Rosh Hashanah is one of the most joyful and wholesome of Jewish holidays for several reasons: It’s the Jewish New Year (fresh starts and new energy!), gives total fall vibes (we know you’ve already started rewatching “Seinfeld” and “Gilmore Girls” with a scented candle), and it’s celebrated around a table full of food. The holiday is both cozy and introspective — a chance to celebrate the completion of another year while also reflecting on the past year. Most importantly, though, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in an epic meal weeks before everyone else gets their Thanksgiving feast.
While some people focus on the main dishes, foodies like us know the real culinary magic happens in the sides. Whether you’re a traditionalist (bring on the kugels!) or someone who loves an unexpected twist, we’ve rounded up 39 incredible Rosh Hashanah side dishes that go way beyond tzimmes, and will have everyone at your table piling their plates high.
And for those who appreciate a little symbolism with their supper (read: former English majors, menthols-smokers and anyone who owns a record player), there are plenty of recipes incorporating simanim — edible representations of our wishes for the new year — like beet and leek risotto or squash kugel.
Pumpkin Kibbeh
Add pumpkin to the dough to make this kibbeh super moist, flavorful and totally Rosh Hashanah-worthy.
Salt & Pepper Spaghetti Squash Kugel
A light, fluffy kugel with the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Sweet Potato Kishke and Gravy
Hearty, wholesome, packed with flavor and vegetarian, to boot.
Bamia
A Libyan okra dish flavored with tomatoes, garlic and lemon.
Pickled Pink Turnips
They taste as good as they look, and are the perfect accompaniment to rich meat mains.
Mixed Roasted Vegetables with Tahini Sauce
This celebration of vegetables is versatile and delicious.
Roasted Butternut Squash With Orange Tahini, Walnuts and Za’atar
Roasty, toasty and totally irresistible.
Michael Solomonov’s Carrot Pilaf
Bookmark this vibrant, flavorful side dish for the next time you’re feeding a crowd.
Cuban-Style Kasha Varnishkes
Old-world comfort food gets a bold, colorful twist.
Roman Jewish Fried Zucchini
Simple flavors to bring the summer back to your table.
Pumpkin Kugel With Pecan Streusel
Perfect for the High Holidays, or just a cozy fall evening.
Grilled Artichokes
In Rome, crisp and lightly fried varieties adorn many a holiday table.
Tahini Mashed Potatoes
Forget the cream or non-dairy substitute to make creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes.
Gluten-Free Apple Kugel
This sweet kugel comes together quickly for a satisfying, seasonal side.
Schmaltzy Noodle Kugel
This rich, savory kugel is Jewish comfort food at its finest.
Caramelized Apple and Cranberry Noodle Kugel
Apples and cranberries taste amazing together and give a sweet-tart contrast to the whole dish.
Fasoulia (Turkish Green Beans)
Slow-cooked and sultry, these Turkish green beans may actually be the perfect Rosh Hashanah side dish.
Potato and Carrot Gratin
You won’t be able to get enough of these tender potatoes and carrots surrounded by a luscious, creamy sauce.
Easy Zucchini Kugel
This simple zucchini kugel bursts with freshness. It’s great for Rosh Hashanah or anytime you want a light, but comforting, side dish.
Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes with garlic are the perfect side for Rosh Hashanah.
Easy Pickled Beets
These easy pickled beets are in heavy rotation at my restaurant and in my home kitchen, too.
Savory Beet Latkes
Bold and beautiful, these latkes are perfect all year long. Plus, beets symbolize the wish for our enemies to leave us alone — and who doesn’t want that?!
Beet Chips with Spicy Honey Mayo
Sprinkled with a little salt, these crunchy chips are delicious on their own, and even better when paired with a sweet and spicy pareve mayonnaise.
Roasted Beet and Leek Risotto
A beautiful, symbolic dish for your holiday table.
Roasted Carrots with Tahini, Mint and Pistachios
An easy side dish to elevate any meal.
Roasted Butternut Squash Galette
A beautiful and tasty dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
Classic Potato Kugel
Prepare to fall in love with this hearty Ashkenazi staple.
Honeyed Carrots and Roasted Chickpeas with Tahini
Sweet carrots combined with a savory blend of spices makes for a perfect side dish to any meal.
Arugula Sweet Potato Salad
This lunchtime salad is especially nice plated individually and topped with cashews.
Braised Leeks with Thyme and Pomegranate
This easy Rosh Hashanah side dish is caramelized and comforting.
Salt and Pepper Noodle Kugel
Guaranteed rave reviews.
Meat Tzimmes
Ok, ok, we couldn’t resist adding just one tzimmes recipe. Passed down through the generations with meltingly tender flanken, this one is extra-special.
Pomegranate Roasted Carrots with Sumac
Sticky, sweet and zesty, this easy side is a showstopper.
Saffron Rice with Raisins and Pine Nuts
A fragrant, delicious side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Hasselback Squash with Dates, Pistachios and Pomegranate
The perfect hearty side, or vegetarian main, dish for Rosh Hashanah. Incorporating symbolic foods like pomegranates, dates and gourds, this is the perfect High Holiday recipe.
Couscous with Seven Vegetables
A great way to incorporate seasonal produce for a weeknight dinner or for Rosh Hashanah.
Syrian Leek Pancakes
A classic dish to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
One-Pot Jeweled Rice
Fresh, vibrant and perfect for Rosh Hashanah. The addition of chickpeas turns it into a vegetarian one-pot meal.
Stuffed Chard Leaves with Pomegranate Molasses
From Tel Aviv’s pioneering vegan restaurant Meshek Barzilay, this vibrant dish will have your tastebuds tingling.
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