As the Festival of Lights approaches, it’s time to get cooking up a storm of delicious and festive Hanukkah treats! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to become new holiday traditions.
From classic potato latkes to sweet noodle kugel, and from cheesy baked matzo balls to crispy baked zucchini fritters, our Hanukkah recipe roundup has something for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to add some extra sparkle to your family’s celebrations, these easy-to-make dishes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your table.
So go ahead, get cooking, and make this Hanukkah one to remember!
Classic Potato Latkes with Applesauce
Classic Potato Latkes with Applesauce: A traditional Hanukkah treat that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, served with a sweet and tangy applesauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1 onion, grated
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Applesauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the potato mixture into the oil, flattening slightly with a spatula.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain latkes on paper towels. Serve warm with applesauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes (includes frying time).
Easy Homemade Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)
Celebrate Jewish holidays with a sweet treat that’s sure to please! These soft and fluffy donuts are filled with a delicious jelly center, making them a perfect addition to your Hanukkah or Purim celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Jelly or jam of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work well)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Once hot, use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
7. Fry donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove donuts from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Let cool slightly before filling with your chosen jelly.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes, including rising time.
Enjoy your delicious homemade sufganiyot!
Cheesy Baked Matzo Ball Casserole
A creative twist on traditional matzo ball soup, this casserole combines the comforting flavors of chicken broth, matzo balls, and melted cheese for a satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 matzo balls (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine matzo balls, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parsley.
3. Pour in chicken broth and mix until the matzo balls are well coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick Apple Cinnamon Rugelach
In just a few minutes, you can whip up these sweet and flaky pastry pockets filled with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of fresh apple. Perfect as a snack or dessert!
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (Granny Smith works well)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chopped apple, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Spoon the apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for golden brown finish.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Oven-Fried Chicken Schnitzel
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and delicious oven-fried schnitzel recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured chicken in eggs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Roll chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Challah Bread with Honey Butter
This classic Jewish bread is a staple of Shabbat tables everywhere. Our recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of challah with the sweetness of homemade honey butter.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Honey butter (see below)
Honey Butter:
– 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While the bread is baking, mix honey and softened butter to create honey butter.
7. Serve warm challah with a pat of homemade honey butter.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Easy Cheese Blintzes with Berry Sauce
Transform the classic Jewish dish into a sweet treat by filling blintzes with creamy cheese and serving them with a luscious berry sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 crepe-style pancakes (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for sauce
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Lay a crepe flat on a surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of the crepe.
3. Fold the crepe into a triangle or rectangle shape to enclose the filling.
4. Repeat with remaining crepes and filling.
5. In a saucepan, combine fresh berries and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until berries release their juice and mixture thickens slightly.
6. Serve warm blintzes with berry sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Beef Brisket with Carrots
This hearty dish is a perfect blend of tender beef brisket and sweet carrots, all cooked to perfection in one pot. It’s an easy and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine brisket, onion, carrots, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
4. Cook for 3 hours or until the brisket is tender and falls apart easily.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Golden Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate
Brighten up your plate with this sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the tangy flavor of pomegranate, all wrapped in a golden-brown package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate seeds, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Remove Brussels sprouts from the oven and toss with the pomegranate glaze.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Spinach and Feta Bourekas
In just a few minutes, you can whip up these crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious pastries filled with spinach and feta. Perfect for a quick snack or as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, parsley, and garlic.
4. Place one sheet of phyllo on a flat surface. Brush with olive oil.
5. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture onto the center of the phyllo, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
6. Fold the phyllo over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet Noodle Kugel with Raisins
Sweet Noodle Kugel with Raisins: A classic Jewish dish perfect for Shabbat dinner or a comforting breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
4. Add melted butter, eggs, and cinnamon to the bowl; mix until smooth.
5. Stir in cooked noodles and raisins.
6. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish; cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 45 minutes; remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Easy Chocolate-Coated Hanukkah Gelt
Easy Chocolate-Coated Hanukkah Gelt Recipe
Add a delicious twist to traditional Hanukkah gelt with this simple and sweet recipe. Perfect for a fun family activity or a unique party favor, these chocolate-coated treats are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Hanukkah gelt (gold coins)
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco or vegetable shortening)
– Optional: sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for decoration
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Stir in the shortening until combined.
4. Dip each gelt coin into the melted chocolate, coating completely, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. If desired, sprinkle with toppings before the chocolate hardens.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Cooking Time: None (prep time includes cooling)
Simple Honey Glazed Carrot Tzimmes
A classic Jewish dish gets a sweet twist with this honey glazed carrot tzimmes recipe, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make side dish is a delicious accompaniment to your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add sliced carrots to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the honey glaze.
4. Transfer the carrot mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until carrots are tender.
6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fritters
Get ready for a delicious twist on traditional fritters! These crispy baked zucchini fritters are perfect as an appetizer or side dish, and can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine zucchini, flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, egg, and olive oil; mix until a batter forms.
4. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Quick Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. These doughnut holes are easy to make and packed with cinnamon sugar flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together yeast, flour, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
3. Add milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Cover dough and let it rise for 30-45 minutes.
5. Fry dough balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil with paper towels.
7. Toss warm doughnut holes in cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Homemade Applesauce with Cinnamon
This classic recipe yields a deliciously tender and flavorful applesauce infused with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for snacking, cooking, or serving as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized apples (any variety), peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: sugar or honey to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, cinnamon, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the apples cook for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and easily mashed with a fork.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender in batches) to puree the applesauce to your desired consistency.
5. Taste and add sugar or honey if desired.
6. Serve warm or let cool for later use.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Roasted Garlic and Herb Potato Wedges
Easy Roasted Garlic and Herb Potato Wedges
Elevate your snack game with these flavorful potato wedges infused with roasted garlic and herbs. Perfect for a quick party appetizer or a satisfying side dish, they’re sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 large potatoes
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut potatoes into wedges, leaving skin on.
3. Toss garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
5. Top potatoes with roasted garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Simple Chocolate Babka Twists
Get ready to treat yourself with these rich and gooey chocolate babka twists. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave or in a double boiler until smooth.
4. Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the center third of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a twist.
6. Place twists on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Summary
Get ready to celebrate Hanukkah with these 18 delicious and easy recipes! From classic potato latkes with applesauce to homemade challah bread with honey butter, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making sufganiyot (jelly donuts), cheese blintzes with berry sauce, or oven-fried chicken schnitzel. For a sweet treat, make quick apple cinnamon rugelach or chocolate-coated Hanukkah gelt. These recipes are sure to make your Hanukkah celebration a tasty one!
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