26 Passover Recipes For Your Holiday Celebration

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Spoon in a bowl of matzo ball soup.

Passover is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people around the world to commemorate the Exodus, when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. It’s a special time to gather, retell the story of the Exodus, enjoy festive meals, and follow time-honored traditions. A key custom is abstaining from eating leavened foods, such as bread and other baked goods, to remember how the Israelites left Egypt in such a hurry they couldn’t wait for their bread to rise. Instead, they ate matzo, unleavened bread, as a reminder of their swift departure.

Passover isn’t just a time for remembrance; it’s also a celebration of freedom that brings families and friends together around the table. Among the traditional dishes, you’ll find soul-warming matzo ball soup, richly flavored brisket, and sweet macaroons. It’s important to note, however, that many Jews refrain from eating kitniyot — such as corn, rice, peas, lentils, beans, and legumes — during Passover, so depending on your customs, some of these recipes may not be considered kosher for Passover.

26 Passover Recipes

1. CHOCOLATE TOFFEE MATZO CRACK

Matzo Crack on and around a black plate.

With layers of crispy and salty matzo, buttery sweet toffee, chocolate, and toasted pecans, this famous treat from Marcy Goldman is not only easy but also beyond good. Bet you can’t stop at one piece! Get the recipe for matzo crack.

2. ONION BRAISED BEEF BRISKET

Fork on a plate with onion-braised beef brisket.

In search of the quintessential Jewish holiday meal? The famous brisket from the late Nach Waxman comes out meltingly tender with a rich onion gravy. (Bonus — leftovers are out of this world!) Get the recipe for brisket.

3. CAULIFLOWER PURÉE WITH THYME

Blue bowl of cauliflower puree.
Photo by Alexandra Grablewski (Chronicle Books, 2018)

Like mashed potatoes, this cauliflower purée is comforting and creamy while having the added benefits of being lighter and healthier than its starchy counterpart. Get the recipe for cauliflower purée.

4. FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

Flourless chocolate cake topped with whipped cream.

Don’t let the ornate look of this decadent chocolate cake intimidate you — it’s easy to make and requires only one bowl. Get the recipe for flourless chocolate cake.

5. MATZO BALL Soup

Spoon in a bowl of matzo ball soup.

A staple at most seders, this matzo ball soup is best made ahead (and gets more flavorful as it sits). It’s a great recipe to double and freeze. Get the recipe for matzo ball soup.

6. CHOCOLATE CHIP MERINGUE COOKIES

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

One of my kids’ most requester Passover recipes, these simple cookies have a crisp exterior and a chocolate chip-dotted marshmallowy interior. Be warned — it’s hard to stop at just one! Get the recipe for chocolate chip meringues.

7. MOROCCAN-STYLE BRISKET WITH DRIED FRUIT AND CAPERS

Moroccan Brisket on a plate with vegetables.

Festive and abundant, this brisket with a Moroccan twist is a wonderful choice for your seder or any special dinner. Get the recipe for Moroccan-style brisket.

8. RASPBERRY & CREAM PARFAITS

Raspberry & Cream Parfaits

After such a large meal, these berry and cream parfaits are a nice, light finisher. They’re quick to prepare and pretty to boot! Get the recipe for raspberry and cream parfaits.

9. CHICKEN MARBELLA

Chicken marbella on a platter.

From the well-known Silver Palate Cookbook, this savory-sweet chicken dish is embellished with capers, olives, and prunes. It’s wonderful for company. Get the recipe for chicken marbella.

10. ROASTED CARROTS WITH THYME

Serving dish of roasted carrots.

Need a great way to showcase a staple veggie? The high-heat cooking method used for these carrots helps to caramelize them and highlight their natural sweetness. Get the recipe for roasted carrots with thyme.

11. COCONUT MACAROONS

coconut macaroons on baking sheet with bowl of dipping chocolate.

With their moist and chewy interior and slightly crisped exterior, these macaroons will send any coconut lover over the moon. You can also dip them in chocolate. Need I say more? Get the recipe for coconut macaroons.

12. CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH POLENTA

Creamy Butternut Squash Polenta

Butternut squash polenta is a creamy, dreamy side dish that pairs beautifully with any saucy main dish. Get the recipe for butternut squash polenta.

13. CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Chocolate mousse in stemmed glasses.

This foolproof chocolate mousse tastes like a fancy dessert from a French restaurant, yet it’s easy to make at home. Get the recipe for chocolate mousse.

14. FRESH BERRY TERRINE

Fresh berry terrine on a plate.

This berry-filled dessert checks so many special occasion boxes — it can be prepared ahead, it’s super simple to make, and it’s so pretty it could almost double as a centerpiece. Get the recipe for fresh berry terrine.

15. FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH MERINGUE

Flourless chocolate cake with meringue missing a slice.

