14 Must-Try Hanukkah Recipes for a Festive Celebration

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious food. Whether you’re gathering with family or hosting friends, having a repertoire of Hanukkah recipes that are both quick and from-scratch can make the holiday season even more special. From traditional dishes with a modern twist to innovative vegan options, these recipes are crafted to fit into busy weeknight schedules while impressing your guests with homemade flair.

Quick Hanukkah Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When time is of the essence, having a set of quick Hanukkah recipes can be a lifesaver. These dishes are designed to minimize prep time without sacrificing flavor, allowing you to enjoy the holiday festivities without spending hours in the kitchen.

Classic Potato Latkes

• Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, 1 onion, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, salt, pepper, oil for frying.
• Steps: Grate potatoes and onion, mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Shape into patties and fry until golden.
• Serve with: Sour cream or applesauce.

Simple Brisket

• Ingredients: 3 lbs brisket, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, salt, pepper.
• Steps: Sear brisket, add onion and garlic, pour in broth and wine, simmer until tender.
• Serve with: Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

From-Scratch Hanukkah Delights to Impress Guests

For those who relish the art of cooking from scratch, these recipes are sure to showcase your culinary skills. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring that your guests leave the table satisfied and impressed.

Homemade Jelly Doughnuts (Sufganiyot)

• Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 packet yeast, 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 egg, jam of choice, powdered sugar.
• Steps: Mix dry ingredients, add milk and egg, knead dough, let rise, shape into balls, fry, inject with jam, dust with powdered sugar.
• Serve with: Coffee or tea.

Challah Bread

• Ingredients: 4 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup water, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup oil.
• Steps: Mix dry ingredients, add water, eggs, and oil, knead, let rise, braid, bake until golden.
• Serve with: Olive oil or honey.

Easy Potato Latkes with a Twist

Potato latkes are a quintessential Hanukkah dish, but adding a twist can elevate them to a new level. Here are some variations that maintain the traditional essence while introducing new flavors.

Sweet Potato Latkes

• Ingredients: 4 sweet potatoes, 1 onion, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, salt, pepper, oil for frying.
• Steps: Grate sweet potatoes and onion, mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Shape into patties and fry until crispy.
• Serve with: Greek yogurt or cinnamon applesauce.

Zucchini Latkes

• Ingredients: 4 zucchinis, 1 onion, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, salt, pepper, oil for frying.
• Steps: Grate zucchinis and onion, mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Shape into patties and fry until golden.
• Serve with: Tzatziki sauce or lemon wedges.

Vegan Hanukkah Options for Everyone

Including vegan options in your Hanukkah menu ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the festivities. These recipes are delicious and satisfying, proving that plant-based dishes can be a highlight of the holiday meal.

Vegan Latkes

• Ingredients: 4 potatoes, 1 onion, 1/4 cup chickpea flour, 1 tbsp flaxseed meal, salt, pepper, oil for frying.
• Steps: Grate potatoes and onion, mix with chickpea flour, flaxseed meal, salt, and pepper. Shape into patties and fry until crispy.
• Serve with: Cashew cream or vegan sour cream.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Ingredients: 1 head cabbage, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup mushrooms, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 can tomato sauce, salt, pepper.
• Steps: Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic, mix with quinoa, stuff into cabbage leaves, cover with tomato sauce, bake until tender.
• Serve with: Fresh green salad.

Sweet Potato Variations to Try This Year

Sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory balance that’s perfect for Hanukkah. These variations highlight the versatility of sweet potatoes, making them a delightful addition to your holiday table.

Sweet Potato and Apple Kugel

• Ingredients: 4 sweet potatoes, 2 apples, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup walnuts.
• Steps: Grate sweet potatoes and apples, mix with raisins, honey, cinnamon, and walnuts, bake until set.
• Serve with: Vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

• Ingredients: 4 sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, salt, pepper.
• Steps: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, roast until crispy.
• Serve with: Avocado dip or spicy ketchup.

Serve with Traditional Sides for a Complete Meal

Complement your main dishes with traditional Hanukkah sides to create a well-rounded meal. These sides are simple yet flavorful, adding depth and variety to your holiday spread.

Applesauce

• Ingredients: 4 apples, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Steps: Peel and core apples, cook with water, sugar, and cinnamon until soft, mash to desired consistency.

Creamy Coleslaw

• Ingredients: 1 small cabbage, 2 carrots, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper.
• Steps: Shred cabbage and carrots, mix with mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper, chill before serving.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Leftovers

Proper storage and reheating ensure that your Hanukkah leftovers remain delicious. Here are some tips to keep your dishes fresh and tasty for the next day.

Latkes

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.

Brisket

• Storage: Keep in a sealed container with juices in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a covered dish at 325°F until warmed through.

By incorporating these Hanukkah recipes into your celebration, you can enjoy a festive and flavorful holiday season. Whether you’re whipping up quick weeknight meals or crafting from-scratch delights, these dishes are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Happy Hanukkah!