From fluffy loaves of challah to crispy potato latkes, here are the traditional Jewish food recipes that everyone should learn to make.
29 Traditional Jewish Food Recipes Everyone Should Learn to Cook
Updated on Jul. 24, 2024
1/29
Matzo Ball Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
115 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional matzo ball soup recipe is worth the extra effort. If you prefer, you can add egg noodles instead of matzo balls to this Jewish chicken soup. —Julia Sherman, New Market, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This recipe is worth the time and effort it takes for such a delicious and comforting meal. With the fluffy matzo balls, chicken, carrots, celery and onions, it’s got everything you want in a bowl of soup. Make it to help fight off a cold or just to have something cozy for a winter night.
Matzo ball soup is also a popular holiday food, from Shabbat to Passover, and can be served at your Seder alongside one of these Passover chicken recipes.
2/29
Passover Popovers
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Popovers have an important role at the Passover table as a substitute for bread. When puffed and golden brown, they’re ready to share. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 popover: 174 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
This substitute for bread is perfect for sharing around the table during Passover. Made with only five ingredients, it’ll use up any leftover matzo cake meal you have in your pantry. Check out other dishes to serve alongside your popovers with these classic Jewish cookbooks.
3/29
Smoked Salmon in the Oven
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite way to serve salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 ounces cooked salmon: 95 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
Gravlax, smoked salmon, lox…whichever iteration you love, there’s no denying this salt-cured fish is a welcome addition to any bagel, cracker or slice of toast. You can easily find different versions of the beloved salmon at your local grocer, but why not try your own hand at it with this shortcut recipe.
4/29
Passover Rainbow Cookies
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The name “rainbow cookies” is actually a bit of a misnomer for these classic New York treats. To make the pretty layered cookies, you’ll bake three thin cakes, spread jam between them and coat with smooth melted chocolate. —Shannon Sarna, South Orange, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 32 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Shannon Sarna, a home cook and editor at The Nosher, shares her family’s most beloved dessert: rainbow cookies. These classic New York treats are traditionally served in synagogues and at Jewish celebrations, but actually have Italian roots. To make, you bake three thin cakes, spread jam between them and coat with smooth melted chocolate.
5/29
Latkes
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This potato latke recipe is tasty at any meal. For the ultimate crispiness, squeeze out all the liquid from the grated veggies before you fry them up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 115 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Whether you eat them with applesauce, sour cream or both, potato latkes are a staple that are enjoyed throughout the celebration of Hanukkah and beyond. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try topping them off with smoked salmon or poached eggs.
6/29
Jewish Brisket
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
190 mins
Servings
12 servings (4 cups vegetables)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, Enid, always used the most marbled cut of brisket she could find to make this recipe, so she'd get the most flavor. When she added carrots to the pan, she threw in some potatoes, too. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked meat with 1/3 cup vegetables and 1/2 cup juices: 247 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Carving into a juicy, tender roast for family dinner will never get old. Especially when it’s a brisket that’s been braising for hours, so it basically melts in your mouth. Use the leftovers for delicious sandwiches all week long!
7/29
Shakshuka
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
Two words: one pot. That’s the only dish you’ll need to make shakshuka, a Middle Eastern and North African dish that features eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. And you can make it any time since it’s great for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
8/29
Rugelach Recipe
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee.
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 111 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
There are a lot of delicious Jewish desserts out there, thankfully you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy any of them! Filled with fruity, sugary goodness, rugelach is a must-make for anyone with a sweet tooth. Grab a cup of coffee and try some of our favorite rugelach varieties.
9/29
Chocolate Babka
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Every grandmother has her own take on babka, and they’re all delicious. But we’re suckers for chocolate, so we had to try this special chocolate and cinnamon recipe flecked with orange zest. Other traditional fillings include nuts or dried fruits.
10/29
Tzimmes
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
125 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this tzimmes recipe a long time ago. It has become our traditional side dish for every holiday feast and is a favorite of young and old alike. It also complements chicken or turkey quite well. —Cheri Bragg, Viola, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 309 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 7g fiber), 4g protein.
