Hanukkah Appetizer Recipes to Make Your Festival of Lights Unforgettable

HANUKKAH appetizer RECIPES
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This is the ultimate collection of Hanukkah-friendly appetizer recipes! I know fried foods are a trademark of this holiday, so there are definitely a few of those on the list. But there are a lot of oven-baked and fresh foods here, as well, needed to prepare your palate for a hearty dinner.

The selection of appetizers here offers a range of textures, flavors, and traditions in bite-size form! You will definitely find something you fancy, so scroll down to see the best appetizer recipes to serve for Hanukkah dinner!

Spinach and Feta Bourekas

Crispy and flaky pastry wrapped around a rich filling is a staple in an appetizer world. The feta and spinach duo is immaculate, plus it is super quick to whip up!

Spinach and Feta Bourekas (Puff Pastry Appetizers)
These savory bourekas have spinach and feta filling inside a flaky pastry pocket. Bourekas make great appetizers, snacks, or breakfast.
Check out this recipe
Spinach and Feta Bourekas (Puff Pastry Appetizers)

Matzo Ball Bites

If you’re already making matzo ball soup for a Hanukkah dinner, set some matzo ball mix on the side and make these fantastic bites. They are so on-theme, crispy on the outside, ideal to pair with a dip, and amazing to prepare in advance!

Air Fryer Matzo Ball Bites Recipe
These mini matzo balls can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated before breading and air frying.
Check out this recipe
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Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

I could eat these every single day! The filling here is on the richer side, as it calls for spinach, tomatoes, peppers, goat cheese, and a few more additions. However, you can opt for something simpler, like cheese and spinach only.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are stuffed with veggies and cheese, making for a great appetizer that’s perfect for all occasions.
Check out this recipe
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Sweet Potato Latkes

Latkes are Hanukkah classic! I love this version with sweet potato, as it has a kind of meaty, silky smack. Also, the honey Greek yogurt and cinnamon dip is spot on!

Sweet Potato Latkes
Crispy Sweet Potato Latkes are sweet and soft on the inside, salty and crispy on the outside! Perfect for Easter, or if made with matzo meal, for Passover.
Check out this recipe
Sweet Potato Latkes

Carciofi alla Giudea – Fried Artichokes

Jewish people love this dish, and I can see why! You will need some time to prep it all, but you will end up with an incredibly crunchy bite. Don’t forget to drizzle some lemon for a finishing touch before serving.

Jewish Style Fried Artichokes – Carciofi Alla Giudea
Recipe and step-by-step photo tutorial for crispy and savory Jewish Fried Artichokes. Includes steps for cleaning and prepping artichokes.
Check out this recipe
Jewish Style Fried Artichokes - Carciofi Alla Giudea

Hummus Dip Platter

This is probably my favorite dish on this list! You can never go wrong with a pita and hummus duo, especially when you top it with some cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Don’t forget to toast the bread for maximum flavor!

Easy & Delicious Hummus Dip Platter
The perfect easy appetizer for watching football or bringing to a holiday party — it’s just hummus with fresh veggies on top.
Check out this recipe
Easy & Delicious Hummus Dip Platter

Falafel Bite with Tzatziki

This recipe is unique because it doesn’t call for frying but for baking falafel bites instead. Then, you arrange them on mini pita bread beds covered with tzatziki, pickled onions, and mint leaves.

Mini Falafel Bites with Tzatziki and Pickled Red Onions
These Mini Falafel with Tzatziki and Pickled Red Onions are almost too cute to eat! Mini falafel top a tzatziki-spread mini pita. Packed with flavor, these are the perfect bite.
Check out this recipe
Mini Falafel Bites with Tzatziki and Pickled Red Onions

Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

This is an appetizer of all appetizers! It doesn’t call for any cooking or special preparations, as the biggest task is slicing the cucumbers. What makes the flavors pop are definitely spices, so don’t skip them!

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer
These smoked salmon cucumber appetizers are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a perfect choice for parties, celebrations, or as a light and refreshing snack. Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer

Latke with Different Toppings

Potato latkes are like the tastiest blank canvas! Check out this article, as it has a ton of ideas on how to make this appetizer fancy. You can add all the different toppings, from brisket over harissa sauce to creme fraiche and pomegranate seeds.

