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Home » Rosh Hashanah » Rushing to Prepare for Rosh Hashanah

Rushing to Prepare for Rosh Hashanah

by Beth Lee · Published: Sep 25, 2019 · Modified: Sep 19, 2022

483 shares
candles and apples and honey for rosh hashanah

If you celebrate the Jewish New Year, here are Rosh Hashanah food ideas including menu inspiration for main course, desserts, sides and more. Even if you are rushing around at the last minute, there are lots of tips and tricks to help you make food the center of your celebration.

Apples and honey in a blue bowl with two shabbat candlesticks in the background.

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Rosh Hashanah Food Planning and Preparation

Despite lofty aspirations to have all menu planning, shopping and some cooking completed early, I usually rush around at the last minute to prepare for our annual Jewish New Year gathering.

Guessing that I am not the only who finds herself in this situation, I’ve put together recipes, tips, and tricks to make your last-minute rush to prepare a little less frantic.

Rosh Hashanah Main Courses

Jewish Brisket Recipes

A platter of brisket with potatoes and carrots surrounding the meat and some gravy in a small bowl on the side to introduce the brisket section of a post on Rosh Hashanah food ideas.

If brisket is part of your Rosh Hashanah menu, my recipes are tried and true methods that easily feed hungry, temple-weary eaters. And remember, you can prepare brisket several days in advance or freeze it for several weeks.

Jewish Brisket Recipe with a Sweet and Sour Braising Sauce
This Jewish brisket recipe, courtesy of my mom, is our family's tried and true sweet and sour brisket recipe. It's perfect for Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah but is comforting and delicious anytime of the year.
Check out this recipe
Sliced brisket on a small white plate with potatoes and carrots and knife and fork nearby.
Slow Cooker Brisket
My mom's classic recipe re-imagined for the slow cooker. Different cooking method, same delicious results.
Check out this recipe
Brisket in slow cooker with braising sauce poured over and ready to cook.
Instant Pot Brisket – Sandy’s Sweet and Sour Recipe in Half the Time
A tried and true classic - sweet and sour brisket - updated for the Instant Pot or any pressure cooker. 
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Brisket on tan plate with a grey and blue striped napkin.
Braised Brisket with Tsimmes
This wonderful version, adapted from a Gourmet recipe, delivers fantastic flavor and a terrific side dish of tsimmes with dried fruit and sweet potato!
Check out this recipe
Braised beef brisket in a bowl with a slice of challah on the side.
Pressure Cooker Brisket with Pomegranate Molasses
Tart and tangy and ready in half the time as a traditional braise!
Check out this recipe
two slices of brisket on white plate with bowl of pomegranate molasses

Jewish New Year Chicken Recipes

As part of Rosh hashanah food ideas post, a white plate showing harissa chicken and vegetables to introduce the chicken section of the post.

Rather serve chicken? Chicken also can be made ahead of time and frozen or you can prep your chicken in the roasting pan in the morning or a day ahead, and just cook it right before dinner. Here are several recipes to try:

Roasted Chicken with Clementines, Onion, Fennel, and Vermouth
Amazingly flavorful and colorful resulting in a comforting, delectable dish that would be perfect for a buffet, large group, or just a quick weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe
Jerusalem Roasted Chicken with Clementines
Apricot Jam Chicken
Apricot jam chicken with lemon and Dijon mustard is a wonderful blend of sweet, tart and savory flavors. And it’s so easy to prepare for a simple weeknight meal or a special holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe
Harissa Chicken with Preserved Lemons
This sheet pan dinner is easy but a real flavor show-stopper.
Check out this recipe
Harissa chicken and vegetables on a white plate with a slice of lemon.
Roasted Chicken with Jerusalem Artichoke & Lemon
The combination of saffron and whole lemon slices not only makes for a beautiful-looking dish but also goes exceptionally well with the nutty earthiness of the artichokes. 
Check out this recipe
roasted chicken in pan with saffron and lemon and jerusalem artichokes

Roast a whole chicken as described in this fun post:

Mad-Dash Last-Minute Weeknight Roasted Chicken
If my son could do this with directions from my texts, you can do it too!
Check out this recipe
chicken with grapes and shallots

OR try this variation using roasted grapes and shallots. I have prepared this recipe many times with both chicken pieces and a whole chicken. The flavor of the grapes, shallots and thyme mingled with the chicken juices is intoxicating. Grapes are still front and center in the early fall so it’s a wonderful seasonal option.

Vegetarian Options for Rosh Hashanah Dinner

Top down view of preserved lemon hummus in blue bowl.

Offer hummus (homemade or store-bought) with fresh salads – perhaps one leafy, one vegetable based and one grain-based. All of these dishes do double duty as sides for your meat eaters as well. Want to serve something hot? How about a hearty soup or vegetable wellington -- both are always a huge hit at Thanksgiving but work anytime of the year.

