15+ German Christmas Ham Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Apr 18, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, many families around the world are starting to plan their Christmas meals. While traditional dishes vary from country to country, one staple that is commonly found on Christmas tables in Germany is the famous Christmas ham. This delicious and savory dish has been a part of German Christmas traditions for centuries, and it continues to be a beloved favorite among many households. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions for making a mouth-watering German Christmas ham.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Honey, Orange Liqueur, Sour
German Christmas gingerbread, also known as Lebkuchen, is a traditional holiday treat that has been enjoyed in Germany for centuries. These spiced cookies are typically made with honey, molasses, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. They are often decorated with icing and are a popular gift during the holiday season. Here are 20 delicious ways to incorporate German Christmas gingerbread into your holiday celebrations.
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Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Ground Almonds, Cinnamon
Zimtsterne, or cinnamon stars, are a classic German Christmas cookie that is both beautiful and delicious. These cookies are made with a dough that is flavored with ground almonds, cinnamon, and lemon zest. The dough is then rolled out and cut into star shapes before being topped with a meringue glaze and baked until crispy. These cookies are sure to impress your holiday guests.
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Pfeffernusse German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Butter
Pfeffernusse cookies are a popular German Christmas treat that are bursting with warm holiday spices. These small, round cookies are made with a dough that is flavored with molasses, honey, and a variety of spices including anise, cinnamon, and cloves. They are then rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet and festive touch. These cookies are perfect for snacking on while sipping on a mug of hot cocoa.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Runny Honey, Butter, Plain Flour, Ground Almond, Ground
German Christmas cookies, or Weihnachtsplätzchen, come in a variety of shapes, flavors, and sizes. These cookies are often made with traditional ingredients such as honey, spices, and nuts, and are often decorated with icing or chocolate. Some popular German Christmas cookies include Vanillekipferl, buttery crescent-shaped cookies flavored with vanilla, and Kokosmakronen, chewy coconut macaroons.
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German Quiche
Main Ingredients: Waxy Potatoes, Clarified Butter, Purple Onion, Ham
If you're looking for a savory dish to serve during the holiday season, consider making a German quiche. This dish is made with a flaky pie crust and filled with a mixture of eggs, milk, cheese, and your choice of savory ingredients such as bacon, spinach, and mushrooms. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a holiday brunch or dinner.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
Christmas morning wife saver is a popular breakfast casserole in Canada, but it also has German roots. This dish is typically made with layers of bread, ham, cheese, and a custard mixture, and is refrigerated overnight before being baked in the morning. It's a perfect dish for Christmas morning when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
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Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Dresden stollen, also known as Christstollen, is a traditional German Christmas bread that is often served during the holiday season. This sweet bread is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan, and is often dusted with powdered sugar. It's a festive and tasty addition to any holiday meal.
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German Farmer’s Breakfast
Main Ingredients: Large Potatoes, Bacon Fat, White Onions, Chopped Bell
German farmer's breakfast, or Bauernfrühstück, is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a holiday brunch. This dish is made with potatoes, onions, and ham, and is often topped with a fried egg. It's a simple yet delicious meal that will keep you full and energized for a day of holiday celebrations.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Hazelnut Flour, Plain Flour
German Christmas cookies are a beloved holiday tradition in Germany, with each region having its own unique recipes and flavors. Some popular cookies include Springerle, anise-flavored cookies that are often stamped with intricate designs, and Spekulatius, thin and crispy cookies flavored with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. These cookies are a must-have for any German Christmas celebration.
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German Terrassen Kekse Christmas cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg Yolks
Terrassen Kekse, also known as terrace cookies, are a popular German Christmas cookie that is both beautiful and delicious. These cookies are made with a dough that is flavored with vanilla and cocoa, and are then stacked and filled with a raspberry jam filling. The result is a stunning and tasty cookie that will impress your holiday guests.
German Christmas stollen is a rich and decadent holiday bread that is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. This bread is made with a dough that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes marzipan. It is then shaped into a long loaf and baked until golden brown. This delicious bread is often served with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
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Traditional German Stollen for Christmas
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Dark Rum, Flour, Sugar, Butter, Candied Lemon
Traditional German stollen is a classic holiday treat that has been enjoyed in Germany for centuries. This sweet bread is made with a dough that is filled with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes marzipan. It is then rolled and shaped into a traditional stollen shape before being baked and dusted with powdered sugar. It's a must-have for any German Christmas celebration.
