32 Best Hanukkah Recipes for the Festival of Lights
Try a few variations on crispy latkes!
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Hanukkah is a special time of year for many: it's a celebration of miracles, a festival of lights, and a time to gather 'round the table with family and friends. Often times, that includes playing dreidel and exchanging gifts, but another holiday tradition is the food we eat. Of course, this includes foods that are fried in oil to signify the oil in the Holy Temple that burned for eight nights rather than just one.
Latkes are one of the most popular Hanukkah recipes on the list ahead and we've got a few variations on the crispy potato pancakes. You'll find classic golden-brown lakes with caramelized onion sour cream, sweet potato latkes, and a giant latke (also called a galette) that's perfect for serving with Ree Drummond's homemade applesauce. To go with these tasty potato recipes, you'll also find holiday favorites like brisket, matzo ball soup, and jelly-filled doughnuts.
If you're hosting Hanukkah this year, these festive recipes will have you covered for all eight nights. Here, you'll find hearty main courses, vegetable side dishes, cozy soups, and plenty of winter desserts. You can't go wrong with baked salmon, chicken schnitzel, or Ree's recipe for perfect pot roast. Serve it up with a side of honey-glazed carrots, couscous salad, and a celebratory winter cocktail. Then again, you can also pick out a bottle of your favorite kosher wine.
Whether you want to keep things traditional or try something new, there's a Hanukkah recipe ahead that will fit your family. Just make sure you save room for one of the many Hanukkah desserts—an olive oil cake or homemade rugelach are sure to be hit!
Chicken Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a classic German recipe that made its way to Israel where it become a popular dish. Here, the crispy, crunchy schnitzel is made with chicken cutlets pounded thin so it cooks up quickly in no time!
Get the Chicken Schnitzel recipe.
Potato Galette
You can think of this recipe like a giant, massive, over-the-top latke! It's an impressive, fun twist that still has all those crispy edges you know and love.
Get the Potato Galette recipe.
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Warm from the fry and covered in a sugary crust, these doughnuts are the epitome of comfort food. To give them their bold apple flavor, the doughnuts are made with both apple butter and apple pie spice.
Get the Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Some people like sour cream with their latkes while others prefer the sweetness of applesauce. If you're one of the latter, try making your own applesauce with this fuss-free recipe.
Get the Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe.
Couscous Salad
A bright and colorful couscous salad is a great way to balance out all that fried food. The pops of jewel-toned pomegranate seeds also plays a symbolic role in many Jewish holidays.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Baked Salmon
This is a very simple method for making salmon. It only takes 20 minutes so you can get back to flipping latkes!
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
Olive Oil Cake
Instead of frying a dessert with oil, try baking a dessert with oil instead! This cake isn't too sweet, but has a perfectly citrusy orange flavor.
Get the Olive Oil Cake recipe.
Pomegranate Sparklers
It doesn't get easier than this three-ingredient cocktail. You can whip it up at a moment's notice and add fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive finish.
Get Ree's Pomegranate Sparklers recipe.
Chocolate Babka
Babka is a type of yeasted bread that's swirled with all sorts of fillings. In this case, it's all about the rich and decadent melty chocolate!
Get the Chocolate Babka recipe.
Everything Bagel Casserole
Okay, yes, this casserole has bacon which isn't kosher. But it's also so tasty if you're in the camp of Jews who do eat pork! It's a breakfast casserole that's perfect for serving at a big breakfast, and it has all your favorite everything bagel fixings.
Get the Everything Bagel Casserole recipe.
Latkes with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream
These extra-crispy, golden brown potato pancakes are a holiday favorite. Serve them with a toppings bar filled with apple sauce, horseradish, and this caramelized onion sour cream—then let guests help themselves!
Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl
Give your Hanukkah a Mediterranean angle with this delightful salmon grain bowl. The beautiful, fragrant dill mixes with the cucumber, salmon, and olives for a classic flavor combination.
Get Ree’s Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl recipe.
Slow Cooker Brisket
This hands-free recipe is perfect for when you're busy wrapping gifts. All you have to do is set it in the slow cooker with a packet of onion soup mix and a few other ingredients and you'll have a tender main course in no time.
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
Beautiful Brussels Sprouts
This assortment of roasted vegetables will brighten up any holiday table. To give these Brussels sprouts an extra pop of color and burst of flavor, try garnishing the dish with pomegranate seeds.
Get Ree's Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Beef and Noodles
If you don't want to put all that time into a brisket this year, opt for a hearty bowl of beef and noodles. It's the coziest meal for those chilly winter nights.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini makes a fun alternative to traditional potato pancakes. Plus, it's a great way to pack in some extra green veggies for your family dinner!
Get the Zucchini Fritters recipe.
Rugelach
This crescent-shaped cookie is often filled with either raisins, walnuts, poppy seeds, or fruit preserves. But you could also choose mini chocolate chips if you're a fan of chocolate desserts.
Get the Rugelach recipe.
Roasted Chicken Matzo Ball Soup
This traditional Passover food is just as delicious throughout the year—especially during Hanukkah when the weather is chilly. It's the best way to warm up and kick-start a tasty holiday meal.
Get the Chicken Matzo Ball Soup recipe.
Homemade Applesauce
Making your own homemade applesauce is easier than you might think. Make a big batch to enjoy with latkes all holiday long!
Get Ree's Applesauce recipe.
Perfect Pot Roast
You can serve this holiday main course two ways: sliced or shredded. Whatever you do, don't forget to spoon those delicious pan juices over the top!
Get Ree's Perfect Pot Roast recipe.
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