13 German Christmas Dinner Ideas
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. In Germany, Christmas dinners are a special tradition that brings loved ones together. When thinking of a German Christmas dinner, many people imagine a festive table filled with traditional dishes that have been enjoyed for generations. In this article, we will explore 13 mouth-watering German Christmas dinner ideas that are sure to become a new family tradition.
From classic roasted meats to sweet treats, these recipes offer a taste of German culture and will leave your guests wanting more. Each dish has been carefully selected to provide a range of flavors and textures that will complement any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a small dinner party, these recipes are sure to impress. So, let’s get cooking and explore the delicious world of German Christmas cuisine.
Weihnachtsgans (Roast Goose)
Roast Goose, also known as Weihnachtsgans, is a traditional German Christmas dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. This moist and flavorful roast is stuffed with apples, onions, and spices, giving it a delicious sweetness and aroma. To make it, you’ll need a large goose, some aromatics, and a few spices. Start by seasoning the goose inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Stuff the cavity with sliced apples, onions, and a few cloves of garlic. Roast the goose in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 2 1/2 hours, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Equipment
– Large roasting pan
– Oven thermometer
– Meat thermometer
– Wooden spoon
– Whisk
Ingredients
– 1 large goose (3-4 lbs/1.4-1.8 kg)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 apples, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
Servings
4-6 people
Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)
Sauerbraten is a classic German pot roast that’s slow-cooked in vinegar and spices. This tender beef dish is perfect for a Christmas dinner, as it’s easy to make and can be marinated for days.
To make Sauerbraten, start by marinating a large beef roast in a mixture of vinegar, oil, and spices for at least 2 days. Then, roast the beef in the oven until it’s tender and flavorful. Serve with the tangy marinade spooned over the top.
Equipment
– Large Dutch oven
– Meat thermometer
– Wooden spoon
– Whisk
– Cutting board
Ingredients
– 1 large beef roast (2-3 lbs/1-1.4 kg)
– 1 cup vinegar
– 1 cup oil
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
Servings
4-6 people
Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut (Bratwurst with Sauerkraut)
Bratwurst and sauerkraut are a classic German combination that’s perfect for a Christmas dinner. These flavorful sausages are made with pork and spices, and served with a tangy sauerkraut salad.
To make Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, start by cooking the sausages in a hot pan until they’re browned and cooked through. Then, serve with a salad of sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and a tangy dressing.
Equipment
– Large skillet
– Cutting board
– Meat thermometer
– Whisk
Ingredients
– 4 Bratwurst sausages
– 1 cup sauerkraut
– 1/4 cup caraway seeds
– 2 tbsp mustard
– 1 tbsp vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
4-6 people
Schweinekotelett (Pork Schnitzel)
Pork Schnitzel is a classic German dish that’s breaded and fried to perfection. This crispy and flavorful pork cutlet is perfect for a Christmas dinner, as it’s easy to make and can be served with a side of mashed potatoes or salad.
To make Pork Schnitzel, start by pounding a pork cutlet thin. Then, bread the cutlet in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Fry the cutlet in a hot pan until it’s golden brown and crispy.
Equipment
– Large skillet
– Meat thermometer
– Cutting board
– Whisk
Ingredients
– 1 pork cutlet (1-2 lbs/.5-1 kg)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup flour
– 1 egg
– 1 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
2-4 people
Kartoffelklöße (German Potato Dumplings)
German Potato Dumplings, also known as Kartoffelklöße, are a classic side dish that’s perfect for a Christmas dinner. These tender and flavorful dumplings are made with mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, and cooked in a savory broth.
To make German Potato Dumplings, start by boiling diced potatoes until they’re tender. Then, mash the potatoes with flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Shape the mixture into small dumplings and cook in a savory broth until they’re tender.
Equipment
– Large pot
– Whisk
– Cutting board
– Meat thermometer
Ingredients
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 1 cup flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp baking powder
Servings
4-6 people
Rotkohl (Red Cabbage)
Red Cabbage, also known as Rotkohl, is a classic German side dish that’s sweet and tangy. This flavorful cabbage is cooked with apples, onions, and spices, giving it a delicious aroma and taste.
