A holiday such as Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is filled with family, friends, dreidel games, and, of course, delicious food. While gifts are a fun part of the celebration, the true heart of this festival lies in the eight nights of candle lighting and sharing traditional treats. This list explores 15 must-try Hanukkah foods brimming with delicious flavors and providing a touch of cultural richness to your celebrations.
Latkes
Latkes are the undisputed champions of Hanukkah food. These crispy potato pancakes are traditionally fried in oil, a symbolic nod to the oil miracle that lasted eight days. The beauty of latkes lies in their simplicity – just grated potatoes, matzo meal, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Yet, the golden perfection achieved with a good fry creates a textural masterpiece – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Top yours with sour cream for a tangy twist, or go classic with creamy applesauce for a sugary and savory explosion.
Sufganiyot
Sufganiyot are jelly-filled doughnuts that are a must-have this festive season. These fluffy pillows of dough are fried to golden perfection and then injected with all sorts of yummy fillings—from classic strawberry and raspberry to more adventurous options like chocolate hazelnut or dulce de leche. Final touches include powdered sugar, making sufganiyot a delectable treat that’s hard to resist.
Kugel
Kugel is a versatile baked dish that can be sweet or savory, making it a crowd-pleaser at any Hanukkah table. Potato kugel is a hearty, comforting casserole made with shredded potatoes, onions, eggs, and spices. Noodle kugel offers a lighter option, featuring egg noodles baked with a creamy cheese sauce and raisins. Both versions are traditionally baked in a kugel pot, a deep dish with a fluted edge, but any baking dish will work.
Gelt
Gelt, which means “money” in Yiddish, is traditionally given to children during the festival. In the past, gelt was actual coins, symbolizing the wealth and prosperity associated with the holiday. Today, chocolate coins are the most popular form of gelt, offering a sugary way to celebrate and add fun to the festivities. These come in all shapes and sizes, from classic coins to adorable dreidel or menorah designs.
Mandelbrot
Also known as biscotti, these are twice-baked almond cookies with a long shelf life, making them perfect for the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. The dough, packed with almonds and often flavored with orange zest or lemon extract, is baked into loaves, sliced, and then baked again until crisp. Enjoy mandelbrot with a cup of coffee or tea, or crumble it over ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Potato Salad
Potato salad might seem like a simple side option, but it plays an important role on the Hanukkah table. This creamy potato salad topped with dill or chives offers a cooling and refreshing contrast to the richness of latkes and sufganiyot. Add chopped apples or grapes to their potato salad for a touch of sweetness and a delightful textural surprise.
Brisket
It is a classic Jewish food that often takes center stage throughout the festive celebrations. This cut of beef is slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. The rich and flavorful braising liquid can make a tasty gravy, great for spooning over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Challah
Challah, a braided egg bread, is a staple on Jewish tables for Shabbat and holidays like Hanukkah. Its golden brown crust encases a soft and slightly sweet interior, making it a versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or used for French toast or grilled cheese. The six strands of the braid symbolize the six days of creation and the Shabbat day of rest.
Rugelach
Rugelach is a delightful pastry made with cream cheese dough rolled up with various fillings. Cinnamon raisin is a traditional choice, but rugelach can also be stuffed with chocolate, fruit jams, nuts, or even savory options like herbs and cheese. These flaky pastries are great for a Hanukkah snack or an elegant dessert.
Matzo Brei
Matzo brei, meaning “broken matzo,” is a delicious way to use leftover matzo after Passover. It is soaked in water and then fried with eggs and onions, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Add chopped vegetables or cheese to their final meal for extra flavor and texture.
Hamantaschen
Hamantaschen are triangular-shaped cookies traditionally enjoyed during Purim, another Jewish holiday. However, some families also include them on the Hanukkah table. These tasty pastries come with various fillings, from poppy seed and prune to chocolate and apricot. The triangular shape resembles the hat of Haman, the villain of the Purim story.
Blintzes
Light, airy, and thin crêpes made from a batter of flour, eggs, and milk and lightly fried until golden brown, this meal can be found on every table during the festival. These delicate pockets can be filled with various sugary or savory ingredients. For a Hanukkah treat, try cheese blintzes stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with sour cream and applesauce. Sweet blintzes can be loaded with fruit jams, chocolate hazelnut spread, fresh fruit, and whipped cream.
Gefilte Fish
Love it or loathe it, gefilte fish is a quintessential part of Jewish cuisine. Prepared from ground fish, onions, and spices and then poached to perfection, this traditional food is often served as an appetizer during Hanukkah celebrations.
Lokesh
Lokesh is a unique and satisfying Hanukkah treat from Eastern European Jewish cuisine. This dish features boiled egg noodles baked in a sweet custard made with eggs, sugar, and sometimes ricotta cheese. It is a delectable and satisfying dessert with its chewy texture and a slightly caramelized top.
Apple Cake
Moist and aromatic, apple cake is a delightful dessert perfect for Hanukkah. Loaded with chunks of fresh apples and fragrant spices, this cake is a comforting treat that’s sure to become a family favorite
