72 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Recipes

Celebrate the Jewish New Year and High Holy Days with this collection of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur recipes. Start with apples dipped in honey to ensure a sweet new year, then move on to brisket and chicken, challah, potato pancakes, apple cake, and more.

 

Meggan’s notes

Rosh Hoshanah means “Head of the New Year” and celebrates the birthday of the universe, the day God created Adam and Eve. This the first of High Holy Days which ends 10 days later with Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah Celebrations include lighting candles, prayer services, blowing the shofar (ram’s horn), and renewing one’s spiritual relationship with God. Feasting includes foods such as challah, Matzo ball soup, brisket, and apples dipped in honey.

Yom Kippur is a fasting day, so the menu involves no food or drink and also no work, bathing, or other worldly pleasures. In the evening, it’s customary to break the fast with light dairy foods, eggy dishes, or fish.

As I mention in my Passover and Hanukkah guides, I am not Jewish, but food is always a fun way for the curious to learn about other cultures. Here are the best Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur recipes on Culinary Hill.

Traditional Rosh Hashanah Food

1. Cut Apples and Honey

Perhaps the most symbolic of all Rosh Hashanah foods is apples dipped in honey. Eat the sweets to ensure a sweet year!

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, it’s traditional to eat “new fruit,” as in fruit that is new for the season and hasn’t been enjoyed before. Pomegranates are the most popular “new fruit” (and they make an appearance in other cultures as a Lucky New Year’s Food, too).

2. Challah

Ideally, Challah should be braided in a round shape to symbolize the “eternal circle of life.” Sometimes, it is studded with raisins or other dried fruits or drizzled with honey to amp up the sweetness for a sweeter new year. If you decide to make homemade bread, choose a recipe made without milk so you can enjoy it with meat and still keep kosher.

3. Braised Beef Brisket

To make the best Braised Beef Brisket, create big flavors up front. Brown the beef and vegetables, deglaze the pan with vinegar, and balance the braising liquid with a touch of brown sugar. Tough brisket cooks down until it’s meltingly tender, a perfect addition to your holiday table.

4. Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

This easy Beef Brisket recipe is kosher and made right in a slow cooker. The simple marinade adds layers of flavor, and then the brisket is braised until it’s meltingly tender. The barbecue sauce is optional but recommended.

5. Potato Pancakes

Crunchy Potato Pancakes are one of my best potato side dish recipes. Learn how to make Potato Pancakes to top with sour cream and applesauce.

6. Citrus Salad

Fresh herbs, citrus fruit, berries, and pomegranate seeds team up in this refreshing and easy winter fruit salad. It’s simple enough to add to a weekday breakfast menu, but showy enough to share as a holiday party side dish.

7. Rugelach

Ideal as a Rosh Hashanah dessert or a cookie any time of year, this classic Rugelach recipe starts with a cream cheese cookie dough, and is filled with apricots, raisins, and walnuts.

Rosh Hashanah Dinner Recipes

An actual “head of the fish” is often served for Rosh Hashanah, although smoked salmon works too. Just avoid pork and shellfish, which aren’t kosher. Be sure to avoid mixing meat and dairy, too. Many of these recipes can also work well for seudah hamafseket, the meal before the day of fasting on Yom Kippur.

8. Baked Salmon

This easy Baked Salmon is flavored with lemons and herbs, baked in foil, then broiled until crispy. There is minimal prep work involved, and it’s ready in 20 minutes or less!

9. Rotisserie-style Chicken

Learn how to make rotisserie chicken at home with my super simple spice rub (4 ingredients plus salt and pepper).

10. Salmon Filets

These delicious Baked Salmon Filets roast over lemons with a honey-garlic-herb glaze. They are super flavorful and delicious, and they cook in 20 minutes or less.

11. Chicken Vesuvio

One-skillet Chicken Vesuvio is a hearty, comforting 30-minute meal. This easy weeknight dinner idea offers a taste of Chicago culinary history, no matter where you live.

12. Matzo Ball Soup

Learn how to make Matzo Ball Soup, a delicious Ashkenazi Jewish recipe made with chicken and dumplings.

13. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken

This easy, delicious Paprika Chicken is a complete meal made all at once on just a single sheet pan. The potatoes, poblanos, and tomatoes soak up all the flavors (including the paprika spice rub), infusing the whole dish with tons of flavor.

