Extend your Hanukkah celebration by making the most of the eight-day holiday with a diverse array of dishes for each day. To assist with your culinary planning, we have curated recipes that offer innovative twists on traditional Jewish cuisine.
Hanukkah, a cherished Jewish festival spanning eight days, typically features gift-giving, communal meals, readings, and nightly menorah lightings. While classic dishes like latkes, kugels, brisket, and challah bread have their place, we believe it’s time for these traditional favorites to explore new flavor horizons.
For example, we’re introducing Korean-inspired latkes with kimchi on the first night and a dollop of crème fraîche. On day three, we’re turning traditional blintzes into a hearty main course, filling them with a savory mixture of cheeses, thyme, and spinach.
On day six, we invite you to enjoy an inspired brunch spread using leftover challah loaves. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s a delightful option for everyone, from fava bean egg salad on toasted sesame seed challah to almond-paste-topped toast filled with jam.
Discover a Hanukkah recipe for each of the eight days below, ensuring your holiday celebration is filled with delicious dishes and culinary exploration.
Day 1: Korean Latkes
These Korean-inspired latkes are a flavorful twist on the traditional potato-based cakes. Made with shredded Yukon gold potatoes, rice flour, Korean red chili, kimchi, fish sauce, fresh chives, green onions, and sesame oil, they offer a unique blend of spicy and savory flavors. Serve them with crème fraîche and herbs for a delightful start to Hanukkah.
Day 2: Springform Golden Kugel
This noodle kugel recipe uses golden raisins plumped with fresh orange juice to add a touch of acidity. Cottage cheese and sour cream balance the sweetness, and baking it in a springform pan results in crisp edges and an elegant appearance.
Day 3: Dinner Blintzes
Filled with a decadent combination of fontina, ricotta, and parmesan cheese mixed with sautéed spinach, these blintzes offer a unique twist on the classic. Customize the filling with roasted garlic or freshly chopped herbs for added depth of flavor.
Day 4: Homemade Matzos and Spicy Matzo Ball Soup
Start the day with homemade matzos, perfect with butter and jam. Use them to prepare a spicy matzo ball soup featuring Creole seasoning and steamed, chopped peppers for added spice and flavor.
Day 5: Fennel Tomato Tart with a Cheese Crust
Indulge in a fennel tomato tart with a rich cheese pastry crust. This savory dish provides a refreshing break from starches and dairy-based dishes.
Day 6: Fava Egg Salad Toasts and Almond Jam Pastries
Repurpose leftover challah into savory fava egg salad toasts or sweet almond jam pastries. Enjoy a variety of flavors and textures to savor the holiday.
Day 7: Lingcod with Herbed Cucumbers
For a delightful dinner, savor perfectly seared lingcod with herbed cucumbers. This dish is easy to prepare, leaving you energized for the grand finale of Hanukkah.
Day 8: Matt Horn’s Slow-Cooked Brisket with Warm Broccoli
Celebrate the last day of Hanukkah with a mouthwatering brisket recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish offers a tantalizing dining experience. Pair it with warm broccoli for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Extend the joy of Hanukkah by exploring these diverse and delicious recipes for each of the eight days.
