14 Hanukkah Dinner Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Beloved classics for a comforting, celebratory meal.

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Credit: Linda Xiao

Give family and friends the greatest gift of all at your Hanukkah celebration: an assortment of beloved recipes, including latkes, brisket, short ribs, kugel, and more. Whether you like to prepare traditional holiday dishes or branch out with more modern interpretations of the classics, our collection of essential Hanukkah dinner recipes has something for every family. Rooted in tradition, these dishes will make your celebration both meaningful and delicious.

01 of 14

Smoked Salmon Dip With Bagel Chips

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We've taken all of our favorite bagel toppings and packed them into one sensational dip. We're talking cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, and capers, plus horseradish for a kick.

02 of 14

Miso-Tomato Braised Short Ribs

miso-tomato braised short ribs plated with pomegranate
Credit: Yuki Sugiura

This platter of succulent short ribs melds flavors from cultures all around the world with the most delicious results. Miso is the magic in the marinade—rubbed over the ribs which are chilled overnight, it adds salt, umami, and a subtle tanginess. Fennel, tomatoes, and orange juice brighten the braise, while ginger offers a hint of heat.

03 of 14

Classic Latkes

classic latkes
Credit: Julia Gartland

Potato pancakes make for festive starters at any party. Serve them with toppers like crème fraîche, trout roe, smoked trout, and lingonberry jam.

04 of 14

Chunky Applesauce

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Try a chunky applesauce to accompany your homemade latkes. Using both McIntosh and Granny Smith apples will ensure the right texture—the McIntoshes soften into a purée, while the Grannies stay chunky.

05 of 14

Braised Brisket With Carrots, Garlic, and Parsnips

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This dish is a classic for the ages! The best part? The brisket can be cooked a day in advance.

06 of 14

Pomegranate-Braised Short Ribs

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Credit: Johnny Miller

Red wine and pomegranate juice give these tender braised short ribs an incredible depth of flavor, while pomegranate seeds add the perfect pop of color.

07 of 14

Matzo-Ball Soup With Leeks

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Credit: Kate Mathis

This is the ultimate comfort food, whether it's Hanukkah or not. Our tried-and-true matzo balls get their fluffiness from seltzer and baking powder and their rich flavor from chicken fat (schmaltz to those in the know!).

08 of 14

Wine-Braised Brisket

Hanukkah Brisket
Credit: linda xiao

A crowd-pleasing option that's worthy of priority placement on your Hanukkah dinner table, this brisket is rich and meltingly tender after braising in white wine, lemon, and mustard. Hearty root vegetables are added for the last 45 minutes of cooking.

09 of 14

Chicken-Liver Mousse With Raspberry Jelly

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Credit: Courtesy of Christopher Testani

Team rich, creamy chicken-liver mousse with homemade raspberry jelly for the ultimate sophisticated starter. Serve with crostini and your favorite pickled veggies. Ready for more? You can't go wrong with this silky Chicken-Liver Crostini with Quince Jelly.

10 of 14

Potato Kugel Gratin

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Credit: Johnny Miller

Make potato gratin dairy-free by swapping the usual cream for chicken broth. A golden-brown matzo-meal crust is the perfect finishing touch.

11 of 14

Braised Short Ribs

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This dish is inspired by traditional recipes that use flanken, a cut of beef from the chuck end of short ribs. In Jewish custom, the meat is boiled and served with horseradish. Our version uses braised boneless ribs and pairs them with chicken broth and fresh thyme.

12 of 14

Chicken Liver Pate

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Get your Hanukkah party started with this easy, elegant pâté and golden toasts.

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Kugel Muffins

kugel muffins
Credit: Chris Simpson

These individual kugels are baked in a muffin pan. Cottage cheese and sour cream give them rich flavor while a touch of orange marmalade and the addition of currants takes them into sweet territory

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Roasted Apples

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Credit: Marcus Nilsson

For an applesauce alternative, toss apple wedges with sugar and cinnamon and roast until tender.

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