Traditional Hanukkah Recipes for Dinner

If you don’t know much about Jewish culture, the traditional elements of Hanukkah may surprise you! The central symbol of this celebration is actually the miracle of the oil, so that’s the reason why the Hanukkah feast involves so many different fried foods. That way, they honor the Temple oil that lasted for eight days.

Of course, the dinner is not all about fried foods – you will find some amazingly prepared meats, delicious desserts, and refreshing sides! Here is a list of traditional Hanukkah dinner recipes to inspire you!

Crispy Potato Latkes

If you needed to choose one iconic Hanukkah dish, that would definitely be latkes! They involve crispy potato pancakes fried in oil with a dip on the side – what’s there not to love?!

Sufganiyot – Jelly Doughnuts

These raspberry doughnuts are soft as a cloud – airy and breathable. This Martha Stewart’s recipe is foolproof, as everything is explained step by step, perfect if you’re making them for the first time. 

Slow-Cooked Brisket

Brisket has a spotlight at any Hanukkah dinner! You will need some time and skill, maybe some test and trial, to cook a perfect cut of beef to get that “pull-apart” texture. Toss in some veggies, as well, to tenderize the meat. 

Kefta Roasted Chicken

After brisket, roasted chicken is the second most beloved main dish at Hanukkah dinner. I love the addition of lemon, as it gives a Mediterranean note while tenderizing chicken at the same time. P.S. Don’t forget to toss in some herbs!

Cheese Noodle Kugel – Noodle Casserole 

This is definitely a classic Hanukkah recipe, and you will rarely see a dinner table without a casserole dish on it! It combines pasta, eggs, and cottage cheese, but what makes it stand out is raisins and cinnamon-based topping.

Authentic Tzimmes – Sweet Stew

The best description for this dish is “sweet stew.” It marries carrots, sweet potatoes, dried apples, orange yams, prunes, and cranberries simmered in a special sauce. The sauce is chicken broth-based plus orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon – an interesting combo, right?

Homemade Applesauce

Apple sauce is a staple condiment at a Hanukkah table, especially if you’re serving its best friend – potato latkes. Of course, you can go for a store-bought one, but there is something in slow-cooked apples that leaves the lingering aroma for days!

Matzo Ball Soup – Dumpling Soup

Comfort foods are a trademark of any holiday, including Hanukkah. Hearty, warm, cozy matzo ball soup is a perfect example. I love matzo balls on a softer side and rich soup with chicken and veggies.

Rugelach – Sweet Pastry

Sweet pastries have my heart; if I could, I would try them all around the world! Rugelach is super rich and heavenly textured – you’ll get layers of flaky dough, creamy apricot jam, and crispy chopped walnuts.

Keftes de Prasa – Horseradish Cheddar Leek Patties

If you hate leek, this dish will probably change your mind! Because of cheddar cheese, they have a tad stronger aroma, but it gives a nice crunchy moment to every bite. Serve them with a sour cream-based dip for a whole experience!

S’Mores Gelt Cookies

Coin-shaped chocolates are a symbol of Hanukkah, so it is logical to incorporate them at least into one dessert. You can go for any cookie recipe you love – this one is awesome, though, with a graham cracker base and marshmallow garnish. YUM!

Pollo Fritto – Fried Chicken

This is like a 5-star restaurant-worthy fast-food chicken! Everything is spot on – crispy outside layer, juicy meat, and flawless spice blend. I think this is the first thing being devoured every single time!

Roasted Beet Salad

After all the meat and fried food, you will want something refreshing and tangy. Different varieties of beet look and taste amazing, especially when you pair it with horseradish and pumpkin seeds for additional crunch.

Bimuelo – Fried Dough Balls

Bimuelos are very similar to sufganiyot, but they don’t have any filling. Instead, Jewish people like to drizzle them with honey, syrup, or sometimes chocolate sauce. Don’t forget to coat them in granulated sugar for some texture!

Gefilte Fish Loaf

Gefilte Fish is an all-time classic, but this is a tad different take on it. The best thing is you can make it in advance, plus it slices better! If you want to be super fancy, prepare horseradish aioli along with it.

Cholent – Beef and Beans Stew

This is the epitome of hearty, homey meal – just the thing you want for a holiday season! It is a silky, slow-cooked stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, barley, and a few types of beans. Check out the recipe!

Carciofi alla Giudia – Fried Artichokes

This dish asks for just a few ingredients, but you’ll definitely need to spare some time to prepare it. Fried artichokes are super crispy, but their flavor blooms when you sprinkle them with some lemon juice right before eating!

Challah

There is no Jewish celebration without cloudy challah bread. It is one of the tastiest breads you’ll ever try, plus it is incredibly decorative as it is. Use some herbs and edible flowers for a final touch!

Zalabia – Funnel Cakes with Syrup

For me, funnel cakes were always a symbol of holidays. For Hanukkah, Jewish people go a step further and make this fantastic sirup with orange blossom water and juice of tangerine! Crispy funnel cakes and tangy syrup just make sense!

Lamb Tagine with Prunes

Lamb meat achieves its full potential, both taste and texture-wise, when you pair it with a sweet component. It infuses beautifully with cinnamon, almonds, and prunes, especially when you add some saffron too.

Potato Kugel – Potato Casserole

I must admit, I like this version better than the noodle one! Well-made potato kugel is incredibly crispy on the outside, with very soft, almost creamy insides. Thus, they pair with any main dish you choose!

Fried Goat Cheese Balls

This is an interesting combination that involves goat cheese, mango, and mustard! It definitely isn’t for anybody’s palate, but if you like sweet-salty-spicy fusion, try it out!

Pickled Herring

Pickled herring is certainly a specific-tasting dish! Some people adore it, while others hate it – but it is a standard dish in Jewish cuisine. It also calls for onions to balance out the flavors!

Sweet Lokshen Kugel

This is one more variation of kugel, but this time is a sweet one. Nowadays, it is pretty rare to prepare a pasta dessert, but in many traditional cuisines, it is a staple. This casserole dish calls for different cheeses, along with raisins, cinnamon, and sugar.

Apple Fritters

I saved the best for last – my favorite apple rings coated in batter. You get a crispy outside layer with soft dough inside and a juicy apple in the middle! The cinnamon and apple duo are immaculate! 

Dear chefs, thank you for sharing these delicious recipes and fragments of your tradition with us!