Serve this classic dish for holiday meals and everyone will be raving about how good it is. Its sweet flavor comes from sweet potatoes, prunes, honey and brown sugar. This side is a great accompaniment to any of our Passover lamb recipes.
11/29
Sweet-Tart Cucumber Salad
Skill Level
Beginner
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A dear friend showed me how to use up cucumbers in a tangy salad. The longer it chills, the deeper the flavor. Look for lemon or pickling cucumbers. —Dian Jorgensen, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 139 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Jewish cuisine has always included lots of pickles. From homemade pickles to a jar from the grocery store, they can zest up any meal. This sweet and tart pickled cucumber salad makes a great side dish while giving a nod to the classic kosher dill.
12/29
Honey Challah
Total Time
75 mins
Servings
2 loaves (24 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I use these shiny, beautiful loaves as the centerpiece of my spread. I love the taste of honey, but you can also add chocolate chips, cinnamon, orange zest or almonds. Leftover slices of this sweet challah recipe work well in bread pudding or for French toast. —Jennifer Newfield, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 125 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
This sweeter honey challah is studded with raisins and perfect for your Rosh Hashanah meal. The leftovers of this sweet bread are also great for challah French toast or bread pudding.
If you’re curious about other Rosh Hashanah foods, learn more about them here.
13/29
Hamantaschen
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
85 mins
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditionally called hamantaschen, these crisp, buttery triangle cookies truly do melt in your mouth. It's a good thing this classic Jewish dessert recipe makes a big batch because no one can stop after eating just one! —Mildred Lorence, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 81 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Eaten during the holiday of Purim, these flaky pastries are as easy to make as they are delicious. Fill the center pockets with whatever you’d like, from apricot preserves to the traditional poppy seed jam.
14/29
Homemade Bagels
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always wanted to make my own bagels, so I searched to find a bagel recipe I could try. For variation and flavor, I sometimes add cinnamon and raisins or honey and sesame seeds to the dough. —Rebecca Phillips, Burlington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 bagel: 237 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Bagels are a staple at Jewish bakeries and delis. While they take some time and effort, they are a satisfying bake to try at home. Top them with some lox and cream cheese and you’re set!
15/29
Borscht Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to make this hearty soup from her garden's bountiful crop of beets and other vegetables. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Some people call it fall; I call it “soup season.” And what better way to warm up when the temperature drops than with a piping-hot bowl of borscht? Add a dash of horseradish to the bright red soup for extra heat.
16/29
Sufganiyot
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Sufganiyot are believed to have first come from Spain, adapted from a similar treat, the sopaipilla. Others say the sopaipilla was borrowed from the Jews. Either way, as a tradition, these Hanukkah doughnuts are an easy one to adopt, especially with this delicious sufganiyot recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled doughnut: 133 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
If loving sufganiyot is wrong, we “donut” want to be right. The fluffy jelly doughnuts are filled with tart raspberry preserves, sprinkled with sugar and served warm. You’ll definitely be reaching for seconds (or even thirds!).
17/29
Rye Bread
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous rye bread has just a touch of sweetness and the perfect amount of caraway seeds. With a crusty top and firm texture, it holds up well to sandwiches, but a pat of butter will do the job, too. —Holly Wade, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 118 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
This rustic rye bread has an added sweetness to it from brown sugar and molasses, perfect as a side to a classic Jewish dish. Just add a touch of butter to a slice of bread and your meal will be complete.
18/29
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 54 calories, 2g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
With only six ingredients, these chewy coconut macaroons are a beginner baker’s dream. Just stir everything together, drop dollops onto a cookie sheet and toss them in the oven. If you really want to indulge, dip the cooled cookies in melty chocolate. Yum!
19/29
Chocolate Chip Mandelbrot Cookies
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
60 mins
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Mandelbrot in Yiddish literally means “almond bread.” The twice-baked cookie made with oil and almonds dates back to 19th century Eastern Europe. There are many variations made of different dried fruits and nuts. My chocolate chip version is more modern-American. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 127 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Mandelbrot (translated from German means “almond bread”) is similar to an Italian biscotti but uses no butter. These twice-baked cookies use oil instead and can be filled with the mix-ins of your choosing.
