Leberwurst

Leberwurst is a traditional German sausage made with finely ground liver.

Leberwurst is a traditional German sausage made with finely ground liver. You’ll usually find it in two styles: one that’s a bit chunkier and more rustic (grobe Leberwurst), and another that’s smooth and creamy (feine Leberwurst). It’s part of the cooked sausage family and is made by mixing liver with bacon, meat, fat, and spices like thyme or marjoram, which give it its distinctive flavor.

Most versions contain around 10 to 15 percent liver. That balance is key because it keeps the texture smooth and easy to spread while also preventing the flavor from becoming too strong. It’s designed to be enjoyed on bread or crackers, since adding more liver would make it taste overpowering and less pleasant to eat.

Leberwurst