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70 Classic & Creative Rosh Hashanah Recipes To Celebrate The Jewish New Year

“Shanah tovah!”

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one pot harissa beet soup in a white bowl topped with almonds, herbs, and cream
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Just like other Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Passover, celebrating Rosh Hashanah is all about tradition. The Jewish New Year is celebrated by eating foods that represent reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new one. Unlike the secular New Year's Eve, Rosh Hashanah is a bit more solemn, though is still full of celebration (so don't forget the kosher wine!). Whether you’ve been celebrating your whole life or are new to the Jewish holiday, there are some long-established simamin, or foods, that symbolize good luck in the year ahead. Our list of 63 Rosh Hashanah recipes includes these foods in both classic and innovative preparations so you can truly make the holiday your own. “Shanah tovah!”

The foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah are largely symbolic, and keeping track of their origins can be complicated. Some are religiously symbolic, like serving a “head,” because Rosh Hashanah translates to “head of the year," or serving apples and honey, because apple trees and bees are both hardy and strong, while still producing something sweet and delicate. Try one of our apple recipes, any of our honey recipes, or our whole roasted trout, or our whole roasted cabbage to make your meal extra meaningful. Brisket is often found on Jewish menus because it's a large kosher cut of meat, and Rosh Hashanah is no different—we’ve got three recipes for you here, including a Korean-inspired one and one made in your slow cooker. Challah is another ceremonial Jewish food, and on Rosh Hashanah, it’s traditional to bake a simple one into a circle to represent the cyclical nature of life (though we won’t judge if you simply braid it, like in our traditional challah, or get creative with your flavors, like in our chocolate orange challah). The Hebrew word for “beets” is similar to the word for “remove,” so eating beets is traditional to symbolize removing all obstacles and negativity from one’s life for the new year. Other ingredients, like leeks, pomegranates, and dates, have similar symbolic translations, so try adding them to your Rosh Hashanah meals. Check out our leek & potato soup, our beet greens, our Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad, or our date and apple chutney for ideas.

It’s traditional to say blessings as you eat certain foods, and we’ll assume that if you’re Jewish, you’ll be aware of these and other religious specifics (like some strict households eliminating nuts for the holiday). For everyone else, we hope these recipes will help broaden your perspective and inspire you to try something new (another Rosh Hashanah New Year tradition!).

1

Challah Rolls

challah rolls
Andrew Bui

These rolls are a great alternative to challah bread during the high holidays. Turn them into sandwiches, smother them with butter, or even just snack on them plain. This dough is a bit on the sweeter side, so it lends beautifully for a pre-dinner roll or for pulling apart and eating on its own.

Get the Challah Rolls recipe.

2

Pot Roast

pot roast
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI ; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This slow-cooking dish is the meal to make when you want to impress and satisfy without a crazy amount of effort. The shredded beef meal comes complete with tender potatoes and carrots and a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.

Get the Pot Roast recipe.

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3

One-Pot Harissa Beet Soup

one pot harissa beet soup in a white bowl topped with almonds, herbs, and cream
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

The beauty of this one-pot beet soup goes far beyond its vibrant color (if you can believe it!). Antioxidant-rich beets are simmered with starchy potatoes, shallots, garlic, and aromatic harissa paste, which adds a subtle spicy and smoky flavor to the soup. Best of all, it can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Get the One-Pot Harissa Beet Soup recipe.

4

Salmon En Croute

layers of salmon and cream spinach inside of puff pastry
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

A cheesy, garlicky, spinach mixture is the perfect balance to a tender salmon fillet. Everything is nestled together in puff pastry dough, and after about 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a buttery, flaky crust with perfectly tender salmon inside. Prepare to elevate your holiday dinner game!

Get the Salmon En Croute recipe.

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5

Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad

apple cranberry brussel sprout salad in a white bowl
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Brussels sprouts just scream holiday time. This salad has all of our favorite seasonal flavors: apples, cider vinegar, cranberries, nuts and sharp cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for all your holiday get-togethers, especially the fancier dinners.

