15 Hanukkah Side Dishes Your Bubbe Would Approve Of

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate family traditions, and side dishes play a big part in bringing those traditions to life. These Hanukkah-inspired recipes are crafted to add rich flavors and a festive touch to your holiday table. From time-honored classics to modern updates, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Perfect for both large gatherings and intimate celebrations, these side dishes are sure to complement your main course while capturing the warmth and joy of the season. With options that are as delicious as they are meaningful, they’ll have your guests savoring every bite—and asking for seconds.

Elevate your Hanukkah menu with these flavorful and festive side dish recipes that are bound to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.

Super Easy Potato Knishes Recipe

Potato knishes are perfect for adding variety to your Hanukkah side dishes. The combination of flaky, golden-brown dough and creamy mashed potatoes creates a comforting treat that pairs well with any meal. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re an easy and crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Potato Knishes Recipe

Easy Kasha Varnishkes Recipe

With its blend of nutty buckwheat and tender bowtie pasta, kasha varnishkes is a comforting option for Hanukkah side dishes. This traditional recipe brings nostalgic flavors and hearty textures to the table. Easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile, it complements everything from roasted meats to simple vegetable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kasha Varnishkes Recipe

Classic Potato Latkes

These crispy potato latkes are a shining star among Hanukkah side dishes. With their golden, lacy edges and soft centers, they strike the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you serve them with applesauce, sour cream, or both, they’re a timeless addition that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Potato Latkes

Easy Puff Pastry Potato Bourekas

Potato bourekas are a fun and flaky choice for rounding out your Hanukkah side dishes. The savory potato filling encased in buttery puff pastry offers a delightful contrast of textures. They’re quick to make and a versatile side that works equally well as an appetizer or part of the main spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Puff Pastry Potato Bourekas

Crispy Air Fryer Gluten-Free Vegan Potato Latkes

These air fryer potato latkes bring a fresh twist to traditional Hanukkah side dishes. Oil-free and gluten-free, they cater to a variety of dietary needs while still delivering the satisfying crunch and soft centers that latkes are known for. They’re an easy, guilt-free addition to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Gluten-Free Vegan Potato Latkes

Simple Noodle Kugel

Noodle kugel is a sweet and comforting addition to your Hanukkah side dishes. This classic recipe combines egg noodles with a creamy custard and a crunchy topping for the ultimate blend of textures. It’s quick to prepare and bakes up beautifully, making it a family favorite year after year.
Get the Recipe: Simple Noodle Kugel

Old Fashioned Challah Bread

With its soft, pillowy interior and golden crust, challah bread is a versatile addition to any Hanukkah side dishes spread. Its slight sweetness from honey complements savory dishes beautifully, while its braided presentation adds a festive touch to the table. Serve it alongside soups or as the base for dipping into sauces.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Challah Bread

Savory Pesto Babka

A savory pesto babka brings a flavorful option to your selection of Hanukkah side dishes. The aromatic filling pairs wonderfully with holiday staples like soups and roasted vegetables. Its soft, fluffy texture and herbaceous notes make it a standout bread choice for the season.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pesto Babka

German Vegan Potato Pancakes

German potato pancakes are an excellent addition to your Hanukkah side dishes, offering a vegan-friendly take on the traditional recipe. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these pancakes are made with simple ingredients and a whole lot of flavor. They’re perfect with applesauce, vegan sour cream, or as a side for just about anything.
Get the Recipe: German Vegan Potato Pancakes

Cheese Popovers Recipe

Cheese popovers bring a light and fluffy touch to your Hanukkah side dishes. With their golden crust and cheesy interior, they’re an irresistible choice that pairs wonderfully with soups and roasted vegetables. These popovers are easy to make and add a comforting, warm element to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Popovers Recipe

Zaalouk

Though not traditional, zaalouk is a flavorful addition to your Hanukkah side dishes. This smoky Moroccan eggplant dip, made with charred eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers, is both rich and refreshing. Serve it with challah bread or fresh vegetables for a unique, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk

Baked Potato Latkes

For a lighter take on a classic, baked potato latkes are a perfect choice for Hanukkah side dishes. They’re easy to prepare with pantry staples and deliver the same crisp edges and soft centers as the fried version. This option is ideal for those looking to enjoy tradition with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Latkes

Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey-roasted carrots bring a bright and sweet addition to your Hanukkah side dishes. The honey glaze enhances the natural flavors of the carrots, while roasting adds a caramelized depth. Paired with savory holiday mains, they’re a simple yet elegant side that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary

Roasted sweet potatoes with rosemary are a seasonal and aromatic choice for Hanukkah side dishes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes, balanced with earthy rosemary, makes them a versatile option. They pair beautifully with traditional mains while adding a pop of warm, festive flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary

Italian Zucchini Latkes

Italian zucchini latkes offer a fresh take on Hanukkah side dishes, bringing a crispy, savory option to the table. Their tender zucchini centers and golden edges make them a standout choice. Whether served alongside other latkes or on their own, they’re a delicious and creative way to celebrate the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Italian Zucchini Latkes