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Chanukah

The Best Hanukkah Main Dish Recipe Ideas (2024)

Rachel Kor January 2, 2024

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Chanukah menus go way beyond just latkes. But what to make on the side of them is always the big question. This collection of Chanukah main dishes answers that for you. It includes recipes like Mexican Pizza and Spinach Cannelloni to Pulled Beef Latke Board and Saucy Sesame Chicken . Plus, the list is divided into separate meat and dairy recipes for your convenience.

These recipes are the best Hanukkah main dish recipe ideas and are guaranteed to bring joy and festivity to your celebrations.

For more amazing Chanukah recipes check out this roundup here!

Dairy and Fish:

1. Latke Pizza by Gitty Friedman

A fun new take on the traditional Chanukah latke, this is a great activity for the kids and an exciting party idea. You can add any vegetables on the pizzas before baking.

2. Pasta Florentine by Brynie Greisman

I made a dairy sheva brachot for my niece last week and this was served as a side dish. Everyone thought it tasted “beyond” and very fattening, until I revealed my secret – the blended cottage cheese adds a creaminess that imitates the velvety texture of heavy cream, without the calories. Of course I prepared enough for a yeshiva (I usually hopelessly over-prepare!), so I happily packed some up in doggie bags for my married kids to take home.

3. Mexican Pizza by Jamie Geller

Change up pizza night with this spicy Mexican version. The addition of beans gives an added nutritional bonus of fiber that will fill everyone up.

4. Spinach Cannelloni by Chanie Nayman

I love spinach and cheese together. They’re a perfect combination. This is a simple recipe that is sure to become a favorite!

5. New Way to Wrap by Chanie Nayman

Lasagna works great with whole wheat wraps, which is a huge plus since whole wheat lasagna noodles just don’t taste the same .

6. Tempura Fish Fingers with Garlic Aioli by The Peppermill

Everything fried in tempura batter tastes better! The same goes for these fish fingers. They are moist inside and crunchy on the outside. Whip up the Garlic Aioli in a bowl in no time at all, no need to take out a blender or food processor. Everyone will keep coming back for me!

7. Baked Fish ‘n’ Chips by Faigy Grossman

I was inspired to create an easy version of this dish from memories of a childhood supper favorite. Baking the fish at the same time as the chips and using the marinade as a dressing had me shaving many minutes from the usual fried-fish dinner I prepare.

8. Oven-Baked Fish by Estee Kafra

Use any of your favorite whitefish for this easy dinner idea. I have made it with sole and halibut with great results. The coconut adds nice flavor and texture, but if you’re not a coconut fan, you can leave it out.

9. Fried Salmon Sticks by Sina Mizrahi

These Fried Salmon Sticks are Schnitzel’s cousin! Made the same way, these will remind you of fish sticks but with fresh salmon, which results in a more moist and succulent finished dish. Moist on the inside, crunch on the outside, what’s not to love?

10. Beer Battered Fish by Carolina Gelen

This is one of the best ways to eat fish, in my opinion. Frying the fish in this batter helps it keep its moisture and creates this wonderful contrast between the crispy crust and the perfectly cooked fish.

11. Batter-Dipped Fried Fish with Tartar Sauce by Rebecca Sova

Don’t skip the tartar sauce in this recipe. It adds brightness and delicious flavor.

Meat:

12. Popcorn Chicken by Sara and Yossi Goldstein

The little homemade “buttermilk” helps tenderize the chicken and the double breading turns them into the crispiest little bites of chicken that you’ve ever had. Serve them alongside ketchup or honey mustard sauce for dipping.

13. Sesame Chicken by Rivky Kleiman

What’s Chanukah without the fried food? Rivky Kleiman’s classic Sesame Chicken, from her latest cookbook Simply, is the perfect crowdpleaser for a holiday meal or party. Watch as Rivky and Naomi share their best frying tips on Sunny Side Up.

14. Lamb Arayis by Adina Schlass

15. Latke Fried Chicken by Rivky Kleiman

This fried chicken is a Chanukah treat that can be enjoyed year round by fellow foodie Chef Abe Tsvik. Chef Abe trained in Pardes and most recently enhanced diners’ experience at Revolve of Lakewood. Chef Abe’s Chanukah chicken is guaranteed to become a family tradition.

16. Batter-Dipped Chicken from the Dining In Cookbook

Kids of all ages can’t get enough of these. If you cannot serve immediately, make the nuggets, keep warm, and serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

17. Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls by Draizy Wercberger

Classic savory egg rolls are always a welcome addition to any meal or party spread. This recipe is the real deal: beef and cabbage filling, deep fried… fakeout takeout at its finest.

18. Schwarma-Topped Latke by Faigy Murray

When I was testing these recipes, my family went nuts over this one!! The flavor combination is amazing and there are so many delicious toppings you can have fun with!

19. Saucy Sesame Chicken from the Nitra Cookbook

A delicious weekday dinner favorite that never fails to hit the spot.

20. Sizzling Steak with Mock Fried Rice and Steamed Broccoli by Chayie Schlisselfeld

Tender beef, perfectly cooked and coated in a sauce of your favorite Asian flavors. Sizzling steak and broccoli is very likely to become your most-requested supper.

