As we dive into the festive season, I can’t help but feel the excitement in the air. With twinkling lights and joyful gatherings, this time of year always brings a special warmth to our hearts. And speaking of celebrations, Hanukkah is coming up starting at nightfall on December 7, 2023 and ending with nightfall on December 15. Hanukkah is a beautiful festival filled with tradition, light, and togetherness. During Hanukkah, families come together to light the menorah, adding a new candle each night, symbolizing hope and the enduring power of faith. The aroma of delicious latkes sizzling in the pan and the sweetness of sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) remind us of the rich culinary traditions that accompany this special occasion.
Beyond the delectable treats and luminous candlelight, Hanukkah is about unity, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. It’s a time to appreciate the blessings in our lives and share in the joy with loved ones.
So, whether you’re gathering for a cozy evening of candle lighting or indulging in scrumptious traditional dishes, Hanukkah offers a beautiful opportunity to embrace tradition, spread warmth, and create lasting memories with those we hold dear. Keep reading for a look at 20 Hanukkah recipes to try at your next gathering.
Waffle-Iron Latkes 5 Ways
Image via Brit + Co
Upgrade Hanukkah with waffle iron latkes and creative toppings—pomegranate, Greek yogurt, sour cream, applesauce, crème fraîche, black pepper, mozzarella, persimmon, balsamic glaze, pear, and gorgonzola. A festive twist for a memorable celebration! (via Brit + Co)
Hanukkah Baked Veggie Tots
Image via Brit + Co
Add a festive twist to your Hanukkah celebration with these Baked Veggie Tots. They’re a tasty alternative to the usual latkes, featuring a mix of steamed broccoli and roasted cauliflower. (via Brit + Co)
Healthy Mini Sufganiyot
Image via Brit + Co
Healthier mini sufganiyot, a baked twist on traditional deep-fried jelly donuts for Hanukkah. Skip the grease, dust with powdered sugar, and fill with bright orange jam for a guilt-free Festival of Lights treat! (via Brit + Co)
Salmon Instant Pot Dinner
Image via Brit + Co
Create a festive Hanukkah meal with this easy Instant Pot recipe featuring seasoned salmon fillets, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. In just 3 minutes of pressure cooking, you’ll have a delicious and complete holiday dinner with a touch of orange slices for a festive flair. (via Brit + Co)
Herbed Cheddar Latkes
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
Celebrate Hanukkah with Herbed Cheddar Latkes—a delightful twist on classic potato pancakes. Pan-fried to golden perfection, these crispy delights feature shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Easy Baked Salmon
Image via The Girl on Bloor
Salmon has become a popular choice for Hanukkah celebrations. In just an hour, you can master this foolproof recipe with tasty marinades like honey garlic, teriyaki, and maple dijon, adding a special touch to your holiday celebration. (The Girl On Bloor)
Vegan Challah Bread
Image via The Edgy Veg
Indulge in the joy of Hanukkah with this vegan Challah bread. This egg and dairy-free recipe offers an authentic twist, using aquafaba and vegan butter. (via The Edgy Veg)
Lokma
Image via Give Recipe
Savor the delight of Lokma, fried sweet dough balls, a cherished treat known in Jewish tradition as Zvingoi. Crafted from yeast-leavened dough, these mini spheres are perfectly fried and immersed in sweet sugar syrup, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside. (via Give Recipe)
Instant Pot Brisket With Guinness Gravy
Image via Vikalinka
Savor the simplicity of instant pot brisket—a speedy and delightful addition to your Hanukkah festivities. This tender beef brisket, cooked with care, pairs beautifully with a flavorful Guinness gravy, making it a stress-free and impressive meal for your guests. (via Vikalinka)
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Image via Culinary Hill
This simple Brisket is a hassle-free Hanukkah or year-round treat. No need for complex equipment – just a straightforward spice rub, a slow cooker, and a dash of homemade BBQ sauce create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. (via Culinary Hill)
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Image via Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
Celebrate Hanukkah with a flavorful twist by adding this hummus to your festive spread. Serve it alongside seasoned pita bread for a uniquely delicious addition to your holiday get-togethers. (via Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog)
Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken
Image via Pink Owl Kitchen
As chicken takes center stage in many Hanukkah celebrations, these succulent thighs, crisped to perfection, are coated in a delightful brown sugar glaze, bringing a burst of flavor to your holiday gatherings.(via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Potato Latkes with Jalapeño Dill Sauce
Image via A Spicy Perspective
These fried delights feature shredded potatoes, scallions, and a hint of jalapeño, creating a perfect snack or side. Top them with a zesty jalapeño dill sauce for an irresistible treat at any Hanukkah celebration. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Rugelach
Image via Culinary Hill
Perfect for Hanukkah or any time, these yearly tradition Rugelach boast cream cheese cookie dough filled with apricots, raisins, and walnuts, resulting in crispy-chewy, customizable cookies that are a delight for any celebration. (via Culinary Hill)
Cinnamon Baked Apples
Image via Two Peas & Their Pod
Embrace the Hanukkah season with these baked apple halves filled with vanilla, brown sugar, oats, pecans, and spices. Enjoy them warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel for a festive treat. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Twice Baked Potatoes
Image via Bowl of Delicious
Delight in the holidays with these potatoes, a cherished recipe from my late grandfather. They’re rich and crispy, a Hanukkah favorite. Prep in advance, freeze, and relish the flavorful memories. (via Bowl of Delicious)
Toasted Coconut Macarons
Image via Barley and Sage
Indulge in the holiday spirit with toasted coconut macarons – delicate coconut shells filled with luscious white chocolate ganache and toasted coconut. Perfect for Hanukkah! (via Barley and Sage)
Matzo Ball Soup
Image via Culinary Hill
While more traditionally associated with Passover, some families enjoy matzo ball soup during Hanukkah. It’s a comforting dish consisting of a flavorful broth with matzo meal dumplings. (via Culinary Hill)
Gingerbread Mandelbrot
Image via Amanda Wilens
Celebrate the holidays with gingerbread Mandelbrot—a delightful spin on the classic Jewish cookie, blending the best of Christmas and Hanukkah traditions. (via Amanda Wilens)
Homemade Hanukkah Gelt
Image via RachLmansfield
Create your own Hanukkah Gelt with just one ingredient—chocolate! These easy DIY treats, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, are perfect for the holiday season, loved by kids, and can be stored in the fridge for two months or in the freezer for longer. (via RachLmansfield)