Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection, renewal, and gathering around the table with loved ones. It’s a celebration deeply rooted in tradition, where food plays a powerful role in honoring the past and embracing hope for the year ahead. Whether you’re continuing family customs or starting your own, these Rosh Hashanah recipes will help you create a holiday menu that feels both meaningful and delicious. From sweet apples and honey to golden challah and comforting kugel, every dish tells a story, and every bite welcomes a new beginning.
Why You’ll Love These Traditional Rosh Hashanah Recipes
- They honor tradition: Each dish uses ingredients with deep cultural meaning.
- They’re practical: Make-ahead friendly, perfect for busy holiday prep.
- They’re perfect for sharing: Ideal for feeding family and friends.
- They’re adaptable: Easily modified to suit dietary needs or family preferences.
Key Ingredients for Classic Rosh Hashanah Dishes
Main Course:
- Beef brisket
- Onions, garlic, carrots, celery
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Red wine (optional)
Sweet Noodle Kugel:
- Egg noodles
- Eggs
- Sour cream, cottage cheese
- Sugar, cinnamon
- Raisins or apples
Classic Starters:
- Crisp apples
- Honey
- Round challah or holiday bread
For Dessert:
- All-purpose flour, baking powder
- Eggs, oil
- Honey
- Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg
- Optional: figs, dates, walnuts
How to Make Rosh Hashanah Recipes Step-by-Step
Combine traditional foods like challah, apples, honey, kugel, and brisket to create a simple, symbolic Rosh Hashanah meal.
- Braised Brisket
– Sear brisket and set aside
– Sauté vegetables in the same pot
– Stir in tomato paste and wine
– Return brisket, add broth, and braise at 325°F for 3-4 hours - Sweet Noodle Kugel
– Boil noodles and let cool
– Mix eggs, dairy, sugar, cinnamon
– Fold in noodles and fruit
– Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes - Apples and Honey
– Slice apples before serving
– Plate with a small bowl of honey
– Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon or garnish with pomegranate seeds - Challah and Holiday Bread
– Serve round challah warm
– Add holiday bread with raisins, dates, or nuts for variety - Honey Cake
– Whisk wet ingredients
– Fold in dry ingredients and spices
– Transfer the batter to a prepared baking dish and place it in a 350°F oven for approximately 45 minutes.
– Cool and glaze with honey or top with nuts
How to Store Rosh Hashanah Meals and Prep Ahead
- Brisket: Make 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with broth
- Kugel: Store up to 3 days, reheat in oven
- Challah: Eat fresh or freeze tightly wrapped
- Apples: Prep a few hours ahead with lemon water
- Honey cake: Best after a day or two, keeps well at room temp or frozen
What to Serve with Rosh Hashanah Recipes and Holiday Bread
- Matzo ball soup
- Roasted carrots or root vegetables
- Fresh herb salad
- Pomegranate couscous
- Sparkling grape juice or red wine
Start Your Rosh Hashanah Meal with Confidence and Tradition
These Rosh Hashanah recipes bring tradition, meaning, and comfort to your holiday table. Whether it’s apples dipped in honey, a golden kugel, or soft slices of holiday bread, these dishes are heartfelt and approachable for any home cook.Whether you’re honoring generations past or creating new traditions, this menu is a beautiful way to begin the new year.
Rosh Hashanah Recipe FAQs: Challah, Kugel, and More
Yes, try roasted chicken or a hearty vegetarian option like stuffed squash.
No. While sweet kugel is traditional for Rosh Hashanah, savory versions are also common.
Yes. Use gluten-free noodles, flour, and bread alternatives where needed.
Toss in lemon water and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Absolutely. Once fully cooled, seal it well and store it in the freezer for as long as two months.
Related Recipes from Our Kitchen
Looking to expand your holiday menu? Here are a few related recipes from our archive:
- Apple Pecan Tart – A warm, seasonal dessert perfect for Rosh Hashanah.
- Sweet Potato Taco Bowl – A hearty vegetarian side for festive gatherings.
- Easy Christmas Bark – A simple sweet treat that works for any holiday.
- Christmas Cheese Guide – Ideas for building a cheese board to serve with challah.
- Steamed Chicken with Vegetables – A lighter main or side dish option.
- Homemade Mustard – A flavorful spread for breads or holiday platters.
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – A modern dessert to complement traditional sweets.
Explore Expert-Backed Food and Culture Resources
For additional context and reliable information, explore these official U.S. sources:
- USDA FoodData Central – Comprehensive nutrition database for common holiday foods, including apples, honey, and bread.
- NIH: The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Disease – Peer-reviewed study detailing how dietary patterns affect chronic health conditions.
- Library of Congress: Celebrating Rosh Hashanah – Insight into the cultural context of Rosh Hashanah from the Library’s blog.
Rosh Hashanah Recipes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic sweet noodle kugel is a comforting and symbolic dish often served during Rosh Hashanah. Made with tender egg noodles, creamy dairy, and hints of cinnamon and sweetness, it’s the perfect make-ahead casserole to celebrate the Jewish New Year. Crisp on the top and custardy inside, it pairs beautifully with challah and apples dipped in honey.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing pan and topping)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.Cook Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender (about 6–7 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add sour cream, cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.Combine Noodles:
Gently fold the cooked noodles and raisins (if using) into the dairy mixture until evenly coated.Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the kugel blend into your greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.Bake:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the center is set.Cool & Serve:
Allow the kugel to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the kugel a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based sour cream and cottage cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Add-ins: Chopped apples or crushed pineapple make great mix-ins for extra sweetness and moisture.
- Texture Tip: For a crisper top, place the kugel under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Jewish / Eastern European