Holidays

55 Passover Recipes: Modern and Traditional Seder Foods

Planning and cooking for Passover can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to ensure you have the six ingredients for your seder plate, but you also have to plan an entire feast without leavened or fermented grains. Your guests will surely be hungry throughout the reading of the Haggadah. 

To make things a little easier on your end, we’ve pulled 55 Passover recipes for you to try at your upcoming seder. From chicken schnitzel to sweet potato kugel, we have a recipe for all taste buds. And for the kiddos, we created a coloring page seder plate to keep them entertained.

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Table of contents:

Traditional Passover food

Before you host your seder, check out these traditional Passover recipes.

1. Matzo ball soup

matzo ball soup for Passover

Matzo ball soup is a traditional Passover food that is typically served as a starter. This soup involves a lot of care and effort to ensure your matzo balls don’t stick together. We recommend adding more oil and making them smaller, so you have more to add to your soup.

2. Brisket

It’s not a traditional Passover seder without a large helping of brisket for your loved ones to feast on. Put this roasted brisket recipe to the test for a tender and flavorful slice of meat.

3. Gefilte fish

There is no going back to gefilte fish from a jar after you try making this recipe. Regardless if you hate or love this traditional Passover dish, the homemade version steals the show. Serve it with horseradish, mixed vegetables and matzo to spice things up.

4. Tzimmes

Planning your seder shouldn’t be tzimmes! This is the Yiddish word for “a big fuss,” but in cooking terms it means “casserole.” For this traditional Passover side dish, you will mix carrots and other root vegetables with dried fruits to make a flavorful accompaniment to your meal.

5. Charoset

Charoset is a blended paste of nuts and fruit eaten at Passover seders. This year, try swapping the walnuts in this recipe for your favorite nuts and fruits to create your own take on this traditional food.

6. Horseradish

Horseradish is eaten on Passover to symbolize the bitterness and hardships of historical times. Serve your horseradish with matzo, gefilte fish or brisket to complete your seder.

7. Roast beef

There’s something so delicious about eating a good piece of meat on Passover. Put this roast beef recipe to the test if you are looking for tender and flavorful meat.

8. Cheese blintzes

There is no need to leave blintzes off the menu for Passover with this gluten-free variation. However, make sure your guests who follow a kosher diet are aware there is dairy in this version.

9. Roasted lamb

Instead of brisket or roast beef, you can roast lamb and serve it over potatoes for a traditional yet modern Passover seder. The mixture of herbs and olive oil make a delicious meat rub.

10. Matzo brei

Matzo brei for Passover

It’s not Passover without some variation of matzo brei! You can go savory with sour cream and chives, or take the sweet route with jam and maple syrup.

11. Vegan mock chopped liver

Hold the liver with this dip that is sure to surprise your guests with its tasty flavors. Instead of the classic chopped liver dip, the vegan version is made with cashews, mushrooms and onions. Don’t forget to serve this dip with matzo!

12. Baked salmon

You won’t disappoint your guests with this baked salmon recipe. Elevate your dinner with the sweet and savory flavors that pair well with cauliflower rice.

Passover chicken recipes

Ready to take your Passover chicken recipes to the next level? Put these options to the taste test at your upcoming seder.

13. Skillet roasted chicken

You’ll never want to prepare chicken any other way after trying this roasted chicken. The combination of garlic and lemon butter create a tender yet moist chicken that is undeniably tasty.

14. Tomato chicken bake

If you’re looking for a way to enhance your classic Passover recipe, this tomato chicken bake is perfect for you. The best part is that this dish is easy to make and easy to clean up.

15. Lemon and herb roast chicken

You can’t go wrong with this lemon and herb roast chicken recipe. Serve this chicken with roasted potatoes or cauliflower rice.

16. Slow cooker chicken thighs

Reduce stress while prepping for your Passover seder with slow cooker chicken recipes. This simple yet delicious chicken thigh recipe requires minimal effort, yet your guests will think you were cooking up a storm for days.

17. Chicken schnitzel

Schnitzel is a traditional European food that is very popular in Israel. Try this Passover version of chicken schnitzel that is made with matzo meal to create a crispy cutlet.

