41 Best Passover Foods To Try in 2025
When the month of April rolls around, families gather around the Seder table to share stories, traditions and, of course, incredible Passover food. According to Chabad, the Seder plate — ka’arah (tray) — is the center point for the meal, which was traditionally placed before the leader.
Whether you’ve been making the same beloved recipes for years or you’re looking to try something new, Passover is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with dishes that are both meaningful and delicious. But with so many options, where do you start?
We’ve rounded up 41 of the best Passover recipes to try, from comforting classics to creative new twists. Whether you're searching for easy Passover recipes to make at home, showstopping desserts to wow your in-laws or the perfect dish to take to a friendly gathering, this list has something for everyone.
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- What Is Passover Food?
- The 41 Best Passover Recipes To Try
- Elevate Passover With Culinary Experiences
What Is Passover Food?
Passover food is steeped in critical historical events, celebrating the Jews' freedom from slavery and their escape from Egypt. The holiday begins with a ceremonial Seder dinner, where the story of the Exodus is retold through symbolic foods, wine and prayers. Each participant drinks four cups of wine, representing the promises of redemption in the Exodus story.
A critical component of Passover food is the prohibition of leavened bread or chametz. This includes any food made with grains like wheat, oats and barley that has had time to rise. As part of the tradition, homes are cleaned of chametz before Passover begins.
Alongside matzo — unleavened bread that symbolizes the haste of the Exodus — many traditional dishes like brisket, potato kugel and tzimmes are enjoyed. To ensure the meal meets the dietary standards of the holiday, it’s important to use kosher ingredients, which adhere to Jewish dietary laws.
The 41 Best Passover Recipes To Try
1. Matzo Ball Soup
This classic Passover food is as comforting as it gets and is one of the most delicious pics for a cozy celebration. This hearty soup, which is also a popular Hanukkah food, consists of fluffy matzo balls swimming in a savory chicken broth packed with vegetables like carrots and celery. For a fresh twist, add a burst of dill and lemon zest to give this Passover food a fun pop of flavor.
2. Matzo
Matzo is the iconic unleavened bread that’s central to Passover food traditions. Made simply from flour and water, often with added salt and olive oil, it’s baked quickly to prevent rising, symbolizing the haste in which the Jews fled Egypt. While store-bought versions of this Passover food are common, homemade versions bring a whole new level of crispy, golden goodness.
3. Candied Carrots
Add a pop of color to your Seder spread with these sweet and tender candied carrots that are a must-have for your Passover food table. The perfect combination of brown sugar and honey creates a glossy, irresistible glaze that coats each carrot slice, making this a delicious and easy vegan Passover recipe.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
4. Kugel
Kugel, or casserole, is a favorite Passover food that can be made sweet or savory. However, the potato version is especially popular during the celebration. This baked, pudding-like Passover food combines simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, onions and a touch of starch. Traditionally made without flour (and sometimes dairy) for Passover, it complements holiday favorites like brisket and matzo ball soup.
5. Brisket
Brisket is a quintessential Passover food, offering kosher meat with rich flavors and a tender texture. This brisket dry rub elevates the brisket with a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and savory notes, including kosher salt, paprika and cumin.
This recipe includes Worcestershire sauce powder, so if you can't find a kosher brand without any leavening agents, replace it with another seasoning. Slow-cooked to perfection, this Passover food is the ideal centerpiece for your feast, especially when paired with matzo.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 7 hours 10 minutes (most of which is slow-cooking the meat)
6. Salmon
Salmon is a healthy Passover food that brings a lighter meal option to your Seder table. As long as the fish has scales and fins and is sourced from a kosher supplier, it can be enjoyed during Passover.
This means that, unlike other meats and fish, this Passover food is kosher to serve with dairy, so you can enjoy it all week long — yes, even after the Seder! This Instant Pot salmon offers a quick, flavorful method that pairs perfectly with matzo.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 10 minutes
7. Charoset
After all the savory dishes of the Seder, a sweet fruit snack like charoset is the perfect treat. This fragrant paste of apples, walnuts and wine symbolizes the mortar the Israelites used to build the pharaoh's pyramids. Place this Passover food on top of a slice of matzo for a delicious snack that holds significant meaning for the celebration.
