30 Delicious Recipes for a Happy Hanukkah (From Latkes to Rugelach)

Posted by Janet Ho. Last updated on December 9, 2020 by Jennifer Foden

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with some of our best Hanukkah recipes that will wow your guests — regardless of how you're celebrating this year. Whether you're looking for traditional fare or something a little more unique, we've got everything from latkes and brisket to sufganiyot and babka.

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Noodle Kugel

 A Hanukkah classic, this baked egg noodle casserole is smothered in cottage cheese, sour cream and crushed cornflakes for a celebratory dish that will leave your guests reaching for seconds. Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/jewish-comfort-food-recipes/#!chicken-soup-with-matzo-balls" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jewish comfort food classics</a> you'll want to eat all winter long. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/noodle-kugel/17566/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Noodle Kugel</a>
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Classic Potato Latkes

 Sometimes, an original classic recipe is the way to go. For the tastiest latkes around, opt for this traditional recipe made with delicious russet potatoes. You’re guaranteed a crispy outside with fluffy insides every single time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-potato-latkes/17561/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Classic Potato Latkes</a>
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Sockeye Salmon

 There’s nothing quite like bright, fresh sockeye salmon during the holiday season. The firm, fluorescent-fleshed fish is full of rich, intense flavours and is best enjoyed fresh from BC waters. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/west-coast-cedar-planked-salmon/14386/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">West Coast Cedar Planked Salmon</a>
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Quick Potato and Carrot Latkes

 Crispy, warm potato latkes are a favourite for the holidays or any special occasion. For an additional flavour boost, try adding shredded carrots and serving with cinnamon-spiced apple sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-potato-and-carrot-latkes/17397/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachael Ray's Quick Potato and Carrot Latkes</a>
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Chicken Soup With Dill Matzo Balls

 Sometimes simplicity is the way to go when you're prepping a multi-course holiday meal. This <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/best-chicken-soup-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">soothing chicken soup</a> starter offers up delicious dill-infused <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/creative-recipes-with-matzo-matzah/#!matzo-brei1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">matzo</a> balls that are so delicious, you'll want to savour every last bite. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-soup-with-dill-matzo-balls/15488/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chicken Soup With Dill Matzo Balls</a>
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Mini Potato Latkes

 Whip up a couple batches of these addictive bite-sized gems for your holiday gathering. Brimming with flavour, they require less than 10 ingredients and are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/one-pot-chicken-dinners-30-minutes/#!1-maple-glazed-chicken" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ready in 30 minutes</a>, leaving you plenty of time to focus on the dinner main. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-potato-latkes/15160/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mini Potato Latkes</a>
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Smoked BBQ Brisket

 This beefy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/great-brisket-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">brisket recipe</a> will be a hit with your loved ones this Hanukkah. Dripping in dark beer and smothered in various herbs and chiles, it'll be the star of your holiday menu. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-bbq-brisket/18326/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Smoked BBQ Brisket</a>
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Sweet Potato Latkes

 Yukon golds and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/superfood-spotlight-best-sweet-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sweet potatoes</a> make for a winning combination in this crispy, savoury Hanukkah dish you'll want to introduce into regular rotation. Get the recipe <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/food-network-kitchens-sweet-potato-latkes/23057/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Latkes</a>
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Braised Lamb Shanks

 These slow-cooked lamb shanks are smothered in an aromatic red wine broth and served with a hearty medley of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-root-vegetables-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">root vegetables</a>, including baby potatoes, parsnips, carrots and turnips. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michaels-braised-lamb-shanks/13275/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Smith's Braised Lamb Shanks</a>
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Brussels Sprout Latkes

Another twist on the Hanukkah classic. Molly Yeh uses Brussels sprouts to transform latkes into a healthier holiday treat. Don't forget the homemade balsamic Dijon sour cream dip. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/girl-meets-farm/blog/molly-yeh-brussels-sprout-latkes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Molly Yeh's Brussels Sprouts Latkes</a>
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Blintzes With Savoy Cabbage and Sour Cream

 Similar to versatile latkes, these traditional crepe-like <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/pancake-recipes-shrove-tuesday/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pancakes</a> can be made a variety of delicious ways. Although typically stuffed with cheese, this blintz recipe boasts pancetta, shallots, savoy cabbage and apples for a savoury treat we want to gobble up. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/blintzes-with-savoy-cabbage-and-sour-cream/7214/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Blintzes With Savoy Cabbage and Sour Cream</a>
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Chips With Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salsa

 Individual homemade potato crisps are topped with delicious smoked salmon and a citrus-y <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-avocado-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">avocado</a> salsa that'll have you drooling. Be sure to make an extra batch, because they'll disappear quickly. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chips-with-smoked-salmon-and-avocado-salsa/10513/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chips With Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salsa</a>
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Zucchini Rosti

 These flavourful <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-and-delicious-zucchini-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zucchini</a> fritters are pan-fried until golden and crisped to perfection. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-rosti/8284/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zucchini Rosti</a>
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Vibrant Rainbow Latkes

Step aside boring russet potatoes, your friends the beet, sweet potato, carrot, zucchini and blue potato are ready to steal the latke show. Easy to whip together with just a handful of ingredients. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/hanukkah-vibrant-rainbow-latkes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vibrant Rainbow Latkes</a>
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Upside-Down Apple Cake With Honey and Salted Caramel

