This article was updated on the 16th of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your goose dinner, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for goose. In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with goose are buttery herb stuffing, roasted carrots and parsnips, and roast potatoes. Try Brussels sprouts, Chinese broccoli, or rocket pear salad for healthier options. You can also serve jägerspätzle, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, and Mandarin pancakes.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Great Flavor Pairings for Goose
Goose has a more intense flavor than other poultry like chicken and turkey. It has a layer of fat that adds richness and gaminess as it cooks. Goose pairs well with:
- Acidic flavors: Additions like lemon or lime juice, or other fruits such as oranges, cranberries, and plums have an acidic twist that helps offset the fattiness of the goose meat. Consider using any of these in a sauce or a side dish like pilaf.
- Sweet flavors: Incorporating sweet flavors is another way to temper the richness of your goose meat. Try making a glaze with honey or a side dish of root veggies like carrots and parsnips.
- Herby flavors: Seasoning your goose meat with herbs like sage and rosemary helps enhance its robust, savory flavor. You can also try thyme.
Holiday Sides
Goose is succulent and rich, making it a great centerpiece for holidays and special meals. And your spread wouldn’t be complete without an array of classic holiday sides.
Herb Stuffing
4.9 ⭐️ (5338 ratings) | 1 hr 35 mins
Planning to serve roasted goose for Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t forget to enjoy it with a side of this warm, delicious stuffing.
How Sweet Eats’ recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, but don’t be scared! I know it sounds like too much, but it’ll help the surface of your stuffing crisp up perfectly while keeping the insides moist and decadent.
What readers are saying…
“I just baked it and thought it may be too much butter but trust me it isn’t. It smells wonderful and tastes like the best stuffing ever.“
“Just finishing putting this together, it was my first dish of the morning. It smells and looks wonderful.”
“This recipe is amazing! I have always made a sausage, and cornbread stuffing, and wanted something lighter this year.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Gluten-Free Stuffing
🌱 Cauliflower Low-carb Stuffing
🕰 Stove-top Stuffing
Goose-Fat Roast Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 1 hr 25 mins
If it’s your first time roasting goose, you’ll find out that it releases a ton of fat while cooking. But don’t throw it out.
Use it to make roast potatoes instead. It’ll make them extra crispy on the outside with the fluffiest insides you can ever imagine.
But most importantly, it infuses the spuds with a rich, savory flavor no seasoning or spice blend could give you.
What readers are saying…
“I made goose for Christmas a couple of years ago and saved some of the fat to cook with. It really does have the best flavor! I love this technique, and the step-by-step photos help a lot.”
“Proper roast spuds. This should be taught in schools, there are too many sad potato experiences out there!”
“These are – without a doubt – the best roast tatties I’ve ever made. I usually use vegetable oil and never parboil or anything. These are a game changer.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🏃♀️ Air-fryer Roasted Potatoes
🧄 Roasted Garlic and Herb Mashed potatoes
🌱 Baked Jicama Fries
Bourbon Orange-Glazed Ham
5.0 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 2 hrs 45 mins
If you’re serving roasted goose for a large dinner party, consider making this baked ham as another main dish to share the spotlight.
This looks intimidating, but don’t worry. The recipe requires an already cooked and smoked ham, so you’re only really reheating it with the glaze.
And speaking of the orange bourbon glaze, it’s packed with warm, sweet-tangy notes that also taste superb with your roasted goose.
What readers are saying…
“…My family begs me to make it every holiday! It feels great to have ‘the recipe’ everyone adores.”
“I’ve never been a big ham eater. But your directions and this glaze have made me one. It never fails!“
“Just made this for Easter and it is the best ham I have ever had. It’s like bourbon pork candy. I will only eat this ham recipe from now on.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Honey-Glazed Air Fryer Ham
💵 Ham Steak with Honey Mustard Glaze
🌱 Brown Sugar and Mustard-glazed Tofu
Green Bean Casserole
4.9 ⭐️ (46 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
Green bean casserole is another classic holiday side dish that goes well with roasted goose.
The rich, creamy sauce holds up well to the goose’s intensely savory flavor, while the golden fried onion topping adds a contrasting crunch that makes each bite satisfying.
Traditional recipes feature canned green beans and soup to make this casserole more convenient. But this version goes all out and makes everything from scratch — it’s guaranteed to take your holiday meal up a notch.
