As the holiday season draws near, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the warmth of family, the beauty of tradition, and the joy of sharing comforting meals with loved ones. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, brings with it a rich tapestry of culinary traditions that spark cherished memories of gathering around the table with family and friends.
The holiday season is a time to savor these special moments, and it’s absolutely okay to indulge in festive dishes that bring joy and connection. By practicing mindful moderation, you can embrace the flavors of Hanukkah while staying true to your health and wellness goals.
With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can also recreate many of the classic dishes you love in a healthier, more balanced way. These recipes honor traditional flavors while helping you stay on track.
From crispy, golden latkes paired with sweet applesauce to soft, braided challah, comforting kugel, tender brisket, and even kid-friendly snacks, these lighter takes on Hanukkah staples are designed to bring ease and joy to your celebration. Try them once, and they might just become a beloved part of your Hanukkah table for years to come.
Latkes, the savory potato pancakes traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah, are typically fried in oil for a crispy, golden finish. In this twist on the classic recipe, we swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes, adding a boost of vitamin A and fiber for a healthier spin.
Instead of frying, these latkes are baked to perfection, achieving a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy center. Pair them with a dollop of fat-free sour cream or yogurt for a creamy touch and an extra dose of protein.
Get the Sweet Potato Latkes recipe.
The soft bread called challah is a braided loaf that’s a staple in Jewish cuisine. It’s surprisingly easy to bake yourself. For many people, it’s the bread of choice for making French toast. In this version, we use whole wheat flour to give it more fiber than the standard recipe, but it still has the light and fluffy texture that everyone loves.
Get the Whole Wheat Challah recipe.
Applesauce is a beloved addition to family dinners and a staple of Hanukkah celebrations. Instead of reaching for store-bought options, try making your own at home with a slow cooker. All you need are apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar, and water.
Naturally sweet and free of added sugar, this homemade version is as wholesome as it is delicious. Plus, there’s no need to peel the apples—the skins break down during cooking, adding extra nutrients and fiber to the sauce. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite you can make anytime.
Get the Simple Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe.
Tender, juicy beef brisket is the perfect centerpiece for a hearty meal, satisfying even the biggest appetites with its rich flavor and high protein content. This recipe brings you the classic smoky taste of brisket without the hassle of tending to a fire for hours.
Start with a lean cut of beef to keep saturated fat in check, then let your Instant Pot do the work, expertly tenderizing the meat while you focus on preparing the rest of your meal. The bold, savory flavor comes from a delicious blend of maple syrup, onions, paprika, black pepper and a hint of liquid smoke for that authentic barbecue taste. Best of all, it’s ready to serve in just over an hour!
Get the Instant Pot Smoked Brisket recipe.
During Hanukkah, children love spinning dreidels, the iconic four-sided tops that are a meaningful part of the holiday’s traditions. Why not turn this beloved symbol into a fun, healthy snack? Using cubes of cheese and pretzel sticks, you can create edible dreidels that are both delicious and packed with protein. They’re simple to make, so kids can join in on the fun, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Be sure to prepare plenty—once the little ones try them, they’ll be asking for more throughout all eight days of Hanukkah!
Get the Cheese Dreidels recipe.
Kugel is a classic baked casserole, traditionally made with either noodles or potatoes. This sweet variation is a standout, combining grated apples, plump raisins, and creamy cheese with tender egg noodles and eggs to create a rich, pudding-like texture. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a hearty side dish that naturally satisfies your sweet tooth while offering a wholesome, satisfying bite.
Get the Apple Raisin Kugel recipe.
If you’re a fan of potato latkes but steer clear of gluten, this recipe is perfect for you. Made with almond flour instead of wheat, these latkes are completely gluten-free.
They’re packed with protein, thanks to real eggs in the mix, making them as nutritious as they are delicious. Baking them in the oven, rather than frying, keeps the fat content low while still achieving a beautifully golden, crispy exterior. For an extra boost of flavor and protein, top them with chive-seasoned Greek yogurt or a perfectly poached egg.
Get the Baked Gluten Free Potato Latkes recipe.
Delight your family and guests this holiday season with a simple yet elegant dessert. Start by whisking together non-fat milk and instant vanilla pudding mix, allowing it to thicken into a smooth, creamy texture. Serve the pudding in small, shot-sized glasses, then top each with a few fresh blueberries and a slice of clementine or mandarin orange. Not only is this treat low in calories and fat, but it also packs a nutritious punch from the vibrant, flavorful fruit.
Get the Menorah Pudding Cups recipe.
Give ordinary applesauce vivid color and lots of vitamin C by mixing in fresh cranberries, which are at their peak when Hanukkah arrives. The taste of the sauce is elevated by spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. The ingredients, which include fresh apples, blend together as they simmer in a slow cooker, yielding a sauce that’s beautiful to look at and rich in flavor.
Get the Slow Cooker Cranberry Applesauce recipe.
Like other foods fried in oil, jelly donuts have long been a part of the Hanukkah feast for many families. With this version, you can indulge and stay on track with your weight loss plan. That’s because these donuts are made with high-fiber whole wheat pastry flour, protein-rich Greek yogurt and sugar-free jelly.
They’re cooked in an air fryer, so they’re light and fluffy and not weighed down with fats. You and your family will love them so much, you won’t want to wait for the holidays to come around to make a batch.
Get the Air Fryer Skinny Jelly Donuts recipe.
This wholesome meal is perfect for any occasion when you crave a simple, flavorful, and nutritious dinner. At its heart is a beautifully roasted chicken, offering tender white meat that’s high in protein and low in saturated fat, alongside succulent dark meat for those who prefer its richness. Seasoned with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and garlic, the chicken roasts to perfection in the oven, accompanied by vibrant carrots brimming with immune-boosting nutrients and hearty, fresh potatoes. As it cooks, the irresistible aroma fills your home, enticing everyone to gather around for a feast you won’t forget.
Get the Roasted Chicken with Rainbow Carrots and Potatoes recipe.
Latkes, the crispy, golden potato pancakes synonymous with Hanukkah recipes, are the epitome of comfort food. But what if this beloved classic was given a sophisticated twist? Enter Smoked Salmon Latkes: a perfect fusion of hearty potatoes, silky smoked salmon and a dollop of tangy sour cream. This elevated take on tradition brings together rustic charm and luxurious flavor in every bite.
Get the Smoked Salmon Latkes recipe.
Indulge in these Jam Donut Pull-Apart Challah Rolls—a soft, fluffy delight that’s perfect for Hanukkah or any festive occasion! This recipe combines the pillowy texture of challah bread with the sweet, fruity goodness of jam-filled donuts, creating a unique and shareable treat. Inspired by traditional Hanukkah recipes like sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and classic challah, these rolls offer a creative twist on beloved flavors with a lighter, healthier touch.
Get the Jam Donut Pull Apart Challah Rolls recipe.
Few dishes embody comfort food quite like a perfectly cooked brisket. This Oven-Baked Beef Brisket recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, holiday celebrations or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you’ll create a show-stopping main course that’s guaranteed to impress.
Get the Oven Baked Beef Brisket recipe.