8. Deviled Eggs
Bite-sized, fun and full of flavor, deviled eggs are a perfect choice if you want to prepare easy Passover recipes and enjoy tasty springtime snacks. These Southern deviled eggs feature a creamy and tangy filling that perfectly balances the savory flavor of the egg whites.
The egg, symbolic of the cycle of life, pairs wonderfully with the bitterness of other Seder plate elements. This Passover food is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks looking to add crowd-pleasing finger food ideas to their holiday meals. If necessary, replace the mustard and mayonnaise with Passover-friendly alternatives or homemade versions.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
9. Tzimmes
Like the candied carrots mentioned earlier, sweet potatoes are a great example of tzimmes — a roasted vegetable dish made with dried fruits. These baked candied sweet potatoes are loaded with flavor, combining the natural sweetness of the potatoes with the tang of cranberries and the richness of walnuts.
The dish is enhanced with a blend of cinnamon, brown sugar and butter, creating a warm and comforting side dish. Add some dried fruits to the mix, such as prunes and apricots, to make this Passover food that much tastier.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
10. Watercress Salad
Add a fresh and peppery bite to your Passover food spread with a crisp watercress salad. Traditionally, bitter herbs like horseradish represent the bitterness of slavery on the Seder plate, but watercress adds a milder yet strong kick to your plate. Soak the vegetables in ice water to help them stay crispy, and add a tangy vinaigrette and chopped pistachios to bring in just the right amount of crunch and sweetness.
11. Rosemary Potatoes
Crispy, golden and bursting with flavor, these rosemary potatoes are one of the best Passover food side dishes you can make, thanks to their ease and filling nature. The fresh rosemary infuses every bite with earthy warmth, while a hint of lemon zest adds brightness. Smashed and fried to perfection, they bring a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with brisket or roast chicken.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
12. Macarons
What would a celebration be without a sweet treat such as chocolate macarons? With a crisp yet slightly chewy texture and a luscious chocolate filling, there won't be enough of this Passover food, no matter how much of it you make.
Their elegant appearance and rich, chocolatey flavor make them an indulgent party food that perfectly complements the holiday’s traditions. Plus, with a careful selection of kosher-certified ingredients, this dessert can fit seamlessly into a Passover menu.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 3 hours
13. Smoked Salmon Bagel
Picture salmon with a delicious combination of creamy cheese, briny capers and fresh dill atop a crisp bagel. A smoked salmon bagel makes for a quick and casual addition to the holiday table.
This classic dish, often associated with New York brunch, can also be served as a light hors d’oeuvre before the Seder. Replace the original bagels with kosher variants, and you will have a flavorful and simple way to enjoy smoked salmon as part of your Passover food spread.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
14. Cauliflower au Gratin
For your next Passover meal, try cooking this rich and creamy side dish that exudes warmth and comfort. With tender cauliflower baked in a luscious, cheesy sauce, cauliflower au gratin is a satisfying alternative to traditional potato-based gratins.
The golden, bubbling crust adds an irresistible texture, making it a Passover food favorite for both vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. If you plan on serving this meal with meat, swap out the cheeses for dairy-free ingredients to make it suitable for your Seder table.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
15. Air Fryer Asparagus
Crisp, tender and effortlessly delicious, air fryer asparagus is the perfect addition to your spread. This light yet flavorful Passover food, ideal as a side dish, enhances the meal with its fresh, vibrant taste while keeping preparation simple. Seasoned with garlic, salt and pepper, the asparagus spears develop a satisfying crunch in the air fryer, making them a healthy and elegant complement to richer Passover foods.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 10 minutes
16. Lamb
If you're a meat lover, these herb-crusted lamb lollipops are a must-have for your Passover food table. They serve as a symbolic nod to the lamb prepared by the Israelites before their Exodus, adding both meaning and flavor to your celebration.