What readers are saying…
“Made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. My mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband all said it was the highlight of the side dishes and there was a fight over the leftovers!? Definitely worth the extra steps to make this all homemade. Thank you for the recipe!!“
“Green Bean Casserole for adults! So much better than opening cans. I added a few fresh shitakes – YUM. Next time I make this I will add some shaved almonds.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Easy green bean casserole
🌱 Dairy-free green bean casserole
🧘♀️ Lemon parmesan garlic green beans
Cranberry Relish
4.6 ⭐️ (44 ratings) | 20 mins
Craving something sweet to add to your roasted goose? Look no further than this cranberry relish.
Its combination of sweet and tangy flavors contrasts beautifully with your roasted goose. And the best part? Everything comes together in one pot, which means less mess to clean up.
Pro-tip: you can enjoy this immediately, but it’s even tastier after a few days.
What readers are saying…
“I just made a double batch and put it in tiny jars for the neighbors. They’re cute and it smelled wonderful…The recipe was easy though so I’ll definitely make this again.“
“Awesome recipe! I will definitely make it again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Thanksgiving Rice Pilaf
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
This rice pilaf is an excellent hearty addition to your roasted goose feast.
The wild rice alone would be too earthy to pair with your rich goose, but add-ons like wine, cranberries, and the plethora of herbs make for a more balanced savory bite.
This is a great make-ahead dish, which means less work on the day of your feast.
What readers are saying…
“This was a hit for Thanksgiving so I’m going to make it again for Christmas and I plan to actually keep it on repeat all year long.”
“I decided to make this for my family for our Canadian Thanksgiving, and it was a big success. Everyone wants to make this for Christmas now.”
“I made this and it was a hit with everyone there. They all took leftovers home. Easy to make and delicious.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Instant Pot Wild Rice
🧘♀️ Parmesan Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Vegetables and Salads
Goose is a rich and flavorful meat, so it’s nice to lighten things up with some fresh veggies or a salad. Think crisp greens, colorful slaws with a zesty kick, or buttery steamed beans.
Rocket Pear Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 5 mins
Want something quick and easy with your roasted goose? This salad has your back.
It might be simple, but the combination of peppery rocket, sweet pears, and zesty balsamic Dijon dressing is exactly what you need to cut through the richness of your goose.
Plus, it’s loaded with lots of vitamins and nutrients you need for a complete and healthy meal.
What readers are saying…
“This is the best arugula salad. The balsamic vinaigrette is so tasty. I could not find any pears that looked decent, so used apples instead. Still delicious!“
“Absolutely delicious and easy! Loved the candied nuts as they were made with honey!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
5.0 ⭐️ (65 ratings) | 40 mins
Carrots and parsnips are some of the usual root vegetables that go superbly with goose, and roasting is my favorite way to cook them. It’s quick, easy, and it enhances their natural sweetness, making them more flavorful.
But this recipe jazzes them up further by roasting them with honey and spices, adding a savory-sweet kick.
What readers are saying…
“Beautiful, flavorful side. The honey is a perfect touch, and I have to say, I really like the mix of carrots and parsnips. They go so nicely together, and keep either one from feeling boring.“
“I made this tonight as a variation on my usual honey-roasted carrots and it was as fantastic as I imagined! Thanks for adding to my winter roasted veggies repertoire.”
“These honey-roasted carrots & parsnips are so good. The honey added just enough sweetness my whole family loved.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Glazed grilled carrots
⏲ Air-fryer roasted carrots
🇫🇷 French carrot salad
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
4.9 ⭐️ (75 ratings) | 20 mins
I’m a firm believer that anyone who hates Brussels sprouts hasn’t tried them cooked properly.
Roasting is my go-to method, but sauteing them is also a good option if you’re in a rush. They get lightly crisp and tender, unlike when you simply boil or steam them. Plus, they get a subtle nutty flavor you can enhance with a bit of parmesan cheese.
What readers are saying…
“Delicious! I made per the recipe and we totally enjoyed it. It may be the only non-bacon Brussels sprout recipe we’ve liked. Definitely making again and again!“
“Okay, these were so delicious. I did use a balsamic drizzle and my hubs and I loved them.“
“Thank you! Finally, a recipe that is easy and makes crispy Brussels (sprouts)!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😌 Honey balsamic Brussels sprouts
🥗 Apple and Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Mashed Cauliflower
5.0 ⭐️ (25 ratings) | 35 mins
This is my go-to substitute when I want something creamy and decadent, but not too calorific.
The key to this recipe is the addition of sour cream, which makes this mash extra luscious and adds a light tangy twist.
