Hanukkah brings to mind lit menorahs and spinning dreidels, but we’d argue that a trusty frying pan deserves a spot in the Festival of Lights’ starter pack. Traditional Hanukkah dishes embody pure comfort: crispy latkes shallow-fried in golden oil, brisket slow-braised in a rich sauce, and fluffy clouds of jelly-filled sufganiyot (the salads can wait until January). We’ve gathered a mix of recipes you know and love, plus a few unexpected surprises, to make your Hanukkah spread shine bright.
latkes (potato pancakes)
If there’s one dish you master for Hanukkah, let it be latkes. Our recipe is a proper, no-nonsense take on tradition—because, let’s be honest, the best flavors don’t come from shortcuts. Prepare to peel plenty of potatoes, squeeze and shape each precious golden fritter, and tend to the sizzling spectacle crisping up in a shallow pool of liquid gold. Yes, it’s a process, but it becomes a lot more enjoyable when you divvy up each step with your crew. Cooking all together in the kitchen—laughing and making memories—is what the holiday season is all about. And the end result? Let’s just say it’s simply miraculous.
applesauce
Even if you’re team sour cream on latkes, applesauce is a must-have for your toppings station. This year, we challenge you not to go store-bought. Nothing beats the fresh, homemade version, and applesauce is far easier to make than you might expect. Just toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker (or even the microwave) and get ready to slather those latkes in orchard-plucked goodness.
squash latkes with cilantro gremolata
Sometimes, you may have guests who can’t partake in dismantling the hefty potato latke mountain. For them, we present to you these lighter, dietary-friendly squash latkes. And if oil is a no-go, these delicata delights also crisp up beautifully in an air fryer.
balsamic brisket with red wine, figs, and apricots
This sauce-shimmering brisket showcases exactly what your Hanukkah celebrants will crave: main-dish decadence. A multi-step method of marinating, searing, and braising imbues the meat with layers of sophisticated depth—brought to life by a tangy balsamic rub, a wine-soaked foundation, and a wealth of aromatic spices and herbs. And don’t even get us started on that picturesque glazed gleam!
matzo ball soup
While typically served at Passover, a steaming bowl of matzo ball soup is a much-appreciated addition to the Hanukkah table. It’s cozy, brothy, and offers a welcome respite from the heavier items on the menu. Plus, rolling the balls is a great way to get little ones involved in the cooking. It’s matzo fun!
rainbow carrots
Oven-roasted rainbow carrots bring vibrant color and earthy sweetness to the dining lineup. This straightforward recipe only calls for 4 ingredients, and the prep comes together in minutes before sliding your carrots into the oven to finish the job. Don’t write it off for its simplicity—I recently served this at a holiday gathering, and it was showered with compliments. A dusting of sumac does wonders in the flavor department, coating each vegetal tendril with a bright, lemony spark.
swiss chard gratin
This creamy, toasted number is about as fanciful as veggies get. Coconut cream and panko breadcrumbs tangle in a sweet-and-crunchy dance around the Swiss chard. Bonus points if you fold in rainbow chard for a burst of festive color.
cara cara tahini upside-down cake
Slices of sunset-red Cara Cara oranges, overlapping in gorgeous candied crests, make this cake a real showstopper. A generous scoop of nutty tahini lends an unexpected richness to the batter. This dessert will certainly glow beautifully beside your luminous menorah!
satsuma blush sparkler mocktail
Crushed cranberries and muddled mandarins infuse this blushing beverage with fruity freshness, while raw ginger kicks up the flavors with warming zing. It’s everything you want in a festive seasonal sip!
sufganiyot
To finish our roundup on a sweet note, we have to highlight the shining star of Hanukkah desserts: sufganiyot. The name means “spongy dough” in Hebrew, a fitting description for the springy texture that seals the deal on these sugar-dusted, jelly-filled doughnuts. Make a batch and you’ll quickly understand why this indulgent dessert has held its place on Hanukkah tables for centuries.
Happy Hanukkah!
From all of us at Metropolitan Market, we hope you have a joyful and tasty Hanukkah with your nearest and dearest. Stop by our stores or shop online for all your Hanukkah cooking and baking essentials.