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German Dresden Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Dresden stollen, also known as Christstollen, is a popular holiday bread in Germany, particularly in the city of Dresden. This bread is made with a dough that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes marzipan. It is then rolled and shaped into a traditional stollen shape before being baked and dusted with powdered sugar. It's a delicious and festive addition to any holiday meal.
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German Anise Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Sugar, Eggs, Anise
Anise cookies are a popular holiday treat in Germany, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. These cookies are made with a dough that is flavored with anise extract, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. They are often topped with a glaze or icing and decorated with festive sprinkles. These cookies are a must-try for any fan of anise.
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BEST German Christmas Stollen (Christstollen)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Active Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All
If you're looking for the best German Christmas stollen recipe, look no further. This traditional holiday bread is made with a dough that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes marzipan. It is then shaped and baked until golden brown before being dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite in your household.
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German Dominosteine Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Honey, Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Flour, Gingerbread
German Dominosteine cookies are a unique and delicious holiday treat. These small, square cookies are made with layers of gingerbread, marzipan, and a fruit jelly filling, all coated in chocolate. They are a decadent and festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.
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Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Lemon Peel, Candied Orange Peel
Stollen, also known as Christstollen, is a traditional German Christmas bread that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This sweet bread is made with a dough that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes marzipan. It is then shaped into a traditional stollen shape before being baked and dusted with powdered sugar. It's a delicious and festive addition to any holiday meal.
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German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Flour, Powdered Sugar, Salt, Butter
Spitzbuben cookies, also known as Linzer cookies, are a popular holiday treat in Germany. These cookies are made with a buttery dough flavored with almonds and filled with a layer of jam. They are often cut into festive shapes and dusted with powdered sugar. These cookies are a must-try for any fan of traditional German Christmas treats.
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Pfeffernusse (German Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Eggs, Molasses, Baking Soda
Pfeffernusse cookies are a classic German Christmas treat that are bursting with warm holiday spices. These small, round cookies are made with a dough that is flavored with molasses, honey, and a variety of spices including anise, cinnamon, and cloves. They are then rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet and festive touch. These cookies are perfect for snacking on while sipping on a mug of hot cocoa.
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German Flourless Christmas Cookies (Elisenlebkuchen)
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Large Eggs, Powdered Sugar, Mace
Elisenlebkuchen cookies are a flourless and gluten-free option for those who still want to enjoy traditional German Christmas treats. These cookies are made with a dough that is flavored with almonds, candied citrus peel, and a variety of spices. They are often topped with a sweet glaze and are a delicious and festive addition to any holiday gathering.
The History of German Christmas Ham
The tradition of serving ham during Christmas in Germany can be traced back to the Middle Ages. During that time, people would slaughter pigs in the winter, and the meat would be preserved by salting and smoking. The cured ham would then be saved for special occasions, such as Christmas. Over time, this tradition evolved, and the Christmas ham became a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Today, it is a popular dish in Germany and is often served as the main course during Christmas celebrations.
The Ingredients
To make a traditional German Christmas ham, you will need to gather a few essential ingredients. The main ingredient, of course, is the ham. A bone-in, cured and smoked ham is preferred for this recipe. Other ingredients include cloves, mustard, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider. These ingredients add a unique and delicious flavor to the ham and give it a beautiful glaze.
The Recipe
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F. Next, place the ham in a large roasting pan and score the fat in a criss-cross pattern. Then, carefully insert whole cloves into the ham, spacing them evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider. Brush this mixture all over the ham, making sure to cover it entirely. Cover the ham with foil and place it in the oven for about two hours.
After two hours, remove the foil and baste the ham with the juices from the pan. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue cooking for another 30 minutes. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
In Summary
The German Christmas ham is a delicious and traditional dish that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and unique flavors make it a must-have on any Christmas table. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a mouth-watering ham that will impress your family and friends. So this holiday season, why not add a touch of German tradition to your Christmas spread with a homemade Christmas ham.