Bring home your favorite Christkindlmarket flavors with these German Christmas mains, sides and desserts!
35 German Christmas Recipes
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
Pork Schnitzel with Sauce
I make big fans whenever I serve this German-style schnitzel pork schnitzel recipe. It’s a Christmastime favorite —Diane Katzmark, Metamora, Michigan. Looking for more? Check out these German Christmas dinner recipes.
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2/35
Almond Spritz Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This almond spritz cookies recipe can be left plain or decorated with colored sugar and frosting. In our house, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without some cookie press recipes.—Tanya Hart, Muncie, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
3/35
Slow-Cooker Sauerbraten
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is of German Lutheran descent, and although we enjoy this traditional beef roast, I never liked the amount of time and fuss it takes to make it. This recipe is so good and oh-so-easy. It's great served with dumplings, spaetzle, veggies or a salad. —Norma English, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 475 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
Find more Christmas dinners from around the world.
4/35
Stollen
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 loaves
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 244 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
5/35
Savory Sausage Stuffing
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make the same old dressing every year. About 10 years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage. Now everyone requests this dish for all our holiday meals. —Ursula Hernandez, Waltham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 261 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
6/35
Mulled Wine
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Called gluhwein in German, this mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don’t omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 379 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/35
Apricot Almond Torte
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty cake takes a bit of time, so I like to make the layers ahead of time and assemble the day of serving, making it an easier option for Christmas entertaining. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 546 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
8/35
Bratwurst Supper
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with chunks of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, this one-dish meal makes an easy German-inspired Christmas dinner. —Janice Meyer, Medford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 524 calories, 37g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1445mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
9/35
Old-Fashioned Molasses Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-world spice cake is lower in fat but big on flavor. Serve it warm for breakfast on a frosty morning or have a square with hot cider on a snowy afternoon. It’s a great Christmas treat. —Deanne Bagley, Bath, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 155 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/35
Sausage Sauerkraut Soup
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives great compliments. Everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 373 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1707mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
11/35
Potato Dumplings
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potato dumplings (called Kartoffel Kloesse in Germany) are a delightful addition to any German feast. The browned butter sauce is delectable.—Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
2 dumplings with 2 tablespoons sauce: 367 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
12/35
Honey Smoked Salmon
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe in an Alaska fishing guide. Now it's the only way we do salmon. The brine gives it a sweet caramelized coating, and the hickory wood chips give it a distinct smoky flavor. —Judy Ashby, Jamestown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 244 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
13/35
Chewy German Chocolate Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want a cookie that’s as chewy as a brownie, this is the recipe I reach for. Coffee granules add the right amount of mocha flavor. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 98 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/35
Apfelkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 422 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
15/35
Duck Breasts with Apricot Chutney
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to holiday main dishes, duck is an unsung hero. When serving this entree as part of a buffet, try using chafing dish to keep it warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 duck breast half with 1/4 cup chutney and 1 tablespoon sauce: 525 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
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Chocolate Lebkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 238 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
17/35
Aunt Grace's Eggnog
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up, I couldn't get enough of the nonalcoholic eggnog my aunt always prepared for us kids. Now I enjoy this adult version. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 263 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
18/35
Sausage and Lentil Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
During the cooler months of the year, this soup makes regular appearances on our dinner table. It is approved by all, including my picky 6-year-old. —Kalyn Gensic, Ardmore, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 390 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1242mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 22g protein.
19/35
Beef Tenderloin Roast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe. Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper—just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 294 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/35
Apple Crostata
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 298 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
21/35
Standing Rib Roast
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with about 3 tablespoons jus: 323 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
22/35
Lebkuchen
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother's cookbook, and judging from the amount of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time. —Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 187 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/35
German Red Cabbage
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
24/35
Kuchen
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 coffee cakes (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 242 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/35
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 halves: 165 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
26/35
Cranberry Conserve
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm 95, and I still remember my grandmother from Germany making this lovely, delicious conserve for the holidays. She'd give it to family members and friends. It tastes great served as a relish alongside meat or even spread on biscuits.
-Mildred Marsh Banker, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 72 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
27/35
Sauerkraut Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom brewed her own sauerkraut and, of course, the cabbage was from our big farm garden! Blending the kraut with spicy sausage and apples was Mom's favorite way to fix it, and I still love this country dish.
—Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
28/35
Bavarian Pot Roast
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
29/35
Pork Roast with Apples and Onions
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/35
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
31/35
German Spice Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy spice cookies are great with coffee and taste even better the next day. The recipe has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 190 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
32/35
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad is a staple on Christmas spreads across the country. I’ve had this recipe for decades. —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
33/35
Roast Christmas Goose
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have such fond childhood memories of Christmas dinner and my mother serving a golden brown Christmas goose. To flavor the meat, Mom stuffed the bird with peeled and quartered fruit that's discarded after baking. —Rosemarie Force, Heathsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked goose: 376 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
34/35
Gingerbread Men Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
No Christmas treat platter would be complete without gingerbread men cookies! This is a tried-and-true recipe I’m happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie (calculated without frosting): 118 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
35/35
Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burned ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 387 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