Coated in a fragrant blend of fresh herbs and garlic, this Passover food develops a beautifully crisp crust while staying juicy inside. Their rich, savory taste pairs perfectly with traditional holiday sides, making them a standout Passover recipe for your Seder meal.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
17. Latkes
If you’re looking to turn a Hanukkah meal into a tasty Passover food for your friends and family, try making latkes with matzo meal or a different kind of starch that's suitable for this celebration. They offer a delectable balance of a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, flavorful potato inside.
With each bite, the subtle richness and satisfying crunch of this Passover food complements the celebratory spirit of the holiday. Often paired with a slightly sweet kosher wine, like Riesling, and enhanced with savory toppings, such as bitter, tangy horseradish or chive sour cream, latkes elevate any meal with their versatility and depth of flavor.
18. Wilted Spinach Salad
An essential aspect of Passover meals is the inclusion of as many flavors and types of food as possible. This vibrant wilted spinach salad combines the refreshing taste of greens with the crunch of toasted pine nuts, offering a light addition to the table.
The bright zing of lemon and the savory depth of your choice of kosher protein complement the bitterness of the spinach, which follows the tradition of maror — a herb that represents the bitterness of slavery. To make this dish align with Passover food restrictions, simply swap out any non-kosher ingredients, such as prosciutto, with alternatives like smoked turkey or chicken.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 7 minutes
19. Vegan Carrot Cake
Looking for a sweet yet wholesome Passover food to enjoy this holiday? This vegan carrot cake is a light and flavorful treat that celebrates spring with its moist texture and subtle sweetness.
The addition of grated carrots to this Passover food sneaks in extra vegetables, while the creamy frosting elevates the richness of the cake. Replace the wheat flour with a Passover-approved substitute, such as almond flour, and you'll have a delectable Passover dessert to tuck into after the variety of main meals.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 52 minutes
20. Egg Salad
Don’t waste the Passover food you've cooked! Egg salad is the perfect way to repurpose your leftover hard-boiled eggs. The creamy texture of the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt/sour cream as a substitute) pairs wonderfully with the mild flavor of the eggs, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
This is an excellent choice for Passover, whether served as a filling for matzo or as a side, as it's both simple to make and adaptable to dietary preferences.
21. Gefilte Fish
Made from a blend of ground fish, typically carp or pike, mixed with matzo meal, eggs and onions, gefilte fish is a classic Passover food you'll find on most tables. The mixture is formed into oval patties or loaves, then cooked in a flavorful fish stock.
It is traditionally served cold with a dollop of horseradish for a spicy kick. Gefilte fish is divisive due to its unique ingredients and the way it challenges traditional tastes, but it's a Passover food that remains a staple in many Jewish homes, offering a light, firm texture and subtle flavor.
22. Mushroom Ravioli
This Passover food is the perfect comfort meal for the celebration, offering a savory combination of mushrooms, mozzarella and Parmesan wrapped in fresh, handmade pasta. Replace traditional pasta with a variant made from matzo meal dough or potato flour for a Passover-friendly alternative.
With a rich, browned butter finish, this Passover food is simple yet indulgent. Perfect for a holiday meal, this mushroom ravioli is a great way to explore traditional Italian flavors with a Passover twist.
Recipe Steps: 14
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
23. Lasagna Roll Ups
With all the history surrounding the celebration, Passover recipes should be just as rich and satisfying as the story it honors, giving you the energy to fully embrace the festivities.
In this lasagna roll ups recipe, layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese and tender pasta come together to create a Passover food that’s hearty and satisfying. For a Passover-friendly version, replace traditional noodles with softened matzo or thinly sliced vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
24. Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Golden, crispy and packed with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this easy honey mustard chicken thighs recipe is a must-try. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the skin, creating a dish that’s both effortless and impressive.
