One of the most meaningful parts of Hanukkah is gathering around the table to enjoy the meal that accompanies the eight nights. After lighting the menorah, it’s time to savor traditional favorites like crispy potato latkes, homemade challah bread, comforting noodle kugel, fried doughnuts, tender brisket, and more. Whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a dish to share, we’re sharing delicious Hanukkah dinner recipes.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
“My grandchildren love Nana’s homemade applesauce.” – Stephanie
Blintzes
“The right cheese is a must! My mother used to make the following cheese filling for these and serve them with light meals (especially after fasting on Yom Kippur), and serve with salmon cakes and smoked fish. They are the Jewish version of French crepes and go well with eggs or not for breakfast.” – Helaine
Penny’s Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
“We were invited to a Hanukkah meal a couple of years ago and I offered to bring latkes and the traditional accompaniments of applesauce and sour cream. I’ve made my applesauce for years, so no problem. I’d never made latkes before, but figured I could do it. I’ve made these several times since and have learned the secret to good latkes is to make sure as much moisture as possible has been removed from the potatoes and onions before frying.” – Penny
Jewish Holiday Brisket for Sandwiches or Sliders
“Serve this sliced with the sauce for dinner. Or, shred it for sandwiches or sliders.” – Mikekey
Traditional Hard Matzo Ball Soup
“When I married my Jewish husband 28 years ago, his mother taught me to make real matzo ball soup. She said the fluffy kind you get in a deli isn’t the real deal. I’m not jumping into the middle of the debate. I just want to share with you the way to make hard matzo ball chicken soup. We’ve got to pass these things down, right?” – Pamela
Sweet Kugel
“This kugel is a must on our holiday table. It’s my most requested recipe. There are approximate measurements for the nutmeg and cinnamon. I just sprinkle a light dusting on the top of the noodles prior to mixing it all together.” – Pauline
Simple Sweet Challah Bread
“I love challah. I was raised Jewish and crave this bread all the time. The only problem is, it is so expensive! So I searched and couldn’t find a legit recipe: they wanted it to cook for an hour (what!), it wasn’t eggy enough, no honey?? I could go on. To remedy that, I made my own. It’s light and dense at the same.” – Ashley
Honey-Glazed Parsnips
“My nephew and nieces love these. So does my hubby (me, too)! Carrots are also really good if you don’t like parsnips.” – Michelle
Favorite Coconut Macaroons
“I love coconut macaroons. The small bit of flour gives them a little more density and better texture, even though traditional macaroons do not contain flour.” – Anne
Silky Smooth Flourless Chocolate Torta
“Over the years, I tried many flourless chooclate cake recipes. This one is so siky smooth, so chocolaty, and cuts beautifully. A must-try for chocolate lovers. Very rich, so small pieces garnished with whipped cream and fresh raspberries fit the dessert bill of fare. Can be made in advance. Enjoy every bite!” – Joan
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
“This chicken comes out moist and juicy thanks to the fresh lemons inside. They also add a lovely citrus flavor.” – Heather
Chicken Bites Tempura Style
“This batter works on onion rings, fish, and more. For the chicken bites, try adding a pinch of powdered ginger to the batter. It tastes so good!” – Ralph
Potato Kugel
“I love ethnic foods and kugel is one of my favorites. It’s a Jewish casserole dish. There’s also a noodle kugel which is very good. There are so many variations to these dishes. Feel free to add veggies, if you like… carrots, zucchini, etc.” – Joanne
Mashed Potato Doughnuts
“This recipe is great if you have leftover mashed potatoes. It seems odd, but it tastes great.” – Heather
Ganache Filled Coconut Macaroons
“I bake for a lot of people and when they try this cookie they all say it’s just heavenly! I make the ganache just a bit different for cookies, I substitute sweetened condensed milk for the heavy cream as it remains stable at room temperature longer, and the taste is every bit as good. – Susan
Lisa’s Air Fried Salmon With Dijon Dill Sauce
“I am loving this new air fryer. I came up with this recipe last night and my family just loved it. The salmon was perfectly cooked and very juicy.” – Lisa
Austrian Schnitzel (with Chicken)
“Most commonly made with pork or veal, this recipe switched to chicken. Don’t forget the lemon wedges! Lemon is delightful squeezed onto the finished schnitzel. Traditionally, we would serve the dish with potatoes and tangy cooked red cabbage. You will often find it served with fries. Either way, it is a satisfying, tasty dish that you will want to make again soon.” – Vicki
Savory Spinach Carrot Mushroom Kugel
“This is my version of a savory kugel side dish I tweaked over the years.” – Helaine
Rugelach
“Yummy for any occasion!” – Katie
Super Spinach and Onion Kugel
“Kugel is a baked Ashkenazi Jewish casserole most commonly made from egg noodles or potatoes. I am Episcopalian, and my husband is Jewish. After attending several Jewish holiday dinners, I made it a mission to learn to make one of the dishes. I tried 10 different kugel recipes, and finally came up with two that are not only enjoyed but also always requested. With Passover on the horizon, plus a request for an explanation of what kugel was by a friend, I thought it was time to post this creation. If you want this to be Kosher, use Kosher products available near the Jewish holidays. Mazel Tov!” – Laurie
Nutella Donuts (Bomboloni alla Nutella)
“I took a basic yeast donut dough, rolled it in sugar, filled it with Nutella, and got one of the wonders in my mouth. They are so good, and any time I can sneak Nutella in something, I am going to try to make it. It’s well worth the work and time. Great fillings such as custard or jelly are also yummy. These don’t last long, so watch your plate!” – Annamaria