9 Best Hanukkah Recipes from Instagram
Central to Hanukkah is the commemoration of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple. This miracle is celebrated through the preparation and enjoyment of foods cooked in oil, symbolizing the endurance of faith and light. And while modern day recipes may call for health-forward options such as baking or air frying, the deliciousness of these home-cooked meals remains the same.
From briskets slow-cooked to tender perfection, noodle kugels with sweet or savory twists, potato pancakes crisped to a golden brown, and so much more, Hanukkah dinner is an opportunity to showcase culinary creativity and family recipes passed down through generations.
To help you commemorate the holiday season, we sourced nine scrumptious Hanukkah dinner recipes from some of our favorite Instagram creators!
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1. Sherry-braised brisket by @jakecohen
This brisket from Jake Cohen is a tasty twist on the classic recipe, infused with the rich, sweet flavors of caramelized onions and a hint of sherry wine, creating a harmony of tastes that dance on your palate.
The brisket itself is tender and succulent, slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite is infused with the deep, savory flavors of the onions and the subtle, yet distinct, notes of sherry. It’s a dish that not only stands out on the Hanukkah table but also brings a sense of warmth and comfort, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this savory dish is one that could rival the finest ragù or Sunday gravy, making the most of every last bit of your holiday meal!
2. Air fried latkes by @jewishfoodhero
This latke recipe is a game-changer for those seeking a lighter, more nutritious option during the festive season. The key ingredients are simple yet effective: potatoes, eggs, and an unexpected twist - corn flakes! Corn flakes, replacing the usual flour or matzo meal, are the secret to achieving a wonderfully light and crispy texture. This clever substitution ensures that the latkes are anything but stodgy, dense, or overly greasy.
3. Matzo ball chicken stew by @joan_nathan
Joan Nathan, a seasoned writer in Jewish cooking, stumbled upon this delightful matzo ball soup recipe that’s perfect for the Hanukkah season, especially following the busy Thanksgiving weekend. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and make-ahead potential. The entire stew can be prepared in one pot and made a day ahead, making it a convenient option for busy families. Both the chicken soup and matzo balls are known to improve in flavor over time, making this dish even more appealing as a leftover. To serve, simply reheat this comforting stew, which is sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike!
4. Classic noodle kugel by @katieworkman100
Katie Workman’s noodle kugel recipe is a cherished family dish, perfect for Jewish holidays or as a comforting meal. This version is unique for its inclusion of orange juice and zest, adding a fresh twist to the traditional mix of sour cream, cottage cheese, eggs, egg noodles, and raisins. Her recipe, refined through numerous tests, results in a kugel that is the right mix of dense and fluffy.
Convenient for busy schedules, this noodle kugel can be prepared ahead, refrigerated, or even frozen, and is versatile enough to pair with various foods like smoked salmon, bagels, or brisket. It’s a delightful blend of tradition and personal memory, making it a special addition to any meal!
5. Zucchini kugel by @healthy.to.the.core
This zucchini kugel recipe is a fantastic, healthy addition to any Hanukkah dinner table. It’s not only nutritious but also versatile and delicious, making it a hit for both meals and snacks. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients: zucchini, onions, a potato, pasture-raised eggs, coconut flour, garlic, and seasoning. The use of coconut flour is a standout feature, as it’s high in fiber, gluten-free, protein-rich, low in carbohydrates, and adds a hint of natural sweetness. If coconut flour isn’t available, alternatives like superfine almond flour, chickpea, quinoa, or all-purpose flour can be used, though the quantities may vary.
6. “The best” sufganiyot by @sivanskitchen
Jelly donuts - a Hanukkah tradition - have evolved over time with various fillings and flavors, but their significance at the dinner table remains a testament to the enduring traditions of the holiday.
The recipe starts with making the dough by mixing all ingredients, except water, either in a mixer or by hand. Gradually add warm water and knead the dough for 10-12 minutes with a mixer or 15 minutes manually. After shaping the dough into a ball and oiling it lightly, let it proof for about 1.5 hours.
Once proofed, divide the dough into 60-gram balls and let them proof again for 25-30 minutes on parchment paper squares. For frying, heat canola oil to 365°F and fry each dough ball until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. Alternatively, for a healthier version, bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes or air-fry at 340°F for about 8 minutes. Finally, fill the donuts with raspberry preserves, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
7. Everyday challah by @splashofsherri
This recipe was born out of necessity when Sherri found herself low on bread flour and eggs, which are typically used in her regular challah recipe. She needed a recipe that could work with all-purpose flour and fewer eggs, and thus, her everyday challah was created!
Sherri’s everyday challah recipe is straightforward and comforting, suitable for any day of the week. The recipe can be adapted based on the ingredients available at home. For instance, any non-flavored oil can be used, and egg size can vary with adjustments in flour quantity. Honey can replace sugar, though additional flour may be needed to balance the moisture
8. Orange rosemary olive oil cake by @jesselwellness
Jesse’s take on olive oil cake is a unique blend of flavors: the rich, peppery taste of olive oil, the sweet and zesty notes of orange, and the subtle, woody touch of rosemary. The olive oil not only gives the cake a distinct, fruity flavor but also makes it a healthier option for baking, being a great alternative to butter.
The combination of these ingredients creates a cake that's both flavorful and aromatic. The olive oil adds a depth of taste that’s not commonly found in traditional cakes, while the orange brings a refreshing citrusy zest. Rosemary, with its earthy undertones, complements the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile. Give Jesse’s unique recipe a shot this Hanukkah!
9. Chocolate babka by @parischezsharon
This chocolate babka recipe by Paris chez Sharon is one she brought from Israel to Paris ten years ago - filling her home with delightful aromas and has been a hit with her neighbors since she started baking it. She mentions that it was actually inspired by yeast cakes in French boulangeries and the emergence of babkas in Paris.
The preparation involves melting butter and mixing it with milk, then combining this with flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a stand mixer. After kneading the dough until smooth, it’s divided, shaped into balls, and refrigerated for at least 6 hours. The chocolate filling is prepared by melting butter, cocoa, sugar, and chocolate together, then adding praline or chocolate spread. Each portion of dough is rolled out, filled with chocolate, rolled into a log, and refrigerated briefly before being cut and braided into the final loaf shape.
Brush the babka with syrup made from sugar, water, Cognac, and vanilla to give them a glossy finish!
Commemorate Hannukah with a new recipe today!
Connect Grocer’s List to your Instagram profile, for free.
Tag @grocerslist in the IG comments of a recipe you like.
We’ll email your recipe ingredients instantly, with an option to push them to Instacart.
Checkout and get everything you need to start cooking the same day!
