23 Celebratory Hanukkah Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are there special foods for Hanukkah? ›

Deep- or shallow-fried dishes like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and potato latkes abound, serving as a delicious reminder of the miracle of the oil at the heart of the Hanukkah story.

"Among other rules, eating certain animals, primarily pigs and shellfish, is forbidden; meat must be ritually and humanely slaughtered; and dairy and meat aren't to be eaten at the same meal." Fish and plant foods are "neutral" (parve) and can be eaten with either meat or dairy.

"By the 14th century, there's quite a strong tradition that people eat cheese on Hanukkah and it's associated with Judith giving cheese to the enemy to make him drunk," Weingarten says.

Fried foods, like potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts, are prepared and eaten throughout the holiday to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah: oil that kept the menorah (an ancient lamp) lit for 8 days instead of the 1 day it was supposed to last.

If there's one thing you should know about Jews and food, it's that we never say no to a nice piece of fish. And this salmon is a nice piece of fish! Instead of the usual Hanukkah spread of bagels, lox and cream cheese, impress the entire family and roast a whole side of salmon seasoned with za'atar.

In America, Hanukkah food typically refers to two things: latkes, Eastern European fried potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts that are favored in Israel and increasingly popular here.

Your host might appreciate gifts of chocolate, gourmet applesauce, candles, books or board games.

Eating fried food like latkes and sufganiyot is a tradition that reminds us of the miracle of the oil, but to me, the best part about this tradition is that it brings my family together year after year.

So many traditional Jewish foods double as brunch favorites, from potato latkes (hash browns, anyone?) to doughnuts and challah. Fried foods are a given, so don't be shy with the olive oil. And no brunch is complete without a champagne co*cktail — we recommend pretty pink cranberry mimosas.

Brisket. Brisket is a food commonly served at Hanukkah. It's an inexpensive cut of beef which means it can be tough, but when braised or roasted for a long time, it's fall-apart tender. There's a different recipe for brisket in every family but a classic Kosher go-to is a Coca-Cola and Chili Sauce braise.

What are two foods eaten during Hanukkah? ›

From crispy latkes to tangy brisket to jammy sufganiyot. From shallow-fried potato latkes to deep-fried jelly doughnuts, traditional Hanukkah foods hinge on oil. Typically falling in December, the Jewish holiday, also called the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.