16 Passover Recipes To Rock Your Seder

Chag Sameach! Passover is upon us, and this year you’re going to own the holiday with these Passover recipes that’ll totally rock your Seder. More so than other holidays, Passover sticks to more of a traditional set menu. Part of it is because of what you have to have at Seder, and part of it is steeped in tradition that our families have passed down from generation to generation.

I was brought up in a Jewish/Catholic household where I was exposed to both religions on a regular basis. Passover actually happened to be my favorite Jewish holiday because of the tradition, the script, and the sense of pride that I felt with every year’s celebration. My grandmother would always make homemade matzo ball soup and I would prepare the Seder plate, eager to go through the history and prayers in the same way we’d done all my life.

As the generations aged, it is now my turn to start hosting Seder dinner and to pull out traditional, and not-so traditional, recipes to entertain my guests with. I carefully curated this roundup of all my favorite Passover recipes — both old and new — to truly celebrate all the tradition that Passover is surrounded by. Why not try something new and something old this year?

1. Chocolate Matzo Crunch

While the Seder is being prepared and the matzo ball soup is cooking, why not have a fun snack handy for the grazers in the family? Tori Avey’s matzo crunch is a fun twist on traditional matzo that everyone will love.

2. Matzo Brei with Bananas and Pecans

If your family is anything like mine, they are in town this week to celebrate. The Kitchn has you covered with an easy, traditional Jewish breakfast that will set the foundation for a weekend of feasting.

3. Matzah Nachos (Machos!)

I grew up on unsalted matzo, and it gets old. Really fast. What Jew Wanna Eat takes matzo to the next level of deliciousness with this nachos (or machos) recipe.

4. Coconut Pavlova with Pudding & Caramel Sauce

By the time dessert rolls around at Seder dinner, everyone is ready to kick back with some coffee and a rich, delicious kosher dessert. This pavlova from Tori Avey is essentially a Girl Scout cookie in a pavlova. There’s nothing not to love.

5. Cinnamon-Hazelnut Pavlova with Coconut Cream

If chocolate isn’t your thing, go for this pavlova from The Kitchn. This version really celebrates spring with all those fresh fruits and berries.

6. Smoked Salmon & Dill Hash with Fried Eggs

Waking up after a big Seder dinner means you need to have a light, yet hearty breakfast in mind to wind down from the previous night’s festivities. Big Girls Small Kitchen has a hash that is easy to throw together and can feed a crowd.

7. Passover Potato Latkes

What would Passover be without some latkes on the table? This traditional recipe from Tori Avey is exactly what you need. Serve it up with some extra applesauce and you’re in business.

8. Walnut Cake with Chocolate Whipped Cream

Making a cake that is Passover-friendly is no easy task, but Big Girls Small Kitchen nails it with this walnut cake. Just omit the chocolate whipped cream if you need it to be parve.

9. Lamb Chops with Pesto Croute

If you’re looking to make Passover a little more modern this year, whip out these lamb chops from The Kitchn and watch your family go wild. The simple pesto croute (or crust) makes it look fancier than it really is.

10. Passover Risotto: Quinoa & Roasted Mushrooms

Yes, you can make a kosher version of risotto. Domestic Fits makes it happen with quinoa and rich, roasted mushrooms to accompany the traditional Passover meals perfectly.

11. Saffron Matzo Balls

Grandma’s matzo balls may be amazing, but I bet you’ll change your mind about who’s are best once you try these saffron matzo balls from Tori Avey. The addition of saffron hits you both in smell and taste, uplifting the simple soup to true elegance.

12. Potato, Leek, and Fennel Gratin

Don’t overlook the side dishes on Passover. Big Girls Small Kitchen might have you taking a little extra time to slice potatoes, but the effort is well worth it for this indulgent side dish that pairs well with pretty much everything.

13. Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken Meatballs and Homemade Chicken Broth

Need a more traditional matzo ball soup recipe for your first Passover? FoodieCrush has a great standard recipe with a little extra oomph brought to the party by chicken meatballs and a homemade chicken broth.

14. Blood Orange-Manischewitz Cocktail

That Manischewitz isn’t the tastiest drink in the world, so why not shake things up this year with a fun cocktail recipe from Tori Avey? Just make sure you’re buying potato-based vodka to keep it kosher.

15. The Best Coconut Macaroons

Crunchy, chewy, and full of coconut flavor. I’m having trouble not drooling all over my computer as I swoon over these macaroons from The Kitchn.

16. Deep-Fried Matzo Balls with Wasabi Cream Sauce

Want your matzo balls to really stand out? Fry them up just like What Jew Wanna Eat recommends and serve them with some wasabi cream sauce, because traditional matzo ball soup was just soooooo last century.

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