This Saturday, September 18th, marks the beginning of the annual 16-day Oktoberfest celebration held in Munich, Germany. Some six million people attend every year, flooding the city and getting crazy with food and drink (explore with the Thirsty Traveler!). Even if you can't make the trip to Munich, you can cook up your own Oktoberfest fare at home – it's fall comfort food at its finest!

Start out with deceptively easy homemade pretzels. (Learn about the surprising origins and dramatic history of pretzels here).

For a meaty German main, try Chuck's Lamb Sausages, Emeril's Roast Pork with Braised Red Cabbage or Bratwurst and Onions in Beer.

Go ahead and try your hand at German potato and bread dumplings to serve on the side. Here's a family recipe from Wisconsin blogger Rylee, a cheese-spiked bread dumpling from Cooking with Patty or this basic recipe from Bavarian Kitchen. Or try Anne Burrell's take on Spaetzle.

And don't forget stock up on the most iconic Oktoberfest staple: Beer! Cheers and Prost!