49 Classic Hanukkah Recipes To Serve at Your Festival of Lights Dinner

Best Hanukkah Recipes

Whether you spell it Hannukah, Hanukkah or Channukah, it’s a holiday celebrated by the Jewish community around the world. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it commemorates when Jews had to leave their temple after it was occupied by the Syrian-Greek empire. When they returned, they found only had enough oil to light the candelabras (now called the menorah) for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days.

Today, Jews light the menorah for eight nights. They play games, sing songs and exchange gifts to joyfully celebrate the high holidays. Of course, the festive party cooking and eating a menu of delicious food is involved, too. The party spreads involve foods that are fried—like potato latkes and jelly doughnuts—as reminders of the oil in the Hanukkah story.

Ahead, find the best 49 Hanukkah recipes that you can and should make for your celebratory meal this year.

Related: 8 Best Hanukkah Treats and Dessert Recipes

What Are Traditional Hanukkah Foods?

An array of fare can be served at the holiday dinner. Traditional Hanukkah food includes brisket, roasted chicken, bagels, rugelach, matzo ball soup and kugel. Anything goes, though. It’s really up to you and your family about what you like and want to eat.

How Is Hanukkah Dinner Served?

A sit-down meal is traditional for holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Yom Kippur. Hanukkah doesn’t always involve a family feast. Many families hold a party and enjoy Hanukkah dinner together.

What Is the Most Popular Food During Hanukkah?

Potato pancakes, also called latkes, are typically the most traditional and popular food during Hanukkah. They’re fried in oil to commemorate the oil that lasted for eight days.

Best Hanukkah Recipes

Hanukkah Cupcakes

This is an easy recipe to make with your favorite frosting.

Get the recipe: Hanukkah Cupcakes

Challah Donuts

Sufganiyot, or jelly-filled donuts, are classic Hanukkah treats otherwise known as challah donuts. Chef Michael Solomonov has shared his delicious recipe with us.Get the recipe: Challah Donuts

Latkes

Miami steakhouse Papi Steak is known for their famous latkes and now you can make them at home for Hanukkah.

Get the recipe: Latkes

Cinnamon Rugelach

Rugelach (pronounced rug-a-la) is a cookie that is served for many Jewish holidays, a popular one being Hanukkah. A rugelach’s shape varies, but it’s mainly a crescent shape.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Rugelach

Potato-Carrot Latkes

Carrots add incredible flavor to this traditional Hanukkah favorite.

Get the recipe: Potato-Carrot Latkes

Pumpkin Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach

This recipe combines pumpkin and chocolate for flavors that complement one another.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach

Noodle Kugel

Noodle kugel is usually served as a side dish alongside the main course at dinner. The balance of sweet and savory creates a playful delight for the taste buds.

Get the recipe: Noodle Kugel

Grandma Ruthie's Famous Noodle Pudding

See if you can let this noodle pudding sit on the counter for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting it. It smells so good; you’ll likely be unable to wait it out.

Get the recipe: Grandma Ruthie’s Famous Noodle Pudding

Related: Celebrate the Festival of Lights With the 25 Catchiest Hanukkah Songs

Rose's Pure Potato Latkes

These latkes are so simple thanks to having no egg and no flour. That's why they’re called pure.

Get the recipe: Rose’s Pure Potato Latkes

Parsnip Golden Beet Latkes

Classic latkes get a twist with parsnips and golden beets.

Get the recipe: Parsnip Golden Beet Latkes

Apple and Honey Latkes

Apples and honey aren’t just for Rosh Hashanah. Use those ingredients when making this sweet dish.

Get the recipe: Apple and Honey Latkes

Curried Sweet Potato Latkes

Give your latkes some kick with some curry powder.

Get the recipe: Curried Sweet Potato Latkes

Harissa and Goat Cheese Rugelach

If you're a fan of rugelach, try this fresh twist on the cookie.

Get the recipe: Harissa and Goat Cheese Rugelach

Spicy Pizza Rugelach

This savory rugelach, also from Sarna, pairs the flavors of pizza with a traditional Jewish pastry.

Get the recipe: Spicy Pizza Rugelach

Homestyle Onion Soup Brisket

This recipe is easy to prepare and creates plenty of leftovers. If you make this during the week, you’ll get to enjoy it for two nights.

Get the recipe: Homestyle Onion Soup Brisket

Ginger Glazed Carrots with Toasted Spices

Here, toasting the spices lends depth. Braising the carrots in carrot juice, along with honey, underscores their natural sweetness.

Get the recipe: Ginger Glazed Carrots with Toasted Spices

Smoked Salmon Bagel Bake

Bagels and lox gets a one-dish spin with a handful of ingredients. It's a quick and easy casserole.

Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon Bagel Bake

Roasted Carrots and Sweet Potato Tzimmes

Tzimmes is an eastern European stew of carrots and/or sweet potatoes and prunes traditionally cooked with beef flanken, often sweetened with brown or white sugar and sometimes thickened with flour.

Get the recipe: Roasted Carrots and Sweet Potato Tzimmes

Roasted Autumn Fruit

Serve this dish on its own or as an accompaniment to cakes or ice cream. Roasting the fruit brings out their spicy notes. This dish is also naturally a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe.

Get the recipe: Roasted Autumn Fruit

Hearty Winter Slaw

It’s hard to resist any salad made with pears, especially at a holiday meal.

