25 Best German Christmas Side Dishes (Tasty Ideas)

If you’re looking to celebrate German-style this Christmas, then likely want to take a look at the country’s traditional side dishes. Many classics will surely be on offer during holiday feasts across Germany, so let’s take a closer look at some of them!

I vividly remember the German Christmas feast I attended a few years ago. The table was packed with delicious-smelling side dishes, and I had a hard time deciding what to try first. There was so much variety and each dish was delicious, and I savored every bite.

As I was attending culinary school, I started wondering if I could prepare a German-inspired dinner for Christmas. So I started researching German Christmas side dishes, and I was amazed by the variety of recipes I found. After trying them out, I have finally compiled some of my favorites!

German Christmas Side Dishes

Leipziger Allerlei
Grüne Bohnen
Cheese Spread
Rotkohl
Pretzels
Sauerkraut
Knödel
Spaetzle
Nudeln
Gurkensalat

Leipziger Allerlei

Leipziger Allerlei is a German side dish made up of cooked vegetables. It typically includes carrots, peas, and potatoes, although other vegetables may be used as well. The vegetables are usually cooked in a cream sauce, although a tomato-based sauce can also be used. It is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be served as a main course.

Leipziger Allerlei is one of the best German Side Dish For Christmas because of its versatility. It can be served with almost any main course, and it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. It can also be made with different vegetables depending on what is in season. The only downside to this dish is that it is not as easy to make as some other German side dishes. However, with a little practice, it can be made quite easily.

Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect Leipziger Allerlei:

When choosing vegetables for your Leipziger Allerlei, try to use a mix of different colors and textures. This will add visual interest to your dish and make it more flavorful.
If you are using a cream sauce, be careful not to overcook the vegetables. They should be cooked just until they are tender, but still firm.
If you are making Leipziger Allerlei ahead of time, make sure to reheat it gently so that the vegetables do not become overcooked.

Grüne Bohnen

Grüne Bohnen, also known as green beans, is a popular side dish in Germany, especially during the Christmas season. They are typically boiled or steamed and then served with a variety of sauces or toppings. The taste and texture of Grüne Bohnen can vary depending on how they are prepared, but they are generally tender and slightly nutty.

One of the reasons that Grüne Bohnen is so popular as a side dish is that they pair well with a wide range of main dishes. They can be served with roasted meats or poultry, as well as traditional German fares such as sauerkraut and potato salad. In addition, it can be easily dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

While Grüne Bohnen is pretty easy to prepare, there are a few things to keep in mind to achieve the best results:

Be sure to select fresh, crisp beans for boiling or steaming. limp or yellowed beans will not hold up as well during cooking.
Don’t overcook the beans – they should be tender but still have a bit of bite to them.
If you are serving them with a sauce or topping, be sure to taste the beans first so that you can adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Cheese Spread

Cheese Spread is a smooth, creamy cheese with a mild flavor. It’s perfect for spreading on crackers or bread, and it’s also a great dip for veggies or pretzels. It is also one of the best German Side Dish For Christmas because it’s so versatile.

You can add different herbs or spices to give it more flavor, or you can keep it simple and let the natural flavors shine through. Plus, this is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables! Just dip some carrot sticks or celery in the cheese and they’ll be sure to love it.

Important things to note when serving cheese spread as a German side dish for Christmas:

Make sure that you choose a cheese spread that’s made with real cheese – no fake stuff!
Look for a spread that’s not too oily or greasy. You want something that’s going to be easy to spread and that won’t make your crackers or bread too soggy.
Taste a little bit of the cheese spread before you buy it. Make sure that you like the flavor and that it’s not too bland or overwhelming.

Rotkohl

If you’re looking for a delicious and festive side dish to add to your Christmas feast, look no further than Rotkohl! This traditional German dish is made with red cabbage, and it’s known for its distinctive sweetness. The cabbage is simmered in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and seasonings until it’s tender and flavor-packed.

Rotkohl is the perfect side for all your favorite main dishes, from roast beef and pork to chicken and fish. And best of all, it’s easy to make! Here are some tips for getting the perfect results:

Start with fresh, crisp cabbage. Avoid limp or wilted leaves, as they won’t hold up as well during cooking.
Chop the cabbage into thin strips for the best texture. Thick pieces will take longer to tenderize.
Add the vinegar and sugar to the pot before adding the cabbage. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors.
Season generously with salt and pepper. The cabbage should be well-seasoned before it goes into the pot.
Simmer gently until the cabbage is tender but still retains its shape. Overcooked Rotkohl will be mushy and unappetizing.

Pretzels

Pretzels are traditionally made from flour, water, and salt. The dough is boiled for a short time in the water – usually around 30 seconds – before being baked. This creates a chewy, slightly crunchy texture that is perfect for dipping in sauces or enjoying on its own. They are also a great accompaniment to savory dishes such as roasted meats or stews.