14. Pan-seared Halibut

For a quick, delicious, and healthy meal idea, try Pan-Seared Halibut. Searing gives the halibut a light, golden crust while the peppers and olives add lots of flavor and bright, juicy colors. The whole meal comes together in 30 minutes or less.

15. Roast Rack of Lamb

Ideal for holiday menus but easy enough for Sunday dinner every week, my 3-ingredient Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe is one of the best main dish ideas when you want to impress.

16. Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Bright and budget-friendly, this Balsamic Chicken Recipe is one of the best weeknight meal ideas around. This easy chicken dinner is made with plenty of fresh tomatoes and rosemary and is ready in 30 minutes or less.

17. Pan-fried Tilapia

Beat the clock with my 25-minute Pan-Fried Tilapia recipe. Family-friendly fish recipes do exist, and this restaurant-quality tilapia and vegetable entree is proof.

18. Lamb Chops

Ideal for holiday menus and weeknight dinners alike, this skillet Lamb Chops Recipe can be on the table in 20 minutes flat (complete with garlic-herb pan sauce). Lamb recipes need not be intimidating, and this skillet dinner is delicious proof.

19. Chicken Cacciatore

This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe brings the classic Italian “hunter’s style” chicken to life with juicy chicken and lots of vegetables in a flavorful red wine sauce. This rustic one-pot meal is quick enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough for your best dinner party guests.

20. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are an ultra-cozy Dutch oven dinner idea. Learn how to make beef- and rice-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on the stovetop or see my slow cooker variation if you have the time.

21. Sheet Pan Italian Chicken

This delicious Sheet Pan Italian Chicken is an easy, balanced one-pan meal. Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin help flavor a medley of Mediterranean-inspired veggies, including eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers.

Vegetarian Rosh Hashanah Recipes

22. Mushroom Risotto

Rich and hearty in flavor and texture, Mushroom Risotto is a dish that is more than worth the effort you’ll put into it at the stove. This super creamy risotto is even more luscious with an assortment of tender, earthy wild mushrooms.

23. Baked Ziti

Far less fussy than lasagna but just as cheesy and comforting, this meaty Baked Ziti casserole calls for just 15 minutes of prep time. Then all that’s left to do is bake the pasta entree, pour a glass of Italian wine, and dig in.

24. Eggplant Parmesan

This recipe for Eggplant Parmesan uses the high heat of the oven for crispy breaded eggplant without the mess of a deep fryer. Add my 10-minute quick tomato sauce or your favorite jarred sauce and lots of mozzarella for a delicious homemade Italian dinner.

25. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food! The irresistible garlic butter breadcrumb-topped casserole is a surprisingly easy dinner recipe, calling for just 10 minutes of prep time.

26. Zucchini Parmesan

This fuss-free Zucchini Parmesan skips the busy breading-and-frying routine in favor of roasted zucchini strips layered with homemade tomato sauce and two kinds of cheese. 

27. Mushroom and Leek Tart

This Mushroom and Leek Tart is rich and hearty, an absolute delight for true mushroom lovers. The puff pastry crust keeps things simple, and the cheesy, creamy filling is full of flavor and absolutely delicious.

28. White Bean and Kale Soup

This homemade White Bean and Kale Soup recipe is easy, affordable, and the epitome of comfort food all year round. My simple soup recipe proves that you can coax loads of flavor out of 5 ingredients in just 30 minutes.

Rosh Hashanah Side Dishes

There are several popular vegetables for Rosh Hashanah, including carrots, leeks, spinach, and chard. These are traditionally eaten because their names in Hebrew have symbolic meanings for blessings and good omens. There is also a popular couscous dish called Couscous with Seven Vegetables, which features cabbage, turnips, summer squash, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and chickpeas.

29. Roasted Carrots

This easy Roasted Carrots recipe showcases the best of spring’s new, tender carrots. They look so pretty roasted whole with the green tops attached, and the optional yogurt sauce is the perfect complement.

30. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes are great for dinners, meal prep containers, and all your salads and grain bowls. A touch of fresh rosemary infuses the whole dish with delicious flavor, and it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

31. Braised Red Cabbage

Tender-crisp red cabbage transforms into a tangy and savory side dish recipe in this classic German Braised Red Cabbage. This is my twist on traditional Rotkohl, a sweet-sour cabbage dish often served alongside Rouladen and other German entrees.

