Community Corner
100 Hanukkah Recipes To Celebrate The Season
From latkes to sufganiyot, brisket to kugel, these Hanukkah recipes are ready to brighten up each day of the Festival of Lights.
Sue Stetzel
Updated: Nov. 10, 2020
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From latkes to sufganiyot, brisket to kugel, these Hanukkah recipes are ready to brighten up each day of the Festival of Lights.
Sufganiyot
Sufganiyot are believed to have first come from Spain, adapted from a similar treat, the sopaipilla. Others say the sopaipilla was borrowed from the Jews. Either way, as a tradition, doughnuts are an easy one to adopt, especially with this easy sufganiyot recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Check out 25 of the best Hanukkah-themed gifts.
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Noodle Pudding
Whenever I bring this creamy dish to gatherings, it always prompts recipe requests. The surprising sweetness comes from apricot nectar, and everyone enjoys the golden buttery topping. —Eileen Meyers, Scott Township, Pennsylvania. Here are 32 things you never knew about the holiday season.
Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup
A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. If you’re loving these Hanukkah recipes, here are some great holiday food gifts everyone will love.
Honey Challah
I use these shiny beautiful loaves as the centerpiece of my spread. I love the taste of honey, but you can also add chocolate chips, cinnamon, orange zest or almonds. Leftover slices work well in bread pudding or for French toast. —Jennifer Newfield, Los Angeles, California. Here are some other fantastic Hanukkah desserts.
All-Day Brisket with Potatoes
I think the slow cooker was invented with brisket in mind. This sweet and savory version is perfection itself, because it melts in your mouth. It’s very important to buy “first-cut” or “flat-cut” brisket, which has far less fat than other cuts. —Lana Gryga, Glen Flora, Wisconsin. Here are 15 easy and fun crafts to make this Hanukkah.
Easy Glazed Salmon
It only takes four ingredients and a few moments of time to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia. Here are 18 things you never knew about Hanukkah.
Roasted Chicken
This tender chicken is a real time-saver on a busy weekend. A simple blend of seasonings makes it a snap to prepare, and it smells heavenly as it roasts. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington. These Hanukkah traditions make the celebration special.
Sweet Potato & Carrot Casserole
This tangy and sweet casserole is full of flavor. We’ve served it at many celebrations over the years and it’s always been a big hit! —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts. In case you’ve wondered, this is why Hanukkah falls on different dates every year.
Potato Latkes
These potato and onion pancakes are tasty at any meal. For the ultimate crispiness, squeeze out all the liquid from the grated veggies before you fry them up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. How many candles are on a menorah?
Beef Short Ribs in Burgundy Sauce
As an Army general, my stepdad got this beef short ribs recipe from his aide, who said it was his mother’s best Sunday meal. It’s a mouthwatering family favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Cherry Cheese Blintzes
These elegant blintzes can be served as an attractive dessert or a brunch entree. The bright cherry sauce gives them a delightful flavor. I sometimes substitute other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. —Jessica Vantrease, Anderson, Alaska
Market Basket Soup
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Marinated Oranges
This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn’t want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit’s sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes
When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It turned out great! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
Sweet and Savory Brisket
I like this recipe not only because it makes such tender and flavorful beef, but because it takes advantage of a slow cooker. It’s wonderful to come home from work and have this mouthwatering dish waiting for you. The beef doubles as a warm sandwich filling, too. —Chris Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
Pressure-Cooker Short Ribs
These tender short ribs explode with flavor, and they’re a quick and easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs. Serve with egg noodles, rice, or polenta. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Pistachio-Cranberry Rugelach
Traditional rugelach gets dressed up for the holiday with pistachios, cranberries, and snow-white icing. Rich but not too sweet! — Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California
Honey Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family’s favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Coconut Washboards
This simple yet satisfying coconut cookie recipe has been around for generations. Pressing a fork into the top gives the look of an old-fashioned washboard. —Tommie Sue Shaw, McAlester, Oklahoma
Brisket with Cranberry Gravy
Cranberry sauce adds a pleasant sweetness to this slow-cooked brisket. Use jellied sauce instead of whole berry sauce if you like. —Nina Hall, Spokane, Washington
Beef Barley Lentil Soup
I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Rustic Rye Bread
This gorgeous rye bread has just a touch of sweetness and the perfect amount of caraway seeds. With a crusty top and firm texture, it holds up well to sandwiches, but a pat of butter will do the job, too. —Holly Wade, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