21. Tempura Chicken with Lemon Ginger Dipping Sauce by Erin Grunstein

This traditional Japanese technique ensures that every bite is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With its irresistible crunch, juicy chicken, and tangy sauce, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

22. Oven Fried Cornflake Chicken from the Dining In Cookbook

We like to use olive oil with this and other chicken recipes. It’s healthier and adds a mellow richness to the flavor.

23. Drumsticks with Crispy Cornflake Coating by Temi Philip

Children love eating with their hands; adults wish they wouldn’t. Wrap the bottom of these flavorful drumsticks in foil, and everyone wins.

24. Baked Sweet ‘n Sour Meatballs by Chaya Ruchie Schwartz

I’ve been making this meatball recipe for years. My sister-in-law included it in the original stovetop version in the cookbook she made for me when I was engaged. I recently started baking it instead; it definitely requires less babysitting, and the results are just as good!

25. Pulled Beef Latke Board by Odaiah Leeds

I like to serve special and exciting suppers on each night of Chanukah, and these pulled beef latkes are always a hit. The presentation is fun and different, and everyone enjoys creating their own plate. They also make for a beautiful, showstopping plated appetizer for a Chanukah party.

26. Latke Corn Dog by Michal Frischman

I originally wanted to do this as a regular corn dog, but Chanie had the brilliant and crazy idea of doing a latke coating. The result was unreal! Drizzle with mustard for the authentic corn-dog feel or with some sweet chili sauce for an updated twist.

27. Latke Flatbread with Assorted Toppings by Adina Schlass

I could have made a standard latke with some cute ideas for toppings, but I love to push past what’s expected—to be creative and think outside the box. I want to inspire you to take something traditional and reimagine it in your own kitchen. After all, we keep traditions alive by reinventing them and making them exciting again.

The toppings are endless; follow along this holiday as we explore just how many we can come up with!

28. Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables by Chayie Schlisselfeld

I was pleasantly surprised when most of my kids ate this dish with the vegetables and sauce, but for the pickier ones, there’s always pasta with a few pieces of chicken on the side. By cooking everything separately, you can let your children choose exactly what they want in their dish, whether it’s everything, pasta and chicken, pasta and veggies … or just pasta.

29. Hearty Farro Vegetable Soup with Meatballs and Kale by Adina Schlass

I love a good Italian wedding soup. This winter version has a few extra add-ins to make it even more amazing! Farro, kale, root vegetables, and meatballs… Who’s ready for a cozy dinner on the couch wrapped up in a big sweatshirt kinda night? After the kids are sleeping, of course.

30. Beer-Battered Fried Chicken Fingers by Chayie Schlisselfeld

The first time I made this chicken I had a houseful of company. The plan was to serve this chicken alongside a roast that I always make (and is usually super popular). Let’s just say, this plate of chicken was finished down to the last crumb. As for the meat, I re-warmed it the next day as it was basically untouched. I like to serve this chicken with an option of sweet or savory dipping sauces. For sweet, I like to whip up some of my Maple Mayo (1/2 cup mayonnaise + 3 tablespoons maple syrup). I’ve also provided a recipe for a savory sauce that has a touch of sweetness, but a sharp aftertaste that will please the mature palates in your family.

31. Saucy Beef ’n Mushroom Meal-in-One by Chavi Feldman

This recipe is as awesome as it is easy. The best part is that all of my kids actually liked it, and that’s saying a lot! Please don’t skip the extra step of velveting the steak — it makes all the difference between a tender versus a chewy piece of meat.

32. Oven Southern Fried Chicken by Rivky Kleiman

Crispy, juicy, and tender, this all-American classic is baked to perfection.

33. Marinated Schnitzel with Red Pepper and Portabella Sauce by Estee Kafra

This recipe works with either chicken breast or chicken thigh meat. (Whenever I make schnitzel, I try to use dark meat (chicken thighs) that have been deboned. The schnitzel comes out more tender.)

34. Batter-Fried Chicken Fingers by Estee Kafra

This is a basic tempura batter that can work for many different delicious combinations.  I use it for chicken, boneless thighs in particular, but I also make pineapple and bananas for dessert. Soaking the chicken in seltzer tenderizes them, making them even more tender.  The biggest secret though, is the temperature of the oil. Maintaining the correct temperature is the key to perfectly fried chicken!   If you’re looking for a recipe for beer-battered chicken fingers, try this one by Chayie Schlisselfeld.

35. Super Snack-Style Chicken Nuggets by Chani Stern

My kids love the crunch and flavor of these nuggets, and they came up with the perfect name: Super Snack Chicken! Their favorite part is the taste and texture. My favorite part about these adorable nuggets—and I’m sure it will be yours too—they are fried in the oven, so no stovetop mess!

36. Marblespoon’s Cashew Chicken by Vera Newman

There’s something about Chinese food that is always so comforting and everyone loves. This recipe is no exception. The sauce is absolutely delicious, but you definitely are going to want to sneak a few chicken poppers freshly fried, so good!