Get the recipe: Hearty Winter Slaw

Apple Kugel

Apples are the star of the show in this holiday dish.

Get the recipe: Apple Kugel

Crock Pot Roasted Chicken

You’ll love how easy this recipe for roasted chicken is. And by cooking it in your Crock Pot, the result is a flavorful, rotisserie-like chicken that’s delicious.

Get the recipe: Crock Pot Roasted Chicken

Grandma's Matzo Ball Soup

The secret to the matzo balls' delicate, rich flavor here is the schmaltz, known as rendered chicken fat.

Get the recipe: Grandma’s Matzo Ball Soup

Sweet Latkes with Brown Sugar Syrup

Prepare to swoon. These latkes are drizzled with brown-sugar syrup and sprinkled with cayenne candied pecans. The candied nuts have a touch of heat, and the syrup brings out the spices in the latkes.

Get the recipe: Sweet Latkes with Brown Sugar Syrup

Round Challah Cupcakes

Braiding the challah is half of the fun here, especially if you're cooking with kids. If you want to skip it, though, the challah cupcakes will still be beautiful and tasty.

Get the recipe: Round Challah Cupcakes

Braised Hanukkah Brisket

For a more flavorful dish, look for brisket meat with lots of marbling.

Get the recipe: Braised Hanukkah Brisket

Potato Kugel

Don’t mess with perfection, says this recipe’s creator. Her version spotlights the perfection of potatoes.

Get the recipe: Potato Kugel

Related: Get Lit with These 25 Bright DIY Hanukkah Candle & Menorah Ideas Seen on Instagram

Easiest Sufganiyot

Store-bought dough helps make this donut recipe come together with ease. 

Get the recipe: Easiest Sufganiyot

Whole Wheat Challah

This dough has three risings. After any rising, you can refrigerate the dough for up to three days. That helps the bread develop amazing flavor.

Get the recipe: Whole-Wheat Challah

Beef and Noodles

Make this if you don’t want to put the time and effort into brisket. It’s hearty and warm, especially on a chilly winter night.

Get the recipe: Beef and Noodles

Easy Air Fryer Latkes

These latkes are made with a traditional blend of Russet potatoes, onions and egg, then cooked to golden-brown perfection in your air fryer.

Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Latkes

Fennel and Chickpea Salad

Make this recipe ahead for your Hanukkah meal. It’s tossed in a citrus dressing and topped with parmesan.

Get the recipe: Fennel and Chickpea Salad

Cauliflower Latkes

Note that you may need to tweak the number of eggs you use based on your cauliflower’s size.

Get the recipe here

Related: What's the Secret to Perfectly Crispy Latkes?

Instant Pot Applesauce

Spoon this applesauce over your potato latkes or dollop some on the side of the plate for dipping.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

Noodle Kugel with Caramelized Onions and Brown Butter

Dress up egg noodles with sage and thyme as well as caramelized onions in a nutty brown butter sauce.

Get the recipe: Noodle Kugel with Caramelized Onions and Brown Butter

Oven-Fried Chicken and Roasted Veggies

Hanukkah may be all about the oil, but that doesn’t mean you have to deep fry every dish.

Get the recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken and Roasted Veggies

Almond Flour Gelt Cookies

Kids will love helping you make this dessert.

Get the recipe: Almond Flour Gelt Cookies

Beef Brisket

This brisket is partially cooked, then it’s taken out of the oven and sliced, before being put back in the oven to finish cooking. That creates a juicy, flavorful and tender meat.

Get the recipe: Beef Brisket

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Tip: Choose a quality light olive oil. That way the oil’s flavor won’t overpower the mashed potatoes.

Get the recipe: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots

Make this dish now and all year long. It’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, plus it’s gluten-free.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots

Related: Best Hanukkah Songs

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon and Parsley

Cauliflower gets transformed when it's roasted.

Get the recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon and Parsley

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Get a large pot of applesauce here, without the hassle of having to mash the apples.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Applesauce

Matzo Ball Soup

Enjoy this soup now or any time of year. It tastes like a hug from grandma.

Get the recipe: Matzo Ball Soup

Challah Fritters with Sweet Tahini Sauce

Take advantage of your day-old stale challah to make these fritters. The recipe makes about 40 fritters, but also halves well.

Get the recipe: Challah Fritters with Sweet Tahini Sauce

Fried Lotus Truffles

Everything is better with cookie butter. See if you can stop after eating just one.

Get the recipe: Fried Lotus Truffles

Carrot Salad With Apple and Pomegranate

Enjoy this playful take on a classic carrot salad.

Get the recipe: Carrot Salad With Apple and Pomegranate

Related: DIY Menorahs to Make

Hazelnut Gelt Cookies

Fun sprinkles add the perfect extra touch to these cookies.

Get the recipe: Hazelnut Gelt Cookies

Jewish Bowtie Cookies

The trick for fabulous kichels is rolling the dough as thin as possible. It takes some time and patience, but the result is crispy, puffy and light cookies with a sprinkle of sifted Confectioners' sugar.

Get the recipe: Jewish Bowtie Cookies

Israeli Honey Cookies

Feed these to a crowd and they’re sure to disappear.

Get the recipe: Israeli Honey Cookies

Up next: The Meaning of Hanukkah