With a honey mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully, every bite of this Passover food flex is bursting with bold flavor. If you consider mustard seeds to be kitniyot, replace them with a Passover-approved substitute.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
25. Pepper Salad
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s fresh, light and packed with flavor, this pepper salad is for you. This colorful Passover food dish combines sweet bell peppers, fresh herbs and crunchy pine nuts, making it an excellent side to pair with roasted chicken, fish or even beef. The simple ingredients come together quickly, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
26. Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
If you're searching for unique dinner food ideas to switch up your Passover food routine, look no further. This flavorful, one-pan asparagus stuffed chicken recipe is the ideal meal to make if you're short on time.
It combines perfectly seared golden-brown succulent chicken breasts stuffed with crunchy bites of asparagus and fresh grape tomatoes for out-of-this-world flavors. To ensure this meal is Passover-friendly, find a dairy-free feta cheese alternative to serve it with.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour
27. Citrus Salad
This citrus salad is a colorful way to mix up the traditional meal with bright, juicy citrus, creamy avocado (leave out if considered kitniyot) and crunchy nuts. The sweet dates and tangy dressing perfectly balance the richness of the Seder foods, giving your guests something light and vibrant to enjoy between bites.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
28. Keto Chicken Salad
Sticking to the theme of salads, here's another easy-to-make addition to your Passover food menu. This keto chicken salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a homemade tarragon dressing.
The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise (use a Passover-friendly alternative if need be), tarragon vinegar and fresh herbs, brings the ingredients together in a tangy, flavorful mix. With crunchy celery, hard-boiled eggs, black olives and roasted pepitas, it’s a satisfying yet light Passover food.
Recipe Steps: 3
Total Recipe Time: 10 minutes
29. Mediterranean Roast Vegetables
The easiest way to add healthy Passover foods to your celebration is with vegetables. In this Mediterranean roast vegetables recipe, carrots, parsnips, acorn squash and asparagus (or broccoli) are roasted and tossed with a tangy lemon-thyme dressing, briny olives and capers. Finished off with crumbled feta (use a pareve substitute if served with meat), this dish hits all the right notes of sweetness, saltiness and umami.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
30. Roasted Leeks
Roasted leeks are a simple yet elegant side dish, with the cooking technique bringing out the vegetable’s natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Caramelized to perfection, this roasted leeks recipe is enhanced with a touch of olive oil, garlic powder and seasoning.
It's finished with optional nutty Parmesan cheese (use a pareve substitute if served with meat) and crispy dehydrated potato flakes for a delightful texture. Naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare, this Passover food is a delicious complement to any holiday meal.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
31. Marry Me Chicken
If you want to cook a Passover food for your friends and relatives that’s both flavorful and indulgent, try Marry Me Chicken this year. This dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy sauce (use a pareve substitute such as coconut milk) with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and aromatic herbs. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory depth, though it can be omitted for a kosher adaptation.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
32. Quinoa Salad
For a light and nutritious dish, try out quinoa salad this Passover. As a naturally gluten-free grain, quinoa is a perfect alternative to chametz during the holiday.
This refreshing quinoa salad with feta pairs the fluffy grain with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado and fragrant basil, all tossed in a light olive oil dressing. A sprinkle of feta to this unique Passover food adds a tangy touch, though it can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
33. Smashed Red Potatoes
Easy-to-make recipes don't get any more straightforward than smashed red potatoes, which is why this Passover food is also enjoyed worldwide by people of different cultures, religions and nationalities. You've probably heard of the more common white potato variant, but this recipe takes a slightly different route.
Smoother red potatoes, known for their more prominent flavors, are combined with garlic (powder and minced cloves), salt and pepper for an unbeatable combination that works on many foods.
Of course, olive oil and butter dress the potatoes in a relish that clings onto each bit of spice to ensure you get the most flavorful experience possible. The cherry on top of this Passover food is grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, resulting in irresistible bite-sized foods to kick off the celebrations.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
34. Chocolate-Hazelnut Matzo Cake
Ready to try a Passover recipe that’ll make your dessert table the talk of the Seder? This decadent cake layers liqueur-soaked matzo crackers, creamy chocolate ganache and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. This sweet Passover food offers a unique twist on traditional desserts while staying within the holiday's dietary guidelines. The matzo soaks up the rich ganache, turning soft and indulgent, while the hazelnuts add the perfect crunch.
