38 Recipes Perfect for Your Rosh Hashanah Feast

Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year—is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar. Beginning this year on September 15 at sundown and lasting until nightfall on September 18, it’s a time to reflect, welcome the new year, and (of course) eat delicious food with loved ones.

There are a few dishes one can expect to find on a typical Rosh Hashanah table, many of which carry symbolic significance. Apples and honey are a classic pairing, which represents a sweet year ahead. Challah, usually braided into a long rope, is baked into a round formation on the holiday, to signify the circle of life. Those are just a start: Pomegranates, fish heads, carrots, beets, leeks, and dates all carry symbolic meaning during the holiday.

With less than a week until festivities begin, it’s time—as some of our community members have noted—to begin planning your holiday menu. To get you started, we’ve gathered 38 of our best Rosh Hashanah recipes right here.

For Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish families turn to classics like braised brisket, roast chicken, or even lamb—and we have plenty of options for all three. Wanting to keep the meal meat-free or pescatarian? Make fish the star of your meal (salmon is always a crowd-pleaser), or roast a whole cabbage or cauliflower for a surprising centerpiece.

As is the case with any feast, side dishes are key. Roasted vegetables (especially carrots), kugel, and matzo ball soup are often served during Rosh Hashanah, as dishes that feature pomegranate, leeks, and dates. Don’t forget the round challah, which is also an essential part of the meal.

Rosh Hashanah is a holiday that truly embraces dessert, as sweets are used to denote the sweetness of the coming year. Given their significance, honey- and apple-based treats are popular choices, whether served in more traditional cake format or turned into cookies or bars. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, though, and add something chocolatey to the table, with a super-easy chocolate-pomegranate bark, or flaky rugelach.

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