To make Red Cabbage, start by chopping red cabbage and cooking it in a pan with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices. Cook until the cabbage is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Equipment
– Large skillet
– Meat thermometer
– Cutting board
– Whisk
Ingredients
– 1 head red cabbage
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
Servings
4-6 people
Spaetzle (German Egg Noodles)
Spaetzle is a classic German noodle dish that’s light and flavorful. These delicate noodles are made with flour, eggs, and water, and cooked in a savory broth.
To make Spaetzle, start by mixing together flour, eggs, and water to form a smooth batter. Then, pipe the batter through a spaetzle press or a colander to create long, thin noodles. Cook the noodles in a savory broth until they’re tender and flavorful.
Equipment
– Spaetzle press or colander
– Large pot
– Whisk
– Meat thermometer
Ingredients
– 2 cups flour
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp black pepper
Servings
4-6 people
Weihnachtsbrots (Pretzel Bread Rolls)
Pretzel Bread Rolls, also known as Weihnachtsbrots, are a classic German Christmas treat that’s soft and flavorful. These delicious rolls are made with yeast, flour, and water, and topped with a crunchy pretzel crust.
To make Pretzel Bread Rolls, start by mixing together yeast, flour, and water to form a smooth dough. Then, shape the dough into small rolls and let them rise until they’re puffed and fragrant. Top the rolls with a crunchy pretzel crust and bake until golden brown.
Equipment
– Large pot
– Whisk
– Cutting board
– Meat thermometer
Ingredients
– 1 cup yeast
– 2 cups flour
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp black pepper
– Pretzel crust ingredients (see below)
Servings
4-6 people
Zwiebelkuchen (Cheese and Onion Tart)
Cheese and Onion Tart, also known as Zwiebelkuchen, is a classic German dessert that’s sweet and savory. This delicious tart is made with a flaky pastry crust, topped with a mixture of cheese, onions, and spices.
To make Cheese and Onion Tart, start by rolling out a flaky pastry crust. Then, mix together cheese, onions, and spices, and spread the mixture over the crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Equipment
– Large skillet
– Oven thermometer
– Cutting board
– Whisk
Ingredients
– 1 cup cheese (such as cheddar or Emmental)
– 1 cup onions
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Pastry crust ingredients (see below)
Servings
4-6 people
Käsesalat (German Potato Salad)
German Potato Salad, also known as Käsesalat, is a classic German side dish that’s tangy and creamy. This delicious salad is made with boiled potatoes, onions, and a tangy dressing.
To make German Potato Salad, start by boiling diced potatoes until they’re tender. Then, chop the potatoes and mix them with chopped onions, a tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Equipment
– Large pot
– Whisk
– Cutting board
– Meat thermometer
Ingredients
– 2 cups boiled potatoes
– 1 cup onions
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1 tbsp mustard
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup cheese (such as cheddar or Emmental)
Servings
4-6 people
Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
Glühwein is a classic German holiday drink that’s warm and spicy. This delicious mulled wine is made with red wine, spices, and sugar, and served in a warm mug.
To make Mulled Wine, start by heating red wine in a large pot with spices and sugar. Cook until the wine is hot and fragrant. Serve in a warm mug and enjoy.
Equipment
– Large pot
– Meat thermometer
– Whisk
– Cutting board
Ingredients
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp cloves
– 1 tsp nutmeg
– 1 tsp orange zest
Servings
4-6 people
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)
Black Forest Cake, also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a classic German dessert that’s rich and decadent. This delicious cake is made with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream, and served in a tall cake.
To make Black Forest Cake, start by making a rich chocolate cake. Then, mix together whipped cream, cherries, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Assemble the cake by layering the cake with whipped cream and cherries.
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl
– Electric mixer
– Whisk
– Meat thermometer
Ingredients
– 1 cup chocolate
– 1 cup cherries
– 1 cup whipped cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
Servings
4-6 people
Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies)
Lebkuchen is a classic German cookie that’s spicy and sweet. These delicious cookies are made with molasses, ginger, and spices, and topped with a crunchy icing.
To make Lebkuchen, start by mixing together molasses, ginger, and spices. Then, roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake until the cookies are golden brown and crispy. Top with a crunchy icing and enjoy.
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl
– Electric mixer
– Whisk
– Meat thermometer
Ingredients
– 1 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup ginger
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1 tsp nutmeg
– 1 tsp allspice
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
Servings
4-6 people