Psst… you can also use cream cheese if it’s all you have.
What readers are saying…
“This is absolutely delicious!! It was simple and very flavorful. My husband loved it!! We were looking for a healthier version of mashed potatoes and found this one.”
“Delicious!! I didn’t have sour cream so used full-fat plain yogurt. Cut back butter and used 1 tbsp low-fat cream cheese. Love it!, Thanks!“
“I have no words to describe how superduperdelicious it was! And I never thought I’d ever like cauliflower mash…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Spring Couscous Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (62 ratings) | 25 mins
This vibrant salad is the epitome of spring, and it’s great in summer too.
Aside from the bright peas scattered all throughout, it’s studded with crumbles of feta cheese and a bright basil vinaigrette. It’s hearty but won’t weigh you down, making it ideal for a robust main dish like a roasted goose.
What readers are saying…
“I made this last week and seriously fell in love. I think I may make this on a monthly basis!“
“This was fabulous. I thought the dressing was too sweet when tasted alone but on the salad it was great. It’s a keeper!”
“This recipe was amazing the first time I made it! Has a great flavor and you can use the sauce on so many other things!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌻 Summer couscous salad
🍂 Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad
😇 Gluten-free Quinoa Salad
International Influences
Goose is enjoyed in various forms across different cultures, so why not dip your toes in some international cuisines to switch things up?
Braised Red Cabbage
4.8 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 4 hrs 20 mins
Take inspiration from the Germans and serve your roasted goose with a generous helping of braised red cabbage.
This vibrant side dish boasts a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that help balance the richness of your goose. Plus, it’s super warm and comforting, making it ideal for winter.
The only catch is its long cooking time, but you can make it in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What readers are saying…
“I make this recipe every year for Xmas day. The families love it even the kids.”
“My Grannie would be so pleased with this!!!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Sauteed cabbage and mushrooms
☀ Homemade coleslaw
🤩 Rice-stuffed cabbage rolls
Mandarin Pancakes
4.0 ⭐️ (38 ratings) | 1 hr 5 mins
If Chinese-style roasted goose is more your style, these Mandarin pancakes are the perfect side dish. They’re typically used as a “wrap” to hold slices of roasted goose drizzled with hoisin sauce.
The process for making these pancakes are very similar to homemade tortillas, except when it comes to cooking. First, two pancakes are sandwiched together and then peeled apart once done.
What readers are saying…
“A simplified but still satisfying version of Chinese pancakes, these were fun to make. I used a nonstick skillet over medium heat with great results.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Chinese Broccoli Stir-fry
5.0 ⭐️ (36 ratings) | 20 mins
For the days when you want to keep it simple, a side of Chinese broccoli stir fry is the way to go.
This leafy green has a prominent bitter flavor, although you can easily offset this by blanching the Chinese broccoli first before stir-frying. But if you don’t mind the bitterness, you can stir-fry it directly.
Serve this stir-fry with your goose and a side of steamed rice for a healthy and satisfying meal.
What readers are saying…
“So easy and flavorful! I made it with broccolini and plan to keep it on rotation in my house now. Everyone loved it. A must try for anyone wanting quick weeknight meals or to impress guests.”
“This was really delicious. I did use the blanching method and there was no bitterness to the Gai Lan at all. I loved the thick stalks the best I think. So crispy and juicy.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Jägerspätzle
4.9 ⭐️ (65 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
Roasted goose in Germany traditionally is served with a side of spaetzle, also known as German noodles.
And Jägerspätzle is an elevated version of this, which features the addition of a flavorful mushroom sauce so good you’ll be left licking your plate. You can even smother your roasted goose with the mushroom sauce. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“My entire family enjoyed making this and most of all, eating it! We will be making this again.”
“So good! I added probably an extra quarter cup of water/milk mixture to get the consistency I felt comfy with and it turned out great!“
“I love this recipe-thank you! I have even thinned the mushroom sauce out a bit and have eaten it like mushroom soup!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Goose – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion herb stuffing
- 1 portion Chinese broccoli stir-fry
- 1 portion sauteed brussels sprouts
- 1 portion green bean casserole
- 1 portion braised red cabbage
- 1 portion rocket pear salad … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your goose according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: herb stuffing, roasted carrots and parsnips, goose fat roast potatoes, sauteed brussels sprouts, braised red cabbage, baked ham, Mandarin pancakes, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, Chinese broccoli stir fry, rice pilaf, rocket pear salad, and jägerspätzle.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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