Preserved Lemon Hummus
This recipe is a flavor bomb - it uses canned beans but the extra punch of preserved lemon creates a wonderful depth of flavor.
Check out this recipe
Top down view of preserved lemon hummus in blue bowl.
White Bean Hummus Style Dip with Basil, Pine Nuts and Meyer Lemon
This hummus-style dip is like a burst of sunshine in the winter and a perfect celebration of the season in warmer months. 
Check out this recipe
White bean basil hummus style dip with pine nuts and meyer lemon
Arugula and Fig Salad with Pomegranate Molasses Dressing
An elegant but super simple salad that will take you through the season for midweek meals or weekend entertaining.
Check out this recipe
fig salad
Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing
Pomegranate molasses dressing is simple yet sophisticated, with the tart, tangy pomegranate punch, subtle savory shallots and bright acidity of the balsamic. You'll want to double or even triple this recipe!
Check out this recipe
Bowl of pomegranate molasses dressing with a spoon of pomegranate molasses in the background.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Chop a salad and serve it with preserved lemon hummus and you’ll be eating an incredibly tasty and healthy meal, without turning on the stove or oven.
Check out this recipe
cucumber tomato salad in red bowl cropped for feature image size
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pomegranate Molasses
This soup has a hidden ingredient: hummus. It is in the background, adding to the texture and protein content. The hummus also replaces the garlic in the recipe. You can make it a vegan dish by using vegetable stock instead of chicken.
Check out this recipe
soup in purple bowl with copper spoon and dukkah and arils
Vegetable Wellington
This puff-pastry wrapped vegetarian entrée will not only please your vegetarian guests, but your meat-eating diners as well. Filled with savory mushrooms, roasted butternut squash and creamy goat cheese, this vegetable wellington will become a staple in your holiday and dinner party meals.
Check out this recipe
vegetable wellington with 3 slices cut off by a black-handled serrated knife
Traditional Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
The matzo balls are light floaters, not dense sinkers. Substitute in vegetable stock for the chicken stock to create a vegetarian version.
Check out this recipe
matzo ball soup in white bowl on dark brown background

Rosh Hashanah Round Challah Recipes

Close up of round challah with a slice face up and part of the honey ramekin showing.

Challah in the round is the traditional bread during Rosh Hashanah – the circular loaf symbolizes the cycle of the seasons and life. You can make your regular challah recipe and just prepare it in the round. You can also augment with a touch of honey or some raisins and cinnamon. Here are three recipes – one is traditional, the other is a no-rise method that you can prepare even when you are short on time and the third is a challah roll recipe I developed during the pandemic and is included in my new book!

Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah
Round challah is the perfect shape for celebrating the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah). Using my dear friend Lonni's tried and true traditional challah recipe, you'll be baking your own round challahs with confidence all year round.
Check out this recipe
Round challah with a honey ramekin in the center.
Easy Challah Recipe with a Hint of Citrus
This easy challah recipe scented with orange and anise requires virtually no rise time, unlike traditional challah recipes! You can make this on a busy day and it cooks up in the round beautifully for your Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Check out this recipe
Orange and Anise No-Rise Challah Bread
Challah Rolls with Apple Currant Filling
Challah rolls filled with apples and currants are perfect for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur BUT why limit yourself? These little gems are perfect individual servings for breakfast, lunch and dinner all year round.
Check out this recipe
Challah rolls in a basket with honey on the side.
Challah Braiding Tutorial
Challah braiding demystified with verbal and visual instructions for a 3-strand, 4-strand, challah roll and more!
Check out this recipe
The 4-strand braid continues and is nearly â…” complete.

But if baking is just not an option, Trader Joe’s usually carries some excellent challah. Check other local stores like Whole Foods or your nearest bakery -- you might find they are carrying the special round loaves as well.

Kugels - Sweet and Savory - for the High Holidays

Top down view of a whole oval white pan of potato kugel with a spoon of it on the side and some salt and pepper shakers.

Want a savory kugel? My potato kugel, freshened up with some za'atar (or thyme) and fresh carrots and parsley will feed a crowd easily. The year I developed this recipe and served it at our annual dinner, not a morsel was left.

Crispy Potato Kugel
This potato kugel is perfect for any Jewish holiday meal. I’ve added a few elements to brighten and lighten the flavor while still delivering a traditional crispy potato onion flavor profile.
Check out this recipe
cooked kugel in pan with some on spoon

Traditional sweet noodle kugels with or without cheese (depending on your desire to keep the meal strictly kosher) are often served at Rosh Hashanah or for break the fast at the end of Yom Kippur. They are also a big hit with picky kid eaters in the mix.