35. Cacio e Pepe
With minimal ingredients and an easy preparation process, authentic cacio e pepe is an easy yet delicious Passover food that adds an Italian twist to this Jewish holiday.
The creamy sauce, made with pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper, creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s both simple and flavorful. By swapping traditional pasta for variants made with matzo meal dough or potato flour, you can easily adapt it to a Passover-friendly version.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 20 minutes
36. Confit Kugel Wedges
Tender and intensely flavorful, confit kugel wedges offer a decadent take on classic Passover food. Slow-cooked in duck fat or schmaltz, they absorb layers of savory depth, while a drizzle of vincotto brings a subtle sweetness and acidity. This dish pairs beautifully with golden raisins and chicken liver mousse, adding a luxurious touch to any holiday table.
37. Savory Matzo Brei
A comforting and versatile Passover food, savory matzo brei is made by softening matzo in water, then scrambling it with eggs and sautéed onions. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, it’s a simple dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Enjoy it with sour cream and chives for a savory twist or skip the onions and add cinnamon and sugar for a sweeter variation.
38. Matzo Granola
By crumbling unsalted matzo and baking it with nuts, honey and spices, you get a crispy, satisfying Passover food that pairs beautifully with yogurt or fruit. Matzo granola is a great way to enjoy a wholesome, grain-free side snack while keeping with traditions.
This crunchy and flavorful Passover food transforms simple matzo into a delicious granola perfect for breakfast the next morning. Plus, it’s easy to make in batches, ensuring you have a tasty and convenient option throughout the holiday.
39. Sautéed Brussel Sprouts
Golden and caramelized with just the right amount of crispness, sautéed Brussels sprouts is a flavorful and elegant side for Passover. Sautéed with garlic and soy sauce (use coconut aminos or a Passover-friendly alternative if need be), the sprouts develop a rich umami depth, while a touch of agave enhances their natural sweetness.
The vibrant green hue of this Passover food makes them a fitting choice for karpas, the symbolic vegetable on the Seder plate, adding both tradition and freshness to your spread.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
40. Pavlova Cupcakes With Raspberry Sauce
This Passover, try out Pavlova cupcakes for a light and airy treat with a crisp outer shell and a soft, marshmallow-like interior that melts in your mouth. Topped with homemade whipped cream and tangy raspberry sauce, your guests will agree that this is the best way to end a Passover meal. Made without flour, this dessert fits seamlessly into your Passover food menu, offering a gluten-free option that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
41. Pesto Eggs
Elevate your Seder table sides with a zesty take on a classic — pesto eggs. This recipe brings together rich, herby walnut pesto and perfectly cooked eggs for a dish that’s both satisfying and symbolic. Swap the toast for matzo to keep it kosher for Passover and enjoy a quick, elegant meal that’s simply delicious.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 7 minutes
Elevate Passover With Culinary Experiences
This Passover, become a cooking expert and level up your Seder spread. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or looking to polish your skills, online cooking classes with professional chefs offer the perfect opportunity to master delicious Passover recipes from the comfort of your home. From perfectly crispy kugel to melt-in-your-mouth matzah balls, these classes provide the tools and knowledge to create classic holiday dishes with ease.
Want to go more hands-on? Try cooking classes near you, where you can get personalized instruction and dive deep into cooking techniques that will elevate your entire Passover feast. No matter where you start, you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen and impress your family and friends with your culinary creations.
As you plan your Seder table, remember that Passover food isn’t just about the dishes — it’s about gathering with loved ones and creating memories. From timeless classics like brisket and matzo ball soup to innovative takes like vegan carrot cake and air fryer asparagus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy cooking and may your Passover be filled with good food, great company and even better stories.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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