Here’s a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
There’s nothing to this recipe—the preparation and cooking times are so quick. I sprinkle in a few dried cranberries, but you can let your imagination take over. Add a handful of raisins or walnuts at the end, or even sliced oranges. If your Brussels sprouts are large, cut them in half. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Apricot Raisin Rugelach
Rugelach is a classic addition to holiday trays. The flaky, buttery pastry slices encase a spiced fruit and walnut filling. —Laurie Klett, Hamilton, Michigan
Almond Crunch
Once you start eating this taste-tempting treat, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds…and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
My entire family just loves this delicious and comforting soup. Loaded with chunks of tender beef, the rich broth also includes plenty of fresh mushrooms, sliced carrots and quick-cooking barley. —Barbara Beattie, Glen Allen, Virginia
Rosemary Root Vegetables
This heartwarming side dish is sure to get rave reviews! Although the ingredient list may look long, you’ll soon see that this colorful fall medley is a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Make-Ahead Blintz Casserole
Blintzes are thin pancakes filled with cheese or fruits. I created an easy casserole version with cheese filling and topped it with apples. —Ann Hillmeyer, Sandia Park, New Mexico
Sauerkraut Latkes
Really? Sauerkraut in potato pancakes? Oh, yes. Firm, sweet apples mellow the tang so very nicely. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant, and over-the-top chocolaty. For finishing touches, add powdered sugar, cocoa, or liqueur-flavored whipped cream. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chunky Applesauce
There’s just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Brisket for a Bunch
This makes tender slices of beef in a delicious jus. To make it easy to cut very thin slices, chill the brisket before slicing and reheat in the juices. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles
Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season. —Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple Latkes
Latkes are crispy fried pancakes, often made with potatoes. But this sweet version with apples, orange juice, cinnamon, and vanilla falls in the dessert realm. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Fresh Pear Bread
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients. —Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
Pan-Seared Cod
Cod has a soft, buttery appeal that goes with cilantro, onions, and crunchy pine nuts. This pan-seared cod is the easiest preparation I’ve found. —Lucy Lu Wang, Seattle, Washington
Barbecued Beef Chili
Served with a hot loaf of bread and a side salad, this slow-cooker chili makes a hearty meal. The recipe was inspired by two friends when we were talking about food at a potluck barbecue. —Phyllis Shyan, Elgin, Illinois
Cheese & Red Pepper Latkes
These zesty latkes combine three cheeses with a handful of garlic and a colorful burst of red peppers. —Christine Montalvo, Windsor Heights, Iowa
Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Parsley and Chives
We use seasonings like adobo, Sazon, fresh parsley, and minced chives when we grill potatoes. We have even smoked the potatoes in our portable smoker before grilling. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken
A few pantry items inspired this recipe, which I’ve since made for small weeknight meals or for big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette
This flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut, and cinnamon. There’s a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup
This is one of my favorite soup recipes to serve in the wintertime because it’s super easy to make and fills the house with a wonderful aroma. My whole family loves it! —Brandy Stansbury, Edna, Texas
Rugelach with a Twist
Once I read about making rugelach with ice cream, there was no stopping me! My family loved these flaky cookies so much, I had to bake more right away. —Diane Fuqua, Baltimore, Maryland
Beet, Grapefruit & Onion Salad
My husband loves pickled beets. I paired them with a little citrus for an Eastery salad. It has such a great color combination! —Michelle Clair, Seattle, Washington
Turkey Soup
My daughter got this recipe from her husband’s mother. As in many households, our turkey gets picked over for a few days after the holidays. This soup is especially good on cold winter nights when it’s snowing…which happens a lot where I live! —Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
Hungarian Short Ribs
This is a special meal in our house—as soon as I get ribs, I know which dish my family will ask me to make. My husband and I have three children, so I’ve learned to be a versatile cook! —Joanne ShewChuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Oven-Baked Brisket
Texans like brisket cooked on the smoker, but this recipe offers convenient prep in the oven. Sometimes I make extra sauce to serve on the side. Round out the meal with potato salad and slaw. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Country Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes, or latkes, are really versatile. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin
Chunky Apple-Cinnamon Cake
This a nice change from apple pie, and it’s tasty and worthy of a special get-together—plus, it’s very easy to make. Add a scoop of ice cream if you like. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Molly’s Sweet and Spicy Tzimmes Cake