Latke Bar with Toppings
What better way to celebrate Hanukkah, then with a latke bar! Have a latke party with latkes and all sorts of toppings to chose from!
Check out this recipe
Latke Bar with Toppings

Challah Bruschetta with Ricotta

You’re probably already making challah for Hanukka, so double up the recipe and make these flawless bruschettas! The topping is fantastic, with ricotta cheese, lemon, honey, and garlic, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

Tori Avey’s Challah Bruschetta: A Delicious Twist with Lemon Ricotta and Honey
Recipe for Challah Bruschetta with fresh lemon ricotta, olive oil, honey, lemon zest and salt. Appetizer, kosher, dairy.
Check out this recipe
Tori Avey’s Challah Bruschetta: A Delicious Twist with Lemon Ricotta and Honey

Potato Kugel Cups

I love to see this classic dish in a whole new light! It has all the traditional charm, flavor, and texture, but you can eat it as a cupcake. Plus, they look super decorative!

Potato Kugel Cups
This delicious potato kugel is based on my friend Lauren's recipe and she swears by using red-skin potatoes. The cup idea comes from my husband's best friend Adam's mom, Geanie (what a mouthful). Hubby remembers going to their house on Saturday nights and raiding the fridge for these cups. The best part about them is that every piece is a crusty corner piece, so nobody has to fight over that coveted crunch.
Check out this recipe
potatop

Stuffed Vine Leaves

Stuffed vine leaves are a true Mediterranean gem! This appetizer recipe is superb, as it doesn’t involve any meat and is rice-based. But all of the flavors lay in refreshing herbs and tangy lemon.

Dolmades – Greek stuffed vine leaves
Dolmades is a Greek mezze dish of vine leaves stuffed with herby and lemony rice. They are delicious and not difficult to make. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
Dolmades - Greek stuffed vine leaves

Spinach and Potato Knish

This recipe calls for homemade, easy-to-stretch dough, but don’t let this stop you from making these incredibly delicious pastries. They contain vinegar, which will allow you to stretch them effortlessly so you can fill them with spinach and potato blend.

Spinach and Potato Knish with Caramelized Onions
These potato knishes are filled with caramelized onions and sautéed spinach all wrapped in an easy to make tender dough.
Check out this recipe
Spinach and Potato Knish with Caramelized Onions

Matzo Nachos

This is an ultimate appetizer idea – quick and easy, yet effective! You only need matzo sheets and any topping you fancy! I love this Mexican-inspired combo right here!

Passover Matzo Nachos
Most people don't eat corn or beans on Passover, but that doesn't mean you have to skip the nachos. Matzo makes the perfect for base for melty cheese, salsa and guacamole. Enjoy the Mexican twist for you next matzo meal.
Check out this recipe
matzo

Fried Gefilte Fish

Of course, this recipe comes from Britain! You’ll need to mix finely chopped white fish with a matzo meal and a few additional ingredients to achieve an ideal texture – super crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside.

Gefilte Fish – Fried
Fried Gefilte Fish, a British Jewish recipe, are fish balls. They are made with minced fish, onions and spices, and fried to perfection.
Check out this recipe
gefilte fish

Shakshuka Bites

I promise you, these will be a hit! Using tortilla wraps as cups is a brilliant idea – just stuff them with a bunch of veggies and sunny-side-up eggs. Go for a classic Mexican blend – corn, tomatoes, beans, and avocado.

Shakshuka-inspired Breakfast Bites
These perfectly portioned brekkie snacks are as tasty as they are pretty – and packed with flavour. This easy recipe will impress every time.
Check out this recipe
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 Beet Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Basil

This dish is definitely on a simpler side, but the flavor is truly refined. You’ll get the layers of goodness – crispy baguette, earthy beets, and tarty goat cheese. But the secret is in all the additions – check it out!

Beet Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Basil
Simple delicious Beet Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Basil, that can be made ahead and assembled right before your gathering. Easy and DELICIOUS!
Check out this recipe
Beet Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Basil

Baked Olive Cheese Balls 

If you fancy olives – make this appetizer! This is like a Kinder Surprise for adults: you have cheese-based dough instead of chocolate and olives instead of toys. For me, that’s a win-win situation!

Make Ahead Olive Cheese Balls
Olive Cheese Balls are an easy, delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Instructions and tips on how to prepare, freeze & bake are included.
Check out this recipe
Make Ahead Olive Cheese Balls

Pickled Vegetable Platter

Having something acidic on the holiday table is always a good idea! You have a from-scratch recipe here, so you can pickle all your favorite vegetables with minimum effort. The selection of veggies is immaculate- carrot, cauliflower, radishes, peppers, and celery!

Pickled Vegetable Platter
Entertaining guests at home? You’ll love our recipe for a Pickled Vegetable Platter, full of carrot, cauliflower, radish, celery and red pepper – perfect with hummus and crispy flatbread.
Check out this recipe
233376 Own Brand Pickled Pita Platter 810x520 1

Hey, chefs, thank you so much for these fantastic appetizer recipes! As you can see, party bites can be delicacies!

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