This show-stopping desserts combines the Jewish classic of honey apple cake with the more modern flavours of salted caramel. Bonus: you can whip this together with pantry staples you already have on hand. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/rosh-hashanah-upside-down-apple-cake/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Upside-Down Apple Cake With Honey and Salted Caramel</a>
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Crispy Potato Latke Cake

The ultimate spin on latkes is this giant stack of pan-fried potato pancakes, which is made for a hungry Hanukkah crowd. It comes together in just an hour — and you can slice and serve family-style once ready. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/giant-latke-cake-is-a-playful-tasty-holiday-centrepiece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crispy Potato Latke Cake</a>
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Baked Fish With Lemon and Garlic

 These light and airy tilapia fillets braised with garlic, fresh basil and lemon are ready in just 15 minutes, making for a low-maintenance and stress-free Hanukkah dinner main your guests will rave about. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-fish-with-basil-garlic-and-lemon/12752/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baked Fish With Lemon and Garlic</a>
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Potato Pancakes With Cured Salmon

 Turn <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/photos/16-delicious-uses-for-leftover-mashed-potatoes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">leftover mashed potatoes</a> into a mouth-watering meal by pairing it with cured salmon, onions, capers and a generous dollop of sour cream. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-mashed-potato-pancakes-with-cured-salmon/11487/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Potato Pancakes With Cured Salmon</a>
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Golden Rugelach

 This Hanukkah staple consists of flaky dough, similar to pie, that enfolds a variety of fruit and nuts for a mouth-watering taste. This scrumptious version is packed with toasted hazelnuts, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apricot-rugalach/3721/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apricot preserves</a> and golden raisins. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/golden-rugelach/17567/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Golden Rugelach</a>
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Sfenj Moroccan Doughnuts With Honey and Sugar

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/party-worthy-doughnut-recipes/#!basil-lemon-zeppole" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doughnuts</a> are a Hanukkah favourite, as they are fried in oil — which symbolizes the oil that fuelled the holiday miracle. This sfenj doughnut recipe uses just five ingredients. Yum yum yum. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/sfenj-moroccan-doughnuts-hanukkah-dessert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sfenj Moroccan Doughnuts With Honey and Sugar</a>
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Healthier Chocolate Babka

We all agree that bread + chocolate = two of the best foods on the planet, which is what makes this twist on the traditional Hanukkah classic such a delicious must-have. Swap out white flour and sugar for more nutrient-rich ingredients such as unsweetened almond milk, maple syrup and coconut sugar. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/healthy-chocolate-babka-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Healthier Chocolate Babka </a>
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Marshmallow Dreidels

 Add a sugary-sweet twist to the traditional Hanukkah game this year with these adorable mini chocolate- or cream-covered biscuit sticks topped with blue sugared marshmallows. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/marshmallow-dreidels/23054/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marshmallow Dreidels</a>
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Strawberry Cheesecake Sufganiyots

Filled with strawberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, once you take your first bite, you'll be hit with a soft, creamy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/anna-olson-best-cheesecake-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cheesecake</a> custard, making it feel appropriate not just for the holidays, but any time of year. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/must-make-strawberry-cheesecake-doughnuts-sufganiyots/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Strawberry Cheesecake Sufganiyots</a>
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Chocolate Matzo Cake

 Ready in an hour (really!), this show-stopping chocolate cake uses coconut between each layer for an added crunch and nuttiness that will impress your guests. Serve this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/no-bake-desserts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no-bake treat</a> chilled or straight out of the freezer for a luscious Hanukkah dessert that will become an instant family staple. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/passover/blog/bubbies-manichevitz-and-chocolate-matzo-cake/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chocolate Matzo Cake</a>
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Chocolate Sea Salt Rugelach

 Switch things up this holiday season with a colourful, festive take on the Hanukkah classic. This kid-friendly recipe offers up chocolate chips, flaky sea salt and sprinkles and/or sanding sugar for a dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-sea-salt-rugelach/23058/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Molly Yeh's Chocolate Sea Salt Rugelach</a>
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Cinnamon Bun Babka

 This mouth-watering dessert recipe might be more time-consuming to prep than your typical dessert bread, but the cinnamon bun-like flavours of this sweet treat is worth the effort. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cinnamon-bun-babka/17385/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cinnamon Bun Babka</a>
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Sugar and Spice Doughnuts

 Just like your other favourite Hanukkah food (latkes), these sweet treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, they're covered in an addictive sugar and apple pie spice mixture that will have you drooling. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sugar-and-spice-doughnuts/19406/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sugar and Spice Doughnuts</a>
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Coconut Cranberry Macaroons

 Chewy with just the right amount of sweetness, you’ll be glad you made these seasonal cranberry-studded macaroons part of your holiday celebration. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/coconut-cranberry-macaroon/19403/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Coconut Cranberry Macaroons</a>
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Baked Apples Creme Brulee

 This twist on the traditional creme brulee is actually cinnamon-scented and baked inside an apple. Coated with a thin layer of caramelized sugar, it's also a more decadent version of the candy apple. Get the recipe <a href="http://Baked Apples Creme Brulee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Baked Apples Creme Brulee</a>
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Challah French Toast

 Challah is typically a straight-forward bread to make from scratch, which is ideal during the hectic holiday season. We love this French toast twist on the classic, and so will your loved ones. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/challah-french-toast/14351/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Challah French Toast</a>
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