My husband and I are always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into our interfaith home. Rich with apples, carrots and sweet potato, this sweet and spicy cake is perfect for Rosh Hashana or any fall holiday. —Molly Haendler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Braised Hanukkah Brisket
My mother, Enid, always used the most marbled cut of brisket she could find to make this recipe so she’d get the most flavor. When she added carrots to the pan, she threw in some potatoes, too. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Potato Kugel
The secret to keeping your potatoes their whitest is to switch back and forth when grating the potatoes and onion in your food processor or box grater. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Tomato-Onion Green Beans
Fresh green beans are the stars of this healthy side. Serve with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or seafood for a delicious end to a busy day. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Pastrami Roll-Ups
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Lebkuchen
It’s a tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother’s cookbook and judging from the number of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time. —Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache
This recipe is the most recent cheesecake I gave to my mother for her birthday, and we all just loved it…too much! There’s a hint of orange in the chocolate crust that makes every bite worth savoring. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive Couscous
If you can find preserved lemons, try them instead of the plain lemons for an even more authentic flavor in this North African-inspired recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Parsnip Latkes with Lox and Horseradish Creme
A horseradish-flavored creme fraiche brings zip to these crispy homemade latkes, which get a touch of sweetness from the parsnips. Add fresh dill sprigs for a garnish. —Todd Schmeling, Gurnee, Illinois
Spiced Garlic Carrots
This classic Moroccan side dish is served as often as possible, hot or as a cold salad, in most Sephardic Jewish homes. The natural sweetness of the carrots tempers the garlic and balances the sizzle of the pepper flakes. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Cranberry Persimmon Cookies
During the holidays, I bake double batch after double batch of these moist drop cookies. Dotted with dried cranberries and pecans, the cake-like treats never last long. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Apple-Walnut Cake with Orange Glaze
I tinkered with a plain apple cake recipe to create this moist, delicious winner. The result: old-fashioned goodness with a heavenly aroma! This cake is the perfect fall treat or holiday dessert, but it’s also great as a special breakfast or brunch item. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
No-Knead Harvest Bread
While the rising time is long, you’ll spend just minutes mixing the ingredients for this incredible bread. This chewy, flavorful bread has a crisp crust. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Kasha Varnishkes
This is one of the great Jewish comfort foods. It’s easy to put together, and leftovers make a surprisingly delicious breakfast. Find kasha with other grains or in the kosher foods section. —Joanne Weintraub, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Extra Quick Yeast Rolls
Making homemade rolls usually takes a lot of ingredients and time, but this recipe makes it so simple. They come together quickly and they freeze well too. —Eleanor Paine, Junction City, Oregon
Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs
For a memorable meatball party snack with a tangy non-traditional sauce, I suggest this recipe. The meatballs are mouthwatering. —Jim Ulberg, Elk Rapids, Michigan
Slow Cooker Tzimmes
Tzimmes is a sweet Jewish dish consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables, and it may or may not include meat. Traditionally (as it is here), it’s tossed with honey and cinnamon and cooked slowly over low heat to meld the flavors. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Lemon Creme Brulee
Here’s a refreshing, tangy twist on a classic. Don’t have the kitchen torch traditionally used for creme brulee? Simply pop the ramekins under the broiler. —Sara Scheler, Helenville, Wisconsin
Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
Zesty Citrus Cake
We grow our own citrus trees, so I’m always trying to come up with new recipes for the fruit. My layer cake gets a nice tang from lemons and oranges. —Geneva Garrison-Bennett, Jacksonville, Florida
Gnocchi Alfredo
This gnocchi is one of my go-to’s for company and potlucks. It’s pure comfort food, especially in the wintertime. —Jessica Silva, East Berlin, Connecticut
Cranberry Rugelach
These traditional Polish treats will keep for a long time in an airtight container. One year, I sent a batch to my sister, but the box got lost. She received it 12 days later and reported that the cookies were worth the wait! —Jean Doxon, Omaha, Nebraska
Red Roasted Potatoes
Roasting red potatoes is one of my favorite way to prepare them. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. This dish is simple to prepare, yet elegant in color and flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
Vanilla Meringue Cookies
Want to learn how to make meringues? This meringue cookie recipe creates light, airy morsels. It’s the perfect fat-free treat to really beat a sweets craving. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Green Beans with Shallots
