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Matzo ball soup, tender brisket, flourless chocolate cake, and plenty more—these are the Passover dishes I look forward to making year after year.

Spoon in a bowl of matzo ball soup.

Growing up in a Jewish family, Passover was always an important holiday, and many of the dishes in this collection have been part of my family’s celebrations for years. Whether you’re planning a full Passover dinner or just looking for a dish to bring to a Seder, these Passover recipes have you covered, with traditional favorites, crowd-pleasing main dishes and sides, and plenty of desserts.

Since Passover traditions and dietary practices vary from family to family, be sure to choose ingredients and products that align with your own observance.

Passover Appetizers

Kick off your Seder with a few easy Passover appetizers, including creamy dips, smoked salmon, and labneh. For the dips, swap the crackers and bread pictured for matzo, kosher-for-Passover crackers, or fresh veggies.

smoked salmon dip on platter with bagel chips
Smoked Salmon Dip
Creamy, smoky, and full of fresh dill and lemon, this smoked salmon dip is an easy make-ahead appetizer that always disappears fast. 
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tapenade in serving bowl
Tapenade
Briny and savory, this Mediterranean olive tapenade comes together in minutes and is a nice change of pace from the creamier dips on the table.
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labneh on plate with olive oil, tomatoes and olives on the side
Labneh
Made with just yogurt and salt, labneh is thick, tangy, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Drizzle it with olive oil and herbs, and serve it with fresh vegetables for dipping. 
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smoked salmon crisps on a platter
Smoked Salmon Crisps
A fun twist on bagels, lox, and cream cheese, these smoked salmon crisps layer salmon, a creamy topping, capers, and chives on kosher-for-Passover potato chips. 
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Passover Main Dishes

From classic brisket and roast chicken to salmon for something a little lighter, these Passover main dishes are festive, crowd-pleasing, and easy to build a Seder menu around.

Plate of onion-braised beef brisket.
Classic Brisket with Onions
If brisket is the centerpiece of your Passover table, this is the recipe I come back to. It’s especially convenient for entertaining because it’s even better when made ahead.
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Chicken marbella on a platter.
Chicken Marbella
Sweet, savory, and made for entertaining, this longtime favorite is a terrific alternative to brisket for the main course. Much of the prep can be done ahead, too.
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Moroccan Brisket on a large plate.
Moroccan-Style Brisket with Dried Fruit & Capers
For a change from traditional onion-braised brisket, this version goes in a sweet-savory direction with dried fruit and capers. It's a festive centerpiece that feels right at home on a holiday table.
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Platter of slow-roasted salmon with French herb salsa.
Slow-Roasted Salmon with French Herb Salsa
If you're planning a lighter Passover meal or holiday lunch, this slow-roasted salmon is an elegant option. The low-and-slow method also makes it wonderfully forgiving for entertaining.
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Plate of sweet and spicy roast chicken with carrots, dates, and pistachios.
Sweet & Spicy Roast Chicken with Carrots, Dates & Pistachios
This colorful roast chicken makes an especially good Passover main when you want something besides brisket. Even better, you can assemble it ahead and simply bake it before dinner.
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Soups, Sides & Seder Favorites

Round out your Passover dinner with traditional favorites like matzo ball soup, charoset, and homemade matzo, along with simple vegetable sides that go with just about anything.

Spoon in a bowl of matzo ball soup.
Matzo Ball Soup
No Passover menu feels quite complete without matzo ball soup. This classic version is comforting, flavorful, and just the thing to start a Seder meal.
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Basket of Passover rolls.
Passover Rolls
Missing bread at the Passover table? These clever popover-style rolls are a fun addition to the meal and especially good for soaking up all those brisket juices.
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Roasted carrots with thyme in a baking dish.
Roasted Carrots
Bronzed and caramelized at the edges, these roasted carrots are an easy side for brisket, chicken, salmon, or just about any Passover main. 
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white bowl of charoset surrounded by pieces of matzo
Charoset
A Seder plate essential, this Ashkenazi-style charoset is quick to put together and can be made ahead—a welcome bonus when you’re juggling the rest of the holiday meal.
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Blue bowl of cauliflower puree.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Creamy and comforting, this mashed cauliflower is a great stand-in for mashed potatoes and pairs especially well with brisket or roast chicken.
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Homemade matzo on parchment paper.
Homemade Matzo
Homemade matzo is delicious and fun to make, but just a heads-up: it isn’t considered kosher for Passover. If that’s important to you, stick with a certified kosher-for-Passover version.
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Roasted asparagus on a plate.
Simple Roasted Asparagus
With tender-crisp spears and caramelized tips, roasted asparagus is one of the easiest ways to add something green to the Passover table.
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Passover Desserts

Ending the Passover meal is the easy part, with coconut macaroons, matzo crack, pavlova, and a decadent flourless chocolate cake to choose from.

Coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate on a lined baking sheet.
Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons and Passover go hand in hand. These are easy to make, keep well, and are perfect for setting out with coffee after a big holiday meal.
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small glass with chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is an elegant option when you want a dessert that can be completely out of the way before guests arrive. Serve it in individual glasses for easy entertaining.
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Pavlova topped with macerated berries on a cake stand with a linen napkin to the side.
Pavlova
For a showstopping Passover dessert, pavlova is hard to beat. The combination of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries makes a beautiful finale to a rich holiday meal.
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Matzo Crack on and around a black plate.
Chocolate Toffee Matzo Crack
One of the most delicious things you can do with a box of matzo! This sweet-and-salty treat is easy to make in a big batch and ideal for nibbling throughout the holiday.
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Piled high with fresh raspberries and boozy whipped cream, these raspberry and cream parfaits take just 15 minutes to throw together and make a light and elegant dessert. Get the raspberry parfait recipe.

Raspberry and cream parfaits on wooden table
Raspberry & Cream Parfaits
After a substantial Seder dinner, an individual berry dessert can be just right. These pretty parfaits are light enough to finish the meal without feeling like an afterthought.
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Flourless chocolate cake on a countertop.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Passover is the perfect excuse for a flourless chocolate cake, and this one is rich enough for a special-occasion dessert without being complicated to make.
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berry terrine on platter
Fresh Berry Terrine
This jewel-like berry terrine is a refreshing way to end a rich holiday meal. It's also made ahead and served chilled, so there's nothing to do at dessert time but slice and serve.
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Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
Meringue cookies are a natural choice for Passover baking, and the chocolate chips make these especially fun. They're also handy to have around when you want something sweet after the Seder.
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Spoon in a partially-eaten creme brulee.
Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée feels special enough for a holiday but is wonderfully practical for entertaining: the custards can be prepared in advance, leaving just the caramelized tops to finish before serving.
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Almond cookies on plate with tea
Almond Cookies
These chewy almond cookies are just the sort of small sweet I like to have around during Passover—equally at home on a dessert platter or alongside an afternoon cup of coffee.
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chocolate pavlova with cream and raspberries
Chocolate Pavlova with Mascarpone Cream & Raspberries
This chocolate spin on pavlova is made for a celebration. It looks dramatic on the table but can largely be prepared ahead, which is always helpful for a holiday meal.
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8 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
        • Reply

  • Can I use a shoulder cut of meat with with one of your beef recipes?

    • Hi Dina, Which recipe are you referring to?