There are many reasons why Pretzels make the perfect German Side Dish For Christmas:

They are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of different dishes.
They have a great flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.
They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

Important things to note when serving pretzels as a German side dish for Christmas:

Make sure to boil the dough for the full 30 seconds – this will ensure that the pretzels are nice and chewy.
Be generous with the salt – it brings out the flavor of the pretzels.
Don’t forget to dip them in your favorite sauce before enjoying it!

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a German dish made of cabbage that has been fermented. The fermentation process gives it its distinct taste and smell. Some people love Sauerkraut for its tangy flavor, while others find it too strong.

However, there’s no denying that Sauerkraut is a quintessential German dish. On Christmas, many Germans enjoy eating Sauerkraut as a side dish. There are numerous reasons why Sauerkraut is one of the best German Side Dish For Christmas:

First, it pairs well with many main dishes, such as pork roast and chicken.
Second, it is easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
Third, it is relatively inexpensive.
Finally, it is a healthy side dish option.

Although Sauerkraut has many merits, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

It is an acquired taste that not everyone enjoys.
It can be difficult to find good-quality Sauerkraut outside of Germany.
The fermentation process can produce harmful bacteria if not done correctly.

For these reasons, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of including Sauerkraut in your Christmas meal. But if you decide to serve Sauerkraut, there are some tips and tricks to follow to ensure the best results:

Make sure to buy high-quality Sauerkraut from a reputable source.
Cook the Sauerkraut slowly over low heat to tame its strong flavor.
Serve the Sauerkraut alongside other side dishes so guests can choose how much they want to eat.

Knödel

Germans sure know how to celebrate Christmas! One of the best German Side Dish For Christmas is Knodel. This is a flour dumpling that is boiled and then baked. It can be made with or without potatoes. The taste and texture of Knodel are similar to that of a thick biscuit or a scone.

Knödel pairs well with many different main dishes, such as roast pork or beef. It can also be served as a side dish with gravy. If you are looking for a hearty and filling side dish then this is a perfect choice.

However, it is important to note that Knödel is high in carbohydrates and calories, so it may not be the best choice if you are watching your waistline.

Spaetzle

Are you looking for a German side dish to add some flair to your Christmas dinner? If so, you may want to consider making Spaetzle. Spaetzle is a type of egg noodle that is popular in German cuisine.

It is made by combining flour, eggs, and milk to create a thick batter. The batter is then extruded into boiling water through a Spaetzle maker or colander. Once cooked, the Spaetzle is usually pan-fried in butter to give it a crispy texture.

So why is Spaetzle one of the best German side dishes for Christmas? For starters, it is extremely versatile and can be paired with a variety of main dishes. Additionally, its unique texture and flavor are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

And because it can be made ahead of time, it is perfect for busy hostesses who want to enjoy the holiday festivities without having to stress about last-minute preparations.

Important things to note when serving spaetzle as a German side dish for Christmas:

Use a generous amount of flour when making the batter. This will help to prevent the noodles from sticking together once they are cooked.
Be sure not to overcook the noodles – they should be tender but still firm to the bite.
If you are not using a Spaetzle maker, make sure that your colander has large enough holes to allow the batter to pass through easily.

Nudeln

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! When it comes to holiday meals, there are countless traditional dishes to choose from. However, one dish that often gets overlooked is Nudeln.

This delicious side dish is made from noodles and can be served either hot or cold. While its simplicity might not seem like much at first glance, Nudeln is one of the most versatile and flavorful side dishes you could ask for.

One of the best things about Nudeln is that it can be served with a wide variety of main dishes. Whether you’re serving roasted meat or baked fish, Nudeln will complement your meal perfectly. Additionally, Nudeln is also extremely easy to make. In just a few minutes, you can have a tasty side dish that everyone will love.

Important things to note when serving Nudeln as a German side dish for Christmas:

The quality of your noodles will make a big difference in the final result. For the best results, always use fresh noodles and cook them according to the package directions.
Be sure to taste your Nudeln before serving it to ensure that it has the perfect flavor.

Gurkensalat

If you want to mix things up this holiday season and try something new, then Gurkensalat is the perfect German side dish for you!

This traditional salad is made with cucumbers, vinegar, dill, and a variety of other spices. The result is a refreshing and flavorful dish that pairs well with various main courses.

Plus, Gurkensalat is relatively easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Important things to note when serving gurkensalat as a German side dish for Christmas:

Be sure to use fresh cucumbers for the best flavor.
Don’t skimp on the vinegar – it’s what gives Gurkensalat its signature tang.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices until you find a combination you love.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your holiday menu, then these German Christmas side dishes are a perfect choice. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, there’s sure to be a dish that everyone will love.

So why not give one or more of these recipes a try? I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. And don’t be scared to experiment – after all, that’s half the fun!