The holiday season is always the best time to try out new recipes, especially some that offer a unique experience. A Christmas goose is an old classic that we are giving a whole new look and taste using a smoker. This recipe is perfect whether you’re the person who cooks Christmas dinner every year or it is the first Christmas dinner you have ever hosted. Let’s take a look at how chefs of all skill levels can enjoy a delicious goose during the holidays!
How to Prepare the Goose for Christmas
Before you cook your Christmas goose, you will want to prepare your goose to get that extra special flavor. You can get your goose ready with these simple steps.
Make Cross Marks Using a Knife
Take your goose and carefully make cross marks across it to assist with the cooking. Be sure to cover the entire top and sides, including the legs. Try to avoid piercing the meat (it is still okay if you do!).
Rub the Goose
Rub in all that flavor by mixing the ingredients and covering the goose in that perfect rub using the listed ingredients. Mix it all together and rub it into your goose, including into the cross marks.
Stuff the Cavity with Orange and Lemon
Stuff the cavity with citrus and savory flavor. Using lemon, orange, thyme, rosemary, and sage for the best combination, be sure to stuff the goose with care. This delicious stuffing will lead to plenty of great tastes when the goose is fully cooked.
Wrap the goose up in foil and plastic wrap, then allow it to sit in the refrigerator for 18 to 24 hours to let the flavor set. The next day, place it in a tin with some celery, onion, and garlic in the base to make the gravy.
How Long Should Goose Be Cooked on the Grill?
Since goose sizes can vary, cook times can change quite a bit too. You will want to cook the goose until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F at the thickest part of the breast. The process should take roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.
How to Smoke a Goose (Step-by-Step)
A Christmas goose will be a wonderful and flavorful holiday addition to your table as long as you know what steps to take. Fortunately, making an amazing smoked goose is a fairly easy process with these simple steps!
Preheat the Z Grills Smoker to 375F
Thoroughly cooking poultry is very important, which is why you want to ensure an appropriate cooking experience. To get started, head over to your Z Grills pellet smoker, apply your favorite wood pellets, and set it to 375F. Allow the smoker to heat completely before moving on. For the best flavor, we recommend our Z Grills hickory pellets.
Place the Goose on the Grill
When your Z Grills smoker reaches the ideal temperature, you can place your goose on the grill. Find the area where the pellets are hottest and place your goose on either side of it to avoid overcooking.
As soon as it is set inside, it is time to use your meat thermometer. Carefully insert the probe into the thickest part of the goose’s breast. The goose should cook for roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, and it will have an internal temperature of 165F when it is complete.
Cook for an Additional 15 to 20 Minutes
Once your goose has been properly basted with your favorite honey, it is time to close the grill back up. Allow the goose to cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
When the goose is done cooking, it will reach an internal temperature of 165F. Actual cook times may vary, so be sure to use your meat thermometer rather than specific timeframes.
Carve the Goose, Serve, and Enjoy!
Your perfect Christmas goose is prepared and ready to enjoy. It should have a beautifully browned exterior, tender and juicy meat, and a delicious smell that fills up the room. The dark meat and skin of the goose are a flavor you won’t find anywhere else! For this recipe, we recommend using the Z Grills 110002B Wi-Fi Pellet Grill.
Allow the goose to rest for 20 minutes before serving. When the goose is properly rested, you can carve it up and start serving it to your guests. Be sure to start by removing the wings. Work between the bones and carve it in your preferred way. Careful carving will help you to get even more meat, so move slowly!
To get the most out of the recipe and learn from the Z Grills grilling pro, head over to Chef Tommy’s Channel, The Gallery Backyard BBQ & Griddle, to watch the full video on this recipe!
Best Sides for Smoked Goose on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a celebration of family and festive flavor, and it deserves a full meal that goes the extra mile. To help turn your Christmas meal into the ultimate feast of the year, you need to pair your smoked goose with the right side dishes.
Getting your guests primed for a delicious meal is easy when you start everything off with some smoked mozzarella cheese. For a perfect plate partner, consider pairing your goose with smoked sweet potatoes this holiday season. Of course, if you are the kind of person who prefers standard potatoes, our smoked scalloped potatoes are the perfect match as well!
Smoked Goose
Equipment
- Z Grills 11002B Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi
- Z Grills Hickory Wood Pellets
Ingredients
For the rub
- 1 tbs kosher salt
- 2 tbs five spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
For the stuff
- The zest of 2 oranges
- The zest of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Make cross marks across the goose using your knife, then apply a good rub.
- Stuff the cavity with orange and lemon, then Add sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Cover the goose with foil and plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge for 18 to 24 hours.
- Prepare a tray with garlic, celery, and onion, and place the goose over it.
- Preheat your pellet grill to 375F.
- When the grill is heated, place the goose on a grill, then use a meat probe and insert it into the goose’s breast.
- After two hours (or when the goose reaches 150F inside), you can baste the goose in honey.
- Close the grill and cook the goose for an additional 15 to 20 minutes—or until the goose reaches 165F inside. It should take roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Allow the goose to rest for 20 minutes.
- Carve the goose, serve, and enjoy!