18. Slow cooker lemon garlic chicken

There is nothing better than a recipe that requires minimal effort. Leave this Crockpot lemon garlic chicken recipe to cook while you prepare for the rest of your seder.

19. Persian roast chicken

Saffron is the key ingredient to take this roast chicken recipe to the next level. Your guests will come back for seconds (even thirds) after they taste one bite.

20. Red wine barbecue chicken

While maybe an unlikely combo, red wine and barbecue sauce are a match made in heaven. This chicken recipe requires only a few ingredients and steps, but the taste will be the talk of the entire seder.

21. Baked chicken with mushroom sauce

baked chicken with mushroom sauce

While this chicken recipe calls for bread crumbs and mozzarella cheese, you can swap these ingredients for matzo meal and vegan cheese for Passover — you won’t be able to tell the difference with this scrumptious nosh.

22. Coconut-crusted chicken

Forget the bread crumbs and choose coconut to coat your chicken for Passover. Serve your coconut chicken over potato kugel for an irresistible meal.

23. White wine chicken skewers

Your guests will keep going back for more after they taste these white wine chicken skewers. These skewers taste even better if you marinate them overnight!

24. Chopped chicken liver

While chopped liver isn’t everyone’s first choice, this chopped chicken liver recipe might change your mind. Serve this dish with matzo for dipping.

25. Balsamic roasted chicken

This balsamic roasted chicken is the main attraction at any holiday gathering. Serve your roasted chicken with cauliflower rice or latkes.

Passover appetizers

Before the seder kicks off, have your guests indulge in these Passover appetizers.

26. Spinach artichoke dip

There is nothing better than spinach artichoke dip at a family gathering. Put this creamy recipe to the taste test for your upcoming seder — don’t forget to serve your dip with matzo and chopped vegetables.

27. Kalamata olive tapenade

Take your seder to the next level with this kalamata olive tapenade. Omit the bread and pair the dip with matzo for a Passover-friendly appetizer.

28. Israeli salad

Israeli salad provides an instant burst of flavor thanks to fresh herbs. This is an easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for your seder and all year round.

29. Smoked fish dip

For all the seafood lovers out there, this smoked fish dip is packed with flavor. Swap the crackers for matzo for your seder. Make sure to let your kosher friends know there is dairy in this dip.

30. Sweet and sour meatballs

Sweet and sour meatballs are a great choice for mingling and munching. Feel free to make your meatballs as big or small as you want. Regardless of the size, this is a showstopping appetizer.

31. Egg salad

You can’t go wrong with serving this classic egg salad recipe. Try adding it on top of matzo for a crunchy and creamy combo in every bite.

32. Matzo ball shooters

Matzo balls can be eaten outside of a big bowl of soup! Try this matzo ball shooter recipe for quick bites of this classic meal at your upcoming Passover gathering.

33. Arugula salad with carrots

There is nothing wrong with serving salad as an appetizer for your seder. Try this arugula salad with carrots for a simple yet tasty dish — the best part is the arugula symbolizes the bitter element of the seder plate.

34. Matzo granola

Swap your traditional oats for matzo to create this Passover recipe. Mix in your favorite nuts and top your granola with honey and cinnamon.

35. Waffle iron latkes

Latkes can be made year-round, not just on Hanukkah. Try these waffle iron latkes for a modern version of a traditional dish. Don’t forget to serve these potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream!

36. Potato and cheese fritters

Take your seder to the next level with these potato and cheese fritters. Since there is dairy in this Passover recipe, make sure to tell your guests who follow a kosher diet.

Passover kugel recipes 

It’s not a Passover seder without one of these kugel recipes. Make sure you swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles for Passover.

37. Potato kugel

potato kugel Passover recipe

You can never go wrong with serving potato kugel on Passover. Serve it with brisket or coconut chicken for a tasty meal.

38. Sweet potato kugel

Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to make this kugel recipe for Passover. Watch this side dish vanish within minutes!

39. Onion kugel

Try a unique variation of a traditional kugel recipe with onions. This onion kugel recipe will quickly become a tradition in your family. Serve this side dish for Passover with salmon or mushroom chicken.

40. Apple matzo kugel

Add a bit of crunch to your seder with this apple matzo kugel recipe. The crispness of matzo and apples complement each other beautifully.

