An Authentic German Christmas Feast

Chef John's Christmas Roast Goose

This roast goose recipe features a delightful wine-based reduction sauce. Starting with a pre-cooked smoked goose, the roasting process is incredibly straightforward. The delicate smoky flavor of the goose perfectly complements the richness of red wine, balsamic vinegar, and the subtle sweetness of blackberries.

Chef John's Beef Rouladen

If you're in the mood for a hearty beef-and-potatoes dish, Chef John's classic beef rouladen might be just what you're looking for. As Chef John puts it, "This beef rouladen may look complex, but it's actually one of the easiest stuffed meat dishes you can make." You can use practically any affordable cut of beef—Chef John prefers round steak, but cuts like rump, chuck, or flap meat will work just as well."

Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage

Bring a vibrant splash of color to your holiday meal with red cabbage slow-cooked in wine and a few simple seasonings, like a touch of caraway seeds. The combination of salty, sour, and sweet flavors makes it the perfect side for beef or roast goose. Best of all, it's wonderfully easy to prepare. Chef John suggests experimenting with ingredients: "You can add raisins, currants, shallots, onions, leeks, apples, or pears to really make this dish your own."

German Spaetzle Dumplings

These classic German dumplings are made from a simple flour dough, boiled in water or broth, and then crisped up in a buttery skillet. For an extra flavor boost, you can sauté a few pieces of bacon and use the bacon fat to fry the spaetzle instead of butter. Just skip the butter if you’re using bacon drippings,” suggests MARBALET.

German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)

These tender, pillowy dumplings are made even more special with a surprise center of crispy croutons, all finished with a rich drizzle of browned butter. Chef John recommends roasting, rather than boiling, the potatoes to ensure they stay dry for the perfect texture. Top them off with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and a savory mushroom sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

German Stollen

Stollen, a beloved Christmas treat across Germany, is packed with dried fruits, candied citrus peel, and almonds. "This is a very traditional stollen that I make every year," shares Marianne. "It's loaded with all the classic ingredients for that perfect holiday flavor,"

Traditional Springerle

Springerle cookies are an age-old German tradition, flavored with anise and made using intricate carved wooden molds or rolling pins. "We've been baking these classic cookies every year since I was a child," recalls PREGOCOOK. "My mother remembers her grandmother making them with this very recipe, passed down through the generations in our family."

Discover More German Christmas Cookie Recipes:

• Pfeffernusse Cookies
• German Lebkuchen
• German Christmas Coconut Cookies