32. Glazed Carrots

These best Glazed Carrots are exactly like grandma made: golden, buttery, and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. This 20-minute side dish of Glazed Carrots is destined to become a mainstay on your family dinner menu.

33. Steamed Cabbage

Learn how to make Steamed Cabbage for an easy, nutrient-dense side dish without the bad smell that comes from boiled cabbage. It’s ready in minutes and delicious alone or served with beef, chicken, or fish.

34. Roasted Zucchini

Transform summer squash into a versatile, easy side dish recipe or meal prep menu addition with my guide for how to make Roasted Zucchini. This easy zucchini recipe is crispy, garlic-infused, and oven-ready after just 5 minutes of prep time.

35. Roasted Green Beans

These easy Roasted Green Beans are loaded with garlic and lemon and roasted to perfection. They’re simple to make any night of the week, but special enough for holidays, too.

Rosh Hashanah Salads

36. Cabbage Salad

This fresh and crunchy Cabbage Salad is filled with colorful vegetables, golden raisins, and raw pepitas drizzled with a tangy maple vinaigrette.

37. Fennel Apple Salad

This crisp Fennel Salad with Apples is best enjoyed when apples are at their peak in the fall. With crunchy fennel, peppery arugula, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s a great combination of colors, flavors, and textures.

38. Israeli Couscous Salad

For a fresh twist on a pasta salad recipe, try this pickled shallot-infused Israeli Couscous Salad. The easy salad recipe is terrific as a dinner side dish or a light lunch.

39. Tabbouleh

Authentic Bulgur Tabbouleh is a parsley salad flavored with bulgur, mint, scallions, tomatoes, and a bright lemony dressing. It’s quick, fresh, easy, and absolutely delicious.

40. Couscous Salad

This vibrant Couscous Salad combines chewy couscous, crunchy vegetables, crisp almonds, and a spiced curry dressing, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

41. Beet Salad

Full of color and texture, this easy Beet Salad is loaded with goat cheese, almonds, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette. Save time with store-bought roasted beets or roast them yourself.

Rosh Hashanah Desserts

Sweet desserts, especially round cakes, are also popular for Rosh Hashanah. Honey Cake is the most traditional (honey for sweetness!), but any apple dessert will do.

42. Cinnamon Apple Cake

Apple Cake for modern bakers, then added a powdered sugar glaze. I bet she would be proud of the delicious results!

43. Apple Crisp

Fall is in the air, and for some, that only means one thing: homemade Apple Crisp. This glorious dessert, made from scratch with a buttery oatmeal streusel topping, is the easiest, most outstanding way to celebrate the season.

44. Apple Pie

The best apple pie recipe comes topped with a scoop (or two!) of ice cream, if you ask me. Learn how to make apple pie from scratch just like grandma made, plus score additional ice cream inspiration.

45. Apple Cobbler

Celebrate fall’s best apples with this easy homemade Apple Cobbler recipe. The from-scratch topping is ready in minutes and bakes up soft, chewy, and golden brown. It’s the perfect dessert to wind down a chilly fall day.

46. Apple Strudel

Learn how to make Apple Strudel, a classic Viennese dessert. A flaky crust envelops a warmly-spiced fruit filling in this cozy homemade Apple Strudel recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds.

47. Apple Cider Donuts

Overflowing with the flavors of fall, these homemade Apple Cider Donuts are baked, not fried, and then rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra crunch.

Drinks for Rosh Hashanah

To toast the New Year, look for sweet, fruity beverages featuring apples, honey, pomegranates, and grapes.

48. Apple Cider

Apple Cider is a great cozy beverage that can be enjoyed by the faithful of all ages.

49. Mulled Cider

Mulled Cider is warmed apple cider infused with brandy and spices. It’s the perfect hot beverage for a cold day, especially around the holidays.

50. Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is simple to make, sweet, and delicious. This welcoming, spiced hot beverage makes the whole house smell amazing, too.

51. 8 Infused Water Recipes

Stay hydrated with these easy infused water recipes. If you find plain ol’ H2O to be boring, consider making a pitcher of infused water that scores a hint of flavor from fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.

52. Red Sangria

Classic Red Sangria never goes out of style. Learn about the best red wine for sangria, then I’ll walk you through how to make this wine cocktail that’s an ideal make-ahead party drink.

Yom Kippur Recipes

After a day of fasting on Yom Kippur, it’s customary to break the fast in the evening with dairy and egg dishes, smoked fish, bagels, and salads.