Get the Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

6

Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

cider glazed chicken thighs with apples and sweet potatoes
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Don't let chicken breasts have all the fun! Chicken thighs are super flavorful, easy to cook, and SO delicious with sweet potatoes and apples. Ditch the 1 Tbsp. butter (you won't miss it) and serve this for Rosh Hashanah or any ol' fall weeknight—you won't regret it.

Get the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe.

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7

Jalapeño Citrus Salmon

jalapeno citrus salmon
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

This citrus salmon has tons of flavor from simple ingredients. Here we used oranges and limes, but use lemons, grapefruits, and blood oranges if you have them. As the salmon bakes, the juices start to turn into a syrupy sauce thanks to the honey and creates a perfect glaze over the salmon.

Get the Jalapeño Citrus Salmon recipe.

8

Perfect Honey Cookies

honey cookies
ANDREW BUI

These soft and chewy cookies are traditional for the Jewish New Year, but are also delicious any time of year. They're beloved by all, young and old, and we can't keep a batch around for long!

Get the Honey Cookie recipe.

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9

Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots

air fryer moroccan spiced carrots
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: HADLEY SUI

A combo of spices adds a riot of flavor to those carrots that may or may not have been sitting in the crisper for too long. Serve alongside anything that could use jazzing up, like our baked salmon or our roast chicken.

Get the Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots recipe.

10

Apple Cider Braised Brisket

apple cider braised brisket
Erik bernstein

Apple cider adds a subtle sweetness to a classic brisket, and after letting it braise low and slow, it will be as tender as possible. Letting the potatoes and carrots cook with the brisket flavors them from the inside out, and the whole dish will be deeply savory.

Get the Apple Cider Braised Brisket recipe.

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11

Sweet Noodle Kugel

kugel
Parker Feierbach

Kugel is basically the Yiddish/Jewish word for casserole. While there are many savory versions (such as this giant-latke-esque potato kugel), we have a soft spot in our hearts for sweet noodle kugel. Not too sweet with a hint of cinnamon, ours is worth making over and over again this holiday season.

Get the Sweet Noodle Kugel recipe.

12

Miso Roasted Carrots

miso roasted carrots
Erik bernstein

These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the most delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. We like pistachios and black and white sesame seeds, but feel free to swap in your favorites.

Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.

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13

Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples

roasted fennel with delicata squash, apples, shallots, hazelnuts, pomegranate seeds, and parsley
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.

Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.

14

Brussels Sprouts Salad

shaved brussels sprouts with pomegranates, shaved parmesan, and chopped toasted almonds in a white bowl
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Making this salad might seem intimidating, but it doesn't actually require much prep. Tossed with a combo of toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, Brussels make a great side for any fall get-together, and especially Rosh Hashanah.

Get the Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

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15

Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower

brown sugar bbq whole roasted cauliflower
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you love whole roasted cauliflower, then you have to try our brown sugar BBQ version, which is perfect for when you're craving summer BBQ flavors without the meat

Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe.

16

Chicken Soup

chicken soup in a bowl with saltines
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

We love each and every chicken soup, from the Greek avgolemono to the Jewish matzo ball soup, but when it came to developing our forever favorite version, we chose to strip it back to focus on the essence of the dish: the tender shredded chicken and that rich golden broth it creates.

Get the Chicken Soup recipe.

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17

Muhammara Dip With Crudites

muhammara dip garnished with herbs and pomegranates with crudites
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Muhammara comes together in 30 minutes using jarred roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, walnuts, a few special ingredients, and a food processor. Trust us—once you've tried it, it'll become a staple on your holiday appetizer roster.

Get the Muhammara Dip With Crudités recipe.

18

Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes

fennel salad with apples radishes
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

When you're looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter, look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods.

Get the Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes recipe.

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19

Green Bean Salad

green bean salad with feta and tomatoes
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

if your family dinner doesn’t feature a big bowl of this salad beside the platter of fish or chicken, you’re seriously missing out. Fresh green beans are tossed with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta in a simple red wine vinaigrette for a Greek-inspired side that’s as light and fresh as it is seasonal.

Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.

20

Round Challah

round challah
Andrew Bui

This brioche-like loaf is eaten on Rosh Hashanah to represent the circular nature of our year and seasons. It's a delicious way to start the New Year!

Get the Round Challah recipe.

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