20/29
Tabbouleh
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tabbouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad. The fresh veggies and mint leaves make it light and refreshing on a hot day. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Lake Ridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 100 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Tabbouleh is a grain salad popular in Israel. It’s traditionally made with bulgur, but you can easily substitute other grains and starches like couscous, farrow or quinoa.
21/29
Potato Kugel
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
60 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret to keeping your potatoes their whitest in your potato kugel is to switch back and forth when grating the potatoes and onion in your food processor or box grater. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Made with noodles or potatoes, kugel is a classic Jewish side dish. Sweet noodle kugel is rich and creamy, which makes it a nice treat to have on holidays and special occasions. Make it the way Bubbe might with this recipe.
22/29
Cherry Cheese Blintzes
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These elegant blintzes can be served as an attractive dessert or a brunch entree. The bright cherry sauce gives them a delightful flavor. I sometimes substitute other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries or peaches. —Jessica Vantrease, Anderson, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
2 blintzes: 245 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
In only 30 minutes, you’ll have creamy blintzes you can serve for breakfast or dessert. Its sweet taste comes from a surprising filling of cottage cheese and cream cheese. Not a fan of cherries? No worries, this recipe is customizable to incorporate your favorite fruits like blueberries, strawberries or peaches instead.
23/29
Charoset
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Charoset with apples, walnuts and spices has a special meaning for the Passover holiday. It represents mortar used for brickmaking when the Israelites were in Egypt. The sweetness represents freedom. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
Ahhh, charoset. We don’t know if it’s the sweet apples, the crunch of the walnuts, or the scent of the spicy cinnamon that we love most. But what we do know is that it’s the perfect last bite to any meal, though it’s traditionally served during Passover.
24/29
Spinach and Feta Bourekas
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These pastries are light and soft with a bit of crunch, and are one of my favorite appetizers for holidays. They can be filled with almost anything, but spinach and feta are my go-to fillings. Topped with everything seasoning, these little triangles are out of this world. — Alex Stepanov, Matawan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 383 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
Filled with cheese, bourekas are popular Sephardic Jewish pastries made from puff pastry or phyllo dough and often topped with sesame seeds. You can find them at many Jewish holidays, including Shavuot.
25/29
Matzo Brei
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Matzo brei (pronounced like fry) is one of the few dishes from my childhood I'll never outgrow. The dampened shards of matzo mixed with eggs and milk and then cooked in butter will never go out of style. I like to serve this matzo brei recipe in one big piece, but you can also scramble the mixture. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
Matzo brei is a favorite Passover food, but it’s definitely not just for Passover! This egg and matzoh scramble can be a savory or a sweet-and-savory combo. Though usually served as a breakfast dish, matzo brei is so tasty and easy that I’d eat it any time of day.
Also, here’s everything you need to know about Matzo, this humble bread that is most often served on the Jewish holiday of Passover.
26/29
Matzo Meal Pancakes
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These matzo meal pancakes are a wonderful dish for breakfast or brunch. They can be served with applesauce, jam or sour cream. When beating the egg whites, start on a low speed and gradually increase to reach a good consistency. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 171 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Sometimes the week of Passover can feel more like a month, so it helps to have some classics to get you through. Enter matzo meal pancakes—like regular pancakes, but with kosher-for-Passover matzo meal. Whip up a batch of these for breakfast during Passover or any other time of year that you’re craving pancakes.
27/29
Knish
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Knish is a classic Jewish comfort food. Sometimes I make this recipe as tiny appetizers, which are more like rolls, and I put the seams on the top. —Marlena Spieler, Waterlooville, England
Nutrition Facts:
1 knish: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Knishes, the elusive puffy dough balls stuffed with savory fillings, are the epitome of comfort food. They’re sold in Jewish neighborhoods across the world, though you may not have heard of them if you’re not Jewish. Try your hand at the humble knish and see what all the fuss is about.
28/29
Israeli Salad
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Israeli salad, which is traditionally eaten at breakfast, lends itself to endless variety. You can add olives, beets or potatoes. —Sandy Long, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
29/29
Flourless Chocolate Torte
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 326 calories, 24g fat (14g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