53. Bagel Bar

A Bagel Bar is a great way to feed the family and let everyone customize their own bagel.

54. Challah French Toast

Leftover challah bread makes the most delicious Challah French Toast. Serve it with plenty of butter and maple syrup or a pile of whipped cream and fresh berries. You can’t go wrong with this delicious breakfast treat.

55. Asparagus Frittata

In less than 20 minutes, this spring Asparagus Frittata recipe can be ready to slice and serve. This easy frittata recipe is destined to steal the spotlight at your next brunch party, and it also makes a delightful family dinner idea.

56. Minestrone Soup

Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Minestrone Soup with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth, it’s a healthy, hearty meal that tastes just like a restaurant favorite.

57. Coffee Cake

Incredibly soft and moist, this Coffee Cake recipe is simple to make for breakfast or brunch. It is rich in flavor with a thick ribbon of streusel and crumbly top. A straightforward recipe that turns out unbelievably good every single time!

58. Egg Salad

This classic Egg Salad recipe is perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and crackers. If you have hard-boiled eggs on standby, you’ll be eating in 10 minutes or less!

59. Chickpea Salad

This easy Chickpea Salad is quick to make and delicious to eat. It’s like a Greek salad but with chickpeas so it’ll keep you fuller, longer. Perfect for meal prep!

60. Spanakopita Triangles

These buttery, flaky Spanakopita Triangles are filled with spinach and 3 cheeses and take your cocktail party from semi-homemade to gourmet. And, learn all my tips for handling phyllo like a pro.

61. Smoked Salmon

Homemade Smoked Salmon is a treat all on its own, on a bagel, in a dip, or as part of an appetizer board. My Smoked Salmon recipe is tender, smoky, and yes, absolutely worth it to DIY.

62. Beet Hummus

Creamy, vibrant Beet Hummus is quick and made right in your food processor or blender. It’s a stunning, flavorful addition to vegan charcuterie boards and seasonal spreads or a tasty snack any day of the week.

63. Bread Pudding

Give leftover bread new life in this dreamy bourbon Bread Pudding Recipe with quick caramel sauce. This rich caramel dessert idea is ideal to add a welcome dose of sweetness to any weekend or holiday menu.

64. Baked French Toast

This custardy make-ahead Baked French Toast recipe only gets better as it chills overnight. Come morning, add a cinnamon streusel topping, bake, and pile with fresh berries for a delicious breakfast for six!

65. Homemade Bagels

Truly great bagels are so hard to find; I decided to learn how to make them at home. This recipe is easy to follow and uses basic ingredients (no lye); once you get the basics down, switch up the toppings and flavors to delight every bagel lover in the house.

66. Shakshouka

My 30-minute homemade Shakshouka recipe is the ultimate one-skillet breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The vegetarian meal is incredible on its own, and only gets better when you scoop it up inside warm, fluffy pita bread.

67. Egg Muffins

For a healthy breakfast recipe that’s easy to make and easy to love, try my Starbucks copycat Egg Muffins. Bake a batch of this muffin tin recipe to enjoy now or freeze for a meal prep breakfast or snack.

68. Cornflake French Toast

Cornflake Crusted French Toast allows you to enjoy two breakfast menu favorites, cereal and French toast, in one easy, family-friendly breakfast recipe. Done in just 30 minutes, this crunchy French toast recipe will inspire you to actually look forward to mornings!

69. Coffee Cake Muffins

These easy Coffee Cake Muffins are perfect for brunch, breakfast, or as a food gift. No need to fight over the biggest slice; all of these walnut-studded cinnamon muffins are equally sized and over-the-top delicious.

70. Fruit Salad

Freshen up your menu with an easy, make-ahead Fruit Salad that’s tossed in a zippy honey and citrus dressing. Toss it together, then allow this crowd-pleasing Fruit Salad to chill for an hour (or more) for a simple and healthy side dish recipe.

71. Tuna Salad

I never get tired of an excellent tuna salad recipe, and of the hundreds of versions I’ve made, this version is the best. Serve on toast, crackers, a bed of greens, or grilled as a very delicious tuna melt.

72. Cheese Board

While butter boards might be trending, timeless cheese board parties will never go out of style. Learn how to build a cheese board, how much cheese per person, and other cheese tips to serve a spread that’s gourmet and gorgeous all at once.

L’Shana Tovah tikatevu!

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