This flourless chocolate cake is fudgy and ultra-rich,  and the marshmallowy meringue topping makes it look like you spent all day making it (although it only takes 20 minutes of prep). Get the recipe for flourless chocolate cake with meringue.

16. MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE

moroccan chicken tagine

Chicken braised with spices, aromatics, and preserved lemons is a Moroccan staple and will wow your guests. I swap lemon juice and zest for the preserved lemon to make it accessible to everyone. Get the recipe for Moroccan chicken tagine.

17. BROCCOLI PURÉE

Spoon in a bowl of broccoli puree.

You’ll find this broccoli purée to be a refreshing change from your typical roasted or steamed broccoli. It can be made well ahead of time, so it’s perfect for entertaining. Get the recipe for broccoli purée.

18. DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA WITH MASCARPONE CREAM & RASPBERRIES

chocolate pavlova with cream and raspberries

This beautiful pavlova topped with a sweetened mascarpone whipped cream has a crisp shell and rich chocolatey center. Get ready for lots of oohs and aahs. Get the recipe for chocolate pavlova.

19. PASSOVER ROLLS

Basket of Passover rolls.

Passover rolls can actually be tasty! These expand in the oven and come out golden, crispy, and impressively tall. Get the recipe for Passover rolls.

20. SLOW-ROASTED SALMON WITH FRENCH HERB SALSA

how to make slow roasted salmon

Slow-roasting is a great (and easy!) alternative to poaching a whole side of salmon. The French herb salsa not only elevates the flavor but also makes for a lovely presentation. Get the recipe for slow-roasted salmon with fresh herb salsa.

21. SWEET & SPICY ROAST CHICKEN WITH CARROTS, DATES & PISTACHIOS

White plate of spicy honey roast chicken.

When you’ve got a gazillion things to prepare for Passover dinner, you’ll be thrilled to have this sweet, spicy (not to mention gorgeous) chicken recipe in your arsenal. It can be assembled entirely ahead of time and popped into the oven before dinner. Get the recipe for sweet and spicy roast chicken.

22. 15-MINUTE CHOCOLATE WALNUT FUDGE

chocolate walnut fudge

Fudge for Passover? Why not?! If you want to have one more little yummy on the table, this fudge is simple to prepare and will disappear in a flash. Get the recipe for chocolate walnut fudge.

23. HOMEMADE MATZO

Homemade matzo on parchment paper.

This flaky, light homemade matzo bears no resemblance to the boxed stuff you get at stores. (Note that homemade matzo is not kosher for Passover, so observant Jews might try this recipe outside of the Passover holiday.) Get the recipe for homemade matzo.

24. Sautéed Asparagus & Peas

asparagus and peasSo simple and fresh, this quick sauté of asparagus and peas is the perfect side dish for spring. Get the recipe for sautéed asparagus and peas.

25. Crème Brûlée

Spoon in a partially-eaten creme brulee.

Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert that may seem daunting, but with a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dessert that rivals the fanciest French restaurant. Get the recipe for crème brûlée.

26. Pavlova

pavlova topped with macerated berries with linen napkin

Whip up an elegant, light-as-a-cloud pavlova. This dessert features a crisp, marshmallowy meringue topped with rich whipped cream and juicy berries. It’s also gluten-free! Get the recipe for pavlova.

Comments

  • Do you have a tried-and-true recipe for Charoset that’s not too sweet or mushy?

    • Unfortunately not. I’ll have to add that to my list of recipes to potentially develop — have a great Passover!

    • This is my family’s favorite:
      Peel, core, and chop 3 medium apples (preferably McIntosh) moderately coarse. Mix with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1.5 tbs sugar. Stir in 2 tbs. of wine and add more cinnamon or sugar if needed. Make at least six hours and preferably one day in advance. Stir in additional tbs. of wine just before serving.

    • Meant to add: the wine is typically red Concord grape. Not so great for drinking, in my opinion, but just the right taste for charoset.

    • 2 apples / 1/2 cup of raisin/ 1 cup walnuts / honey /orange juice
      Dice apples then mix raisins. Pour OJ enough to cover raisins and apples. Chop walnuts to small pieces while the Apple mixture is soaking for 20 minutes or till raisins plumped then strain the Apple mixture. Dump the juice. Stir in honey enough to cover the mixture. Sorry I never measure the honey. I cannot have wine, that’s why I used OJ. It may not be a true kosher one but it’s been tried with my hubby for past 15 years. And if you have leftover, I mix it with oats or dump it in cake box mix to make muffins or bread. Hope it helps 😋

      • I have an old recipe made with dried fruit of your choice. My choice : mango, pineapple,raisens apricots, plus all other ingredients listed. Add papaya and any fruit you think adding color and fslvor

        • — Judith Hunniford on January 7, 2024
        • Reply
  • Can I use a shoulder cut of meat with with one of your beef recipes?

    • Hi Dina, Which recipe are you referring to?

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