Dana's Ultimate Sweet Noodle Kugel
Here is a wonderful rendition by my friend Dana of Dana's Table LA - it's so good I included it in my Essential Jewish Baking Cookbook!
Check out this recipe

Apples and Honey for a Sweet New Year

Top down view of a blue bowl with sliced apples and honey in it on a Jewish designed table runner.

Apples and honey are traditionally eaten as a symbol of a sweet new year. They are also the simplest of appetizers or desserts to offer your guests. Add some extra interest to your platter by trying a new variety of apple from the farmers' market or a local raw honey. Still just as simple to serve but a chance to experience some new flavors and textures.

Side Dishes for Rosh Hashana Meals

Straight on view of a pomegranate that's been cut open to reveal the seeds inside.

Pomegranates are a fall fruit and also symbolize good deeds. They are a wonderful addition to your Rosh Hashanah meal - from a decoration on your table to all the delicious dishes you can create using the seeds, the juice, and the derivatives you can make from the juice - like syrup and molasses. Check out my pomegranate molasses page and Family Spice's pomegranate page for lots and lots of ideas for seasonal pomegranates.

Figs are also in season in late summer and fall - don't forget the figs! And they pair well with pomegranate.

Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate Molasses and Date Syrup
Roasted Delicata Squash will become your go-to fall, winter, and holiday side dish. Take it to the next level with pomegranate molasses and date syrup but no fear - you can sub in balsamic vinegar and maple syrup if you don't have or can't easily find pomegranate molasses and date syrup.
Check out this recipe
roasted delicata squash on white plate
Roasted Green Cauliflower (or any color!)
Roast your way to a delicious side dish with this simple preparation - versatile enough to use with many other vegetables as well. Don't forget to sprinkle on some pomegranate arils!
Check out this recipe
cooked cauliflower on parchment with lemon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Molasses
This roasted vegetable dish with the yogurt topping could easily serve as the centerpiece of a meatless meal and depending on how you plate it, it could also serve as the visual centerpiece of your holiday buffet!
Check out this recipe
roasted brussels sprouts with yogurt topping and purple cauliflower on a white plate
Homemade Pomegranate Molasses
How to make pomegranate molasses? It's as easy as boiling your pomegranate juice to a syrupy consistency, and—voilà!—you have pomegranate molasses.
Check out this recipe

Rosh Hashanah Desserts

The classic choice is a honey cake or an apple cake. Figs and pomegranates are also stars at this holiday. But since I am all about learning the tradition and then riffing from it, I developed a pear cake recipe.

Pear cake still in baking pan with some whole pears on the side.
Pear Cake with Olive Oil
This pear cake, a close cousin to a traditional Rosh Hashanah apple cake, is simple to make but will wow your guests with its unique twists and flavor profile. Sure to become a fall favorite!
Check out this recipe
close up cake slice with whipped cream fork on plate
Honey Cake: A Grandma's Recipe from Ukraine
Honey cake is steeped in tradition, made with black tea and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. I recommend making this family recipe with roots in Ukraine all year long to enjoy with coffee, tea, and friends.
Check out this recipe
Slices of honey cake on a large plate with a single slice in the upper left with powdered sugar on it.
Chocolate Rugelach with Apricot Jam and Currants
Who doesn't love a good piece of rugelach. Make a double batch and freeze some for Hanukkah as well!
Check out this recipe
baked rugelach on a white plate
Chocolate Babka Minis with Cream Cheese Glaze
Chocolate Babka minis or baby babkas are filled with chocolate and topped with streusel and cream cheese glaze. These individual portions are the perfect excuse not to share your babka.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Babka mini on tan plate - one whole and one cut in half.

Or just slice up some figs and drizzle a bit of honey on them and call it dessert – no one will complain!

And think about short cuts – poached or baked apples would be an easy make ahead option. Sprinkle them with some pomegranate seeds and they’ll be gorgeous! Or throw together an apple strudel by using puff pastry â€“ a quick and easy way to prepare a hot-out-of-the-oven dessert without much advanced preparation (see the recipe in my book, pg. 52).

I hope these ideas turn your rush into Rosh Hashanah into a calmer, peaceful, sweet start to the new year.

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Beth Lee in red apron looking at vegetables on cutting board

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More Rosh Hashanah

  • Braised Beef Brisket with Tsimmes
  • Honey Cake: A Grandma's Recipe from Ukraine
  • Brisket Sandwich
  • Challah Braiding: A Visual Guide to Forming Beautiful Breads

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mindy trotta

    September 16, 2012 at 10:04 am

    OMG!! Would never be so presumptuous as to imply you qualify! (In fact, our audience is really 30 and up...is that better? 🙂 ) Planning on posting a Yom Kippur post. Watch for my Tweet about it!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 16, 2012 at 10:10 am

      You're not presumptuous. I'm just being honest - looking at the big 50 next year and that is just all there is to it! Can't wait to see your Yom Kippur post Mindy!