A package of frozen green beans makes these “dill-icious” green beans a fast and tasty accompaniment to almost any main course. —Linda Rabbit, Charles City, Iowa
Grandma’s Raspberry Rugelach
I remember sitting on my great-grandmother’s couch with a pad and pen in hand as she told me each ingredient and measurement for her special rugelach. Her recipe stands apart because it’s a fun twist from typical versions. —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida
Favorite Marinated Brisket
I’ve made this recipe for years. Whenever I serve this dish, I hear, “Yummy! Pass the brisket, please!” —Terri Singer, Ottawa, Ontario
Festive Turkey Meatballs
Turkey gives a different twist to these slightly sweet and spicy meatballs. For the holidays, I serve them on a tray lined with parsley and garnished with red pepper or pimientos. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Waffle-Iron Acorn Squash
I love to get the kids involved in cooking, and this squash is so simple even a small child can cook it with minimal adult supervision. The recipe is fun, fast and no-fuss, and doesn’t use valuable oven space before big family meals. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah
Caraway Bread
A rustic round loaf of caraway bread is delicious eaten warm from the oven, as a base for sandwiches, alongside soup, or as toast. If you want to experiment, add sliced chives or sunflower seeds, or substitute other herbs for the caraway, such as dried rosemary or thyme. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Ginger-Glazed Grilled Salmon
Our family loves salmon prepared this way, and it’s a real treat to make on a warm summer evening. These fillets may be baked in the oven at 450 degrees for 18 minutes, basting occasionally. —Wanda Toews, Cromer, Manitoba
Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
If you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It’s likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. —Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California
Berry-Filled Doughnuts
Four ingredients are all you’ll need for this sure-bet breakfast treat. Friends and family will never guess that refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are the base for these golden, jelly-filled doughnuts. —Ginny Watson, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Great-Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookies
Not only is this recipe a favorite of my husband’s, it’s extra special to me because it goes back to my great-grandmother. For holidays, we like to sprinkle on colored sugar for a festive touch. —Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota
Latkes with Lox
Lox, a salty smoked salmon, is a year-round delicacy. This recipe, inspired by one from the Jewish Journal, uses lox as a topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Tuna Steak on Fettuccine
For something new to do with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it’s scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked, or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas
Colorful Couscous
We love it when side dishes pop with color, like the bright pepper accents you’ll see in this light and fluffy couscous. It’s a scrumptious and welcome switch from baked potatoes or rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Winter Beet Salad
To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens in this original recipe. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooked Minestrone Soup
When this colorful minestrone has about 30 minutes left to cook, I add the macaroni. Then there’s time to make some garlic bread and a simple salad. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
Marinated Mushrooms & Artichokes
I marinate mushrooms and artichokes in fresh tarragon, thyme, and seasonings so they turn out tart, tangy and irresistible. —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon
Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Mushroom & Broccoli Soup
One of my girls won’t eat meat and the other struggles to get enough fiber. This recipe is a perfect way to give them what they need in a dish they love to eat. I save my broccoli stems in the freezer until I have about two small bags, and then I make soup. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Ginger-Apricot Tossed Salad
This dish is a nice change from ordinary green salad and is elegant enough for company. The dressing is one of my favorites. Its sweetness complements the crisp greens and crunchy green beans. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is equally good for breakfast or dessert, so be sure to not eat all of it after dinner! Easy to make, it’s super moist on the inside and has a crispy, cinnamon-rich crunch on the outside. —Marideane Maxwell, Albany, Georgia
Balsamic Roast Chicken
When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant, Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine, and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Root Vegetable Pot Roast
During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We’ve scarfed it down before and after shopping and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina
Hash Brown Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream
On weekends when I was growing up, pancakes, salmon, and bagels were our brunch staples. Now, I combine the concepts and use whipped cream instead of cream cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois. Next, check out 15 best Hanukkah decorations for the Festival of Lights.
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