Hanukkah Recipes - Cooking Light

Foods to Celebrate

Hanukkah, the weeklong festival of light, is a time for family and friends to get together, exchange gifts, gamble with the dreidel for coveted chocolate coins, and of course, eat. Here, 25 entrees, sides, and desserts to mix and match for the perfect holiday menu. Kosher law prohibits serving meat and milk in the same meal—all the options here are dairy-free or come with ideas for substitutions.

Photo: John Autry

Classic Potato Latkes

Celebrating the miracle of oil that burned for 8 nights often means a menu of heavily fried foods—not exactly a healthy Hanukkah. Instead, a hot pan and a little olive oil produce golden, crispy pancakes that aren’t greasy.

View Recipe: Classic Potato Latkes

Photo: Johnny Autry

Spiced Beet and Carrot Soup

Omit the yogurt topping if you prefer not to mix meat and milk in your Hanukkah menu.

View Recipe: Spiced Beet and Carrot Soup

Photo: Johnny Autry

Fried Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate Seeds

Cauliflower is roasted with olive oil until deep golden (it’s a tradition to eat foods cooked in oil on Hanukkah), then served with tahini and pomegranate seeds—familiar foods in Jewish cuisine.

View Recipe: Fried Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate Seeds

Photo: José Picayo

Rustic Apple Tart

The beauty of this tart is how unfussy it is—purchased piecrust dough draped over a pile of golden sautéed apples. It can bake in the oven as you prepare the latkes.

View Recipe: Rustic Apple Tart

Photo: Dana Gallagher

Potato-Apple Latkes

Shredded apple in the pancake adds moisture and a traditional apple flavor (latkes are typically served with applesauce).

View Recipe: Potato-Apple Latkes

Photo: John Autry

Easy Braised Brisket

Forget your aunt’s boiled shoe leather brisket, this brisket is simmered until meltingly tender in tomatoes and kalamata olives. With only 5 ingredients, it’ll be a go-to Hanukkah favorite.

View Recipe: Easy Braised Brisket

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Braised Short Ribs with Egg Noodles

Tender beef short ribs are served over wide egg noodles to sop up that delicious sauce.

View Recipe: Braised Short Ribs with Noodles

Photo: Nina Choi

Beef Pot Roast with Turnip Greens

A slow braise in your slow cooker keeps the pot roast tender and juicy—a star dish for the first night of Hanukkah.

View Recipe: Beef Pot Roast with Turnip Greens

Photo: Nigel Cox

Baked Chocolate Mousse

This baked mousse folds non-dairy whipped topping into the batter, so you can pair with any meat entrée for a kosher menu.

View Recipe: Baked Chocolate Mousse

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart

Delight your guests with a decadent, chocolaty tart. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for the rest of Hanukkah (if they last that long).

View Recipe: Upside Down Fudge-Almond Tart

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Coconut Cardamom Macaroons

After candle lighting, presents, and games, a small, sweet bite is the perfect finish to your Hanukkah meal.

View Recipe: Coconut Cardamom Macaroons

Photo: John Autry

Curried Butternut Squash Latkes

Classic potato latkes get golden color from butternut squash. A crisp apple salsa adds freshness and heat.

View Recipe: Curried Butternut Squash Latkes

Photo: Karry Hosford

Pear Applesauce

Applesauce is a classic accompaniment to latkes. Pulse cooled applesauce in a food processor for a smoother texture, if you like.

View Recipe: Pear Applesauce

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Butternut Squash Leek Soup

Start off your Hanukkah meal with a luscious butternut squash soup.

View Recipe: Butternut Squash Leek Soup

Photo: John Autry

Root Vegetable Latkes with Beet Puree

A puree of beets and fresh apples makes a lovely garnet-colored sauce for the latkes.

View Recipe: Root Vegetable Latkes with Beet Puree

Photo: Nina Choi

Green Beans with Shallots and Hazelnuts

This quick, elegant side pairs well with latkes or any main dish.

View Recipe: Green Beans with Shallots and Hazelnuts

Photo: Gentl & Hyers

Apple-Parsnip Soup

Create an apple-themed menu with this silky soup (flavored with fresh apples and apple cider), potato-apple latkes, a simple salad, and a rustic apple tart for dessert.

View Recipe: Apple-Parsnip Soup

Photo: Randy Mayor

Potato-Scallion Latkes

Green onions have less bite than regular onions and add color to these latkes. Egg whites keep the pancakes light and crispy.

View Recipe: Potato-Scallion Latkes

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Double-Herb Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

Simple roast chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday entrée, served here with fresh herbs and potatoes that absorb juices from the chicken as they roast. Pair with crisp-tender green beans and a root vegetable soup.

View Recipe: Double-Herb Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

Photography: Randy Mayor

Parsnip-Potato Latkes with Horseradish Cream

The bite of horseradish in the sour cream is a perfect contrast for the sweet carrot and parsnip in this latke variation, but skip it if you prefer a strictly kosher menu that doesn’t mix meat and milk.

View Recipe: Parsnip-Potato Latkes with Horseradish Cream

Photo: Johnny Autry

Chicken with Olives and Lemons

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is ready in under an hour. Pair with latkes and a simple Greek salad for a light, beautiful Hanukkah menu.

View Recipe: Chicken with Olives and Lemons

Photo: José Picayo

Spicy Maple Turkey Breast with Quick Pan Sauce

A simple, beautiful turkey entrée will pair well with any dish on your Hanukkah menu.

View Recipe: Spicy Maple Turkey Breast with Quick Pan Sauce

Winter Salad with Roasted Beets and Citrus Reduction Dressing

Start your Hanukkah celebration with a crisp Boston lettuce salad and earthy roasted beets. Omit the goat cheese if you prefer not to mix meat and milk on your menu.

View Recipe: Winter Salad with Roasted Beets and Citrus Reduction Dressing

Photo: José Picayo

Winter Citrus, Escarole, and Endive Salad

A bright, colorful salad will star on your Hanukkah table.

View Recipe: Winter Citrus, Escarole, and Endive Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Golden Raisins

Sautéing the broccoli rabe mellows the bitterness, and sweet golden raisins add a pop of color. You can also add toasted pine nuts or pecans.

View Recipe: Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Golden Raisins