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Hanukkah is a special time for Jewish families to gather and celebrate. The Festival of Lights lasts for eight nights, giving us plenty of chances to enjoy delicious meals together. I’ve put together some tasty dinner ideas to make your Hanukkah celebrations extra special this year.
These 15 Hanukkah dinner recipes offer a mix of traditional favorites and creative new dishes. You’ll find options for crispy latkes, tender brisket, festive salads, and sweet treats. I’ve included recipes that are easy to make but still packed with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or a small intimate dinner, these ideas will help make your Hanukkah meals memorable.
1. Brisket with Onions
I love making brisket with onions for Hanukkah dinner. It’s a classic dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. I start by searing the brisket, then slow-cook it with lots of sliced onions. The meat turns out tender and juicy, while the onions caramelize beautifully.
Get the brisket with onions recipe.
2. Potato Latkes
Potato latkes are a classic Hanukkah dish I love making. These crispy fried potato pancakes are a must-have on my holiday table. I grate potatoes and onions, mix them with eggs and flour, then fry until golden brown.
Serving latkes with applesauce and sour cream is traditional. I enjoy experimenting with toppings like caramelized onions too.
Get the easy potato latkes recipe.
3. Rugelach Pastries
Rugelach pastries are a delicious addition to any Hanukkah dinner. I love how these flaky, buttery treats come in various flavors.
My favorites include apricot, cinnamon walnuts, and chocolate. They’re perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack during holiday celebrations.
Get the Rugelach pastries recipe.
4. Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)
Sufganiyot are a must-have for any Hanukkah dinner. These delicious jelly-filled donuts are fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the holiday.
I love making sufganiyot at home. I start with a simple dough, let it rise, then cut it into circles. After frying them until golden brown, I fill them with sweet jelly.
Get the Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts) recipe.
5. Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup is a classic Hanukkah dish I love making. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for cold winter nights.
The soup has a flavorful chicken broth with tender matzo balls floating in it. I like to add some carrots and dill for extra taste and nutrition.
This soup is pretty easy to make, though getting the matzo ball texture just right takes practice. It’s always a hit with my family during Hanukkah celebrations.
Get the matzo ball soup recipe.
6. Challah Bread
Challah is a must-have for any Hanukkah dinner. I love making this braided bread with its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.
The golden crust and fluffy interior make it perfect for dipping or enjoying on its own. I use honey in my recipe to add a touch of sweetness.
Baking challah takes some practice, but the results are worth it. It’s always a centerpiece at my holiday table.
7. Honey-Glazed Carrots
I love making honey-glazed carrots for Hanukkah dinners. They’re simple yet delicious. I toss carrots with oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Then I roast them in a 350°F oven for about an hour.
The carrots come out tender and caramelized. I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. These sweet and savory carrots are always a hit at my holiday table.
Get the recipe of the honey-glazed carrot.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I love roasting Brussels sprouts for Hanukkah dinner. They’re easy to make and taste delicious. I trim the stems, cut them in half, and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
I spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until crispy. The result is tender sprouts with crispy edges that everyone enjoys.
Get the roasted Brussels sprouts recipe.
9. Salmon Gravlax
Salmon gravlax is a tasty Hanukkah dish I love to serve. It’s cured salmon flavored with dill, salt, and sugar.
I like to slice it thinly and serve it on top of latkes with a dollop of crème fraîche. The rich, silky texture pairs well with crispy potato pancakes.
Gravlax can be made ahead, which is great for busy holiday prep. It’s an elegant appetizer that adds a special touch to the Hanukkah table.
Get the salmon gravlax recipe.
10. Sweet Noodle Kugel
Sweet noodle kugel is a beloved Hanukkah dish I love to make. It uses egg noodles, cream cheese, and sour cream for a rich, creamy texture.
I top mine with crunchy graham crackers for contrast. The touch of cinnamon and raisins adds warmth and sweetness to this comforting holiday favorite.
Get the sweet noodle kugel recipe.
11. Pomegranate and Apple Salad
I love this festive salad for Hanukkah dinners. It combines crisp apple slices with juicy pomegranate seeds.
I toss them with spinach and add some crumbled feta cheese. A light apple cider vinaigrette brings it all together.
This colorful salad is both tasty and meaningful for the holiday.
Get the pomegranate and apple salad recipe.
12. Crispy Chickpea Patties
I love making these tasty chickpea patties for Hanukkah. They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. I use canned chickpeas and simple spices like cumin and coriander.
These patties fry up nicely in olive oil, fitting the holiday theme. They’re a great protein-packed alternative to traditional latkes.
Get the crispy chickpea patties recipe.
13. Chocolate Babka
Chocolate babka is a sweet, twisted bread that’s perfect for Hanukkah. I love how the rich chocolate swirls through the soft dough.
It’s usually made with a yeasted dough and filled with chocolate, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts. The braided loaf creates beautiful swirls when sliced.
Babka makes a great dessert or breakfast treat during the holiday. Its indulgent flavor is sure to please chocolate lovers at your Hanukkah gathering.
Get the chocolate babka recipe.
14. Spinach and Feta Bourekas
Spinach and feta bourekas are a tasty Hanukkah appetizer. I love how these stuffed pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a savory filling.
The classic filling mixes tangy feta cheese with cooked spinach. Some recipes add ricotta for extra creaminess.
These handheld treats are easy to make ahead and bake just before serving. They’re perfect for kicking off a festive Hanukkah dinner.
Get the spinach and feta bourekas recipe.
15. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
I love making stuffed cabbage rolls for Hanukkah. They’re a tasty and traditional dish. I mix ground beef with rice, eggs, and spices. Then I wrap this filling in softened cabbage leaves.
I simmer the rolls in a sweet and sour sauce. The sauce has tomatoes and a bit of sugar. It cooks slowly, making the cabbage tender and flavorful.
