and maple syrup.
- S&J Bakery: For a sweeter goetta treat, try the goetta Danish ($2.50) at this Findlay Market bakery.
- Anchor Grill: This Covington greasy spoon, located across from the Glier’s factory, serves thinly sliced, perfectly fried goetta.
- Findlay Market: Explore various butchers at Findlay Market, including Eckerlin’s, to purchase Glier’s or their own goetta versions for home cooking.
- Goettafest: If you visit in August, don’t miss Goettafest in Newport, a celebration of all things goetta, featuring creative and indulgent goetta dishes.
Goetta is more than just a breakfast food; it’s a taste of Cincinnati’s history and culture. Its unique blend of German heritage and local ingredients creates a breakfast experience unlike any other. So, the next time you’re looking for a new and exciting breakfast food, consider venturing into the world of goetta – a true Cincinnati original.