41. Cinnamon kugel

Looking for a sweet kugel recipe? Look no further than this cinnamon kugel recipe that provides a burst of deliciousness.

42. Raisin kugel

Raisins are an easy ingredient to add to any kugel recipe to take the flavor and texture to the next level. Save a few raisins to top off your kugel after it’s done cooking.

43. Tri-layered vegetable kugel

There is no need to serve additional vegetables when you can mix them into your kugel. This tri-layered vegetable kugel recipe is packed with nutrients yet tastes delicious.

44. Mushroom kugel

Impress your friends and family this Passover by serving this mushroom kugel recipe. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but the flavors are mouthwatering.

45. Broccoli and cauliflower kugel

This kugel recipe for Passover is a variation of broccoli and cheddar soup, but in kugel form and without cheese. Even the kids will enjoy this side dish!

Passover dessert recipes 

It’s not a Passover seder without a delectable spread of desserts. Add one or all of these treats to your menu this year.

46. Flourless chocolate cake

flourless chocolate cake

Wow your guests with this flourless chocolate cake. Top it off with raspberries and dairy-free ice cream for a delicious dessert.

47. Gluten-free macaroons

If you’re not sure what dessert to make for Passover, you can count on these gluten-free macaroons to make a statement. Don’t forget to dip them in chocolate to finish off your treat.

48. Chocolate-covered matzo

Elevate your seder with this chocolate toffee matzo recipe. Grab your kids and have them help you make this easy yet tasty dessert.

49. Homemade jelly candies

Jelly candies are a fan favorite at any family gathering, and these homemade jellies deserve all the bragging rights. Enjoy the burst of sugar with every bite.

50. Meringue cookies

Create delicious meringue cookies with only a few ingredients and steps. The best part is that these fluffy cloud cookies are kosher and gluten-free.

51. Passover apple cake

Create a cohesive fruit theme with this apple cake for Passover. This crowd-pleasing dessert is customizable — you can add your favorite spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.

52. Chocolate-dipped banana pops

Another easy Passover dessert recipe is chocolate-dipped banana pops. Folks of all ages will enjoy this simple and classic confection.

53. Icebox cake with matzo

Kick things up a notch with this impressive icebox cake recipe made with matzo. This tiramisu-like treat melts in your mouth!

54. Chocolate matzo layer cake

Layers of matzo and mousse? Yes, please! In less than an hour, you can make this chocolate matzo layer cake for your guests to indulge in.

55. Non-dairy ice cream

Serve non-dairy ice cream by itself or pair it with one of the Passover recipes above. Buy cartons of ice cream or make your own non-dairy vanilla and chocolate with this recipe.

55 Passover Recipes: Modern and Traditional Seder Foods

Recipe by InstacartCourse: RecipesDifficulty: Easy

Take your seder to the next level with these Passover recipes.

Directions

  • Choose one of the Passover recipes.
  • Buy all the necessary ingredients.
  • Enjoy your traditional or modern Passover seder.

Seder plate coloring page [printable]

Not sure how to keep your kids and younger seder guests entertained? Download our printable seder plate coloring page.

seder plate coloring page for Passover

Passover food FAQ

Are you hosting this year’s Passover seder? Here are commonly asked Passover food questions and answers.

What are the six foods of Passover?

The six foods found on a seder plate are the bitter herb, lamb shank bone, charoset, bitter vegetable, parsley and hard-boiled egg. These foods hold symbolic meaning for those of the Jewish faith.

What foods can you eat during Passover?

You can eat brisket, matzo ball soup, kugel and gluten-free macaroons. Of course, the list doesn’t stop there. Check out the Passover recipes above to find out more.

What can’t be eaten during Passover?

You can’t eat any fermented or leavened grains, including wheat, barley, oats and rye. During Passover, folks can only eat unleavened grains like matzo.

Final thoughts on Passover recipes

Now that you’re an expert on Passover recipes, it’s time to prepare for your upcoming seder. Make a batch of matzo ball soup, chocolate-covered banana pops and slow cooker chicken.

Passover is coming up quickly, and you don’t want to scramble at the last minute to create your feast. Focus more of your time on planning your seder and leave the grocery shopping to Instacart. Place your online order today and receive your groceries right to your doorstep. You can even buy premade Passover desserts to cut down on time.

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