      Reply
  2. Hannah

    September 15, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    What a terrific selection of recipes and ideas! Thank you for sharing. Our brisket is in the oven and I'm not feeling as rushed as I have in past years...we'll see tomorrow, though! Wishing you and your family a sweet, healthy new year!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 16, 2012 at 8:27 am

      Thanks Hannah. I'm impressed that your brisket is already done. Actually I'm jealous. But I will get there... Happy New Year to you and yours as well.

      Reply
  3. mindy trotta

    September 14, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Thanks for your kind reply, Beth! Not sure how I found you..probably via a mutual Tweeter. But I'm glad I did! My company is web-based. I do not have a brick and mortar, and since I relocated to Cambridge, it's been put on the back burner (although I still do take orders). I am currently writing and editing for betterafter50.com. You can find more of my writing--food and otherwise--on that site. Happy New Year to you! I hope we can be in touch again.

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 16, 2012 at 8:25 am

      I added a link to your pear kugel to my post! Better after 50? I almost resemble that comment. Give me a few more months!

      Reply
  4. mindy trotta

    September 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Everything sounds absolutely delish! Cannot wait to make the Brisket with dried fruit. If you'd like to have a noodle kugel recipe that uses fruit, I posted one on my blog last Hanukkah. I used pears but you could certainly substitute peaches. I'll trade you the kugel recipe for the brisket recipe!

    http://relocationtheblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/hanukkah-big-holiday-that-isnt.html

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 14, 2012 at 9:51 am

      Mindy – I’m curious how you found my blog because I am so happy that you did! I love your blog – just added it to my reader and I’ll add your kugel link to my article. I will be in the Cambridge – Boston area in November – will look up your business if time allows.

      Making connections is what I love the MOST about social media and blogging. Let’s chat some more!

      Reply
  5. Teresa

    September 13, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    Great round up of recipes, Beth. Have a wonderful New Year celebration!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 16, 2012 at 8:12 am

      Thanks Teresa - this week's FFWD recipe was perfect timing for me and wow was that poaching liquid yummy!

      Reply
  6. Lizthechef

    September 13, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Most of my close friends have been Jewish and it always feels like my new year as well. Have a lovely celebration! Nice collection of recipes - clever idea to help before a holiday. Can't wait to see what you come up with at Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 13, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      I love that it feels like your New Year! The more the merrier. It's all really just a way to mark time and remember what's most important - family and friends!

      I always host Thanksgiving so I'll start working on that post now! (oh but that would be like planning ahead wouldn't it?)

      Reply
  7. sandy corman

    September 13, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    all looks great. What are you doing for dinner before going to Temple Sunday evening?

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 13, 2012 at 3:41 pm

      Coming to your house for dinner?? I have no idea - that's still several days away 🙂

      Reply
      • Beth

        September 13, 2012 at 3:42 pm

        P.S. Just kidding!

        Reply
  8. Renee

    September 13, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Thanks so much for posting the brisket recipes!! And, I'm planning on sharing the chicken recipe with my mom. Wishing you a sweet New Year!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 13, 2012 at 3:41 pm

      You too Renee! I'll miss you (and your desserts) at our gathering 🙂

      Reply
  9. yummychunklet

    September 13, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Yum! Brisket!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 13, 2012 at 3:40 pm

      I know - right?

      Reply
  10. Lana

    September 13, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I really do not need a Jewish holiday to try your Grandma's brisket (I have it bookmarked:)
    I try to educate my girls via food, and the recipes for Rosh Hashanah really appeal to me (especially paired with the notion of a new beginning:)
    I found a recipe for roasted chicken with grapes somewhere recently, but I'll make the one you recommend, as it is tried and true. I also bought leaks to make the Sephardic leak fritters.
    I wish you and your family Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you pretty soon:)
    Hugs!

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 13, 2012 at 1:02 pm

      Leek fritters! That sounds fantastic. Wish you could come up for our celebration. But soon enough we will be together - I can't wait. Here's to new beginnings and a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year!

      Reply
  11. Carol Sacks

    September 13, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Terrific post, Beth! So many great ideas. And, thank you again for including my bulgur dish.

    Reply
    • Beth

      September 13, 2012 at 12:19 pm

      You're welcome - thanks for the recipe and photo and all of your inspired ideas.

      Reply

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Hi! I’m Beth Lee. In 2010, I realized I prefer pita chips to memory chips and started this blog. My family is a mix of Jewish/Hawaiian/Korean heritage and my food reflects our diversity. My virtual kitchen is always open. Let’s cook together!  See all my recipes...

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