20 Hanukkah Recipes That Prove The Festival Of Lights Is Also The Festival Of Really Delicious Food

If there's anyone who knows how to have fun with Hanukkah, it's Amy from What Jew Wanna Eat. Make this focaccia with a Hanukkah spin (see what I did there, a dreidel joke!) to serve during Hanukkah, alongside a wintry stew, saucy brisket, or even between latke courses. I love getting creative while crafting my menorah.

Recipe: Olive Potato Focaccia with Asparagus Menorah

The holidays can be stressful, and if you find yourself as a last-minute host (or forgot that you had guests coming over), make this one-pot dinner. It's packed with veggies, quick-cooking couscous, and tender roast chicken. Not to mention, quick-pickled chard stems that feel fancy but are actually super simple. If you don't eat meat and dairy together, omit the feta!

Recipe: One-Pot Chicken, Chard, and Couscous Dinner

There's nothing that brings me back to my mom's kitchen more than the smell of a chicken roasting in the oven. To make this dairy-free, use a vegan butter alternative. And keep the carcass after carving for the best chicken soup.

Recipe: Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken

Beef brisket is a classic Hanukkah dish. The secret to great brisket is to cook it low and slow. The best part? Preparing your brisket in advance and letting the sliced brisket rest in its juices makes for the most tender, flavorful dish. So go ahead, prep this ahead of time.

Recipe: Best Beef Brisket

Listen, you COULD, but you are unlikely to eat latkes every night. I like to balance my latkes with seasonal salads packed with pomegranates and oranges. This one is a full meal with both chickpeas and chicken for protein. Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker dinner.

Recipe: Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken

Brussels sprouts are basically teeny tiny cabbages, and they are one of my favorite veggies to add to winter salads. Not only are they delicious, but they get better with time, meaning you can prep this a day in advance and be stress-free for your holiday hosting. Win!

Recipe: Brussels Sprout Salad

If you are an applesauce with latkes person, this is the recipe for you. If you aren't sure about applesauce and latkes, it's likely you've never had homemade applesauce. Once you make it yourself, you'll never go back to the jar.

Recipe: Homemade Applesauce

It's not Hanukkah without crispy fried latkes, and this classic recipe, with grated potatoes, onion, flour, and eggs, is classic for a reason and fried until crisp. Pro tip: make them in advance and freeze on foil-lined baking trays in a single layer. Then, simply reheat at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Recipe: Potato Latkes

Sure, matzo ball soup might traditionally be for Passover, but I believe that it should be enjoyed all year round. It's a hug in a bowl, and takes me right back to my Bubbe's house. A slow cooker makes this the perfect weeknight meal (because don't forget, we have eight nights!), and it's the perfect cozy Hanukkah dinner.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Matzo Ball Soup

Cooking for vegetarians or vegans this Hanukkah? I got you! Give them something hearty with a vegan lentil loaf, walnuts, and a blend of herbs and spices. You won't even miss the meat.

Recipe: Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

If you are looking for a one-pan meal to serve with your latkes, this one-skillet chicken recipe is the answer to your prayers. With minimal ingredients and boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this dish is nearly impossible to mess up. Perfect for a beginner or seasoned cook.

Recipe: One Skillet Apple Cider Chicken

Classic for a reason, a sweet and sour brisket is the perfect protein to serve with latkes, and this recipe is full of both tradition and flavor. Make this one to two days in advance, and let it sit in its juices in the fridge. To freeze, slice it and freeze it in those savory juices. Yum!

Recipe: Holiday Brisket

After a week of fried foods, you'll need a light and bright side dish. I love kale salads in the winter; they feel hearty and seasonal. Best of all, they get better with time, so make this one in advance of your dinner, or for your week of meal prep.

Recipe: Kale Crunch Salad

Tasked with bringing an appetizer to the Hanukkah potluck? This is your answer. Latkes studded with artichoke hearts and spinach, served with a garlicky sour cream dip. It's everything you never knew you needed. There'll be no discussion of applesauce at this latke bar!

Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip Latkes

A hotdish is an upper Midwestern casserole that is a combination of meat, creamed soup, vegetables, and topped with a starch (usually potatoes). This genius version features braised brisket and is topped with latkes. To save time, top it with Trader Joe's frozen latkes!

Recipe: Latke Hotdish

Any holiday that tells me to eat donuts is a good one, and if you want something a little different to take to your holiday party, make these donut chips using premade glazed donuts. No frying at home required!

Recipe: Donut Chips

Would you believe me if I told you that the best donuts are made with mashed potatoes? It's true! Their starch locks in moisture for soft and tender donuts. Plus, they stay fresher longer than traditional yeasted donuts.

Recipe: Leftover Mashed Potato Donuts

Rugelach are a favorite Jewish dessert. Buttery crescent-shaped cookies rolled around various fillings, and there's nothing better than a swirl of chocolaty Nutella within those layers. Nut-free? Add your favorite jam in the place of Nutella. Make a double batch; these freeze well!

Recipe: Nutella Rugelach

Every year, I make sugar cookies into stars and dreidels and top them with blue and white icing. This year, I'm making gluten-free cookies that actually taste good for my gluten-free guests. Make these in advance and freeze for easy hosting!

Recipe: Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

If frying makes you nervous (I get it!), try a muffin version of the classic jelly donut. Serve with a cup of coffee for a Hanukkah-inspired breakfast for all eight days!

Recipe: Jelly Donut Muffins