15 Shabbat Dinner Recipes

By Melissa Kravitz
March 13, 2020
Credit: Swanson

For Jewish families, Friday night means one thing: Shabbat Dinner. The festive meal welcomes the day of rest, the Sabbath (Shabbat), and separates the work week from the weekend. It always includes special food, plenty of wine, and (depending on tradition) a full night of song, conversation, and no iPhones.

Shabbat's traditional foods, namely challah (braided egg-washed bread) and wine — to sanctify the meal — are few, meaning it's cook's choice for the night! Chicken is always a popular go-to, for its affordability, people-pleasing popularity, and easy ability to feed a crowd. For kosher cooks, dairy and meat can't be mixed, meaning a vegetarian Shabbat can also be preferable for cheese-lovers.

Whatever you're making, Shabbat dinner has the potential to be the most special meal of the week. And yes, it's a feast! Go for courses, fill your table with sides, and always have something waiting for dessert. So try a new recipe, or a few, to learn your Friday night favorites.

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Most Amazing Challah

Credit: Tamarack
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Shabbat isn't Shabbat without challah. Traditionally, you actually need two loaves of challah. To save time before Friday night, prepare the dough and braid it, egg washing and baking the bread just before dinner.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Bubbie's Hearty Matzo Ball Soup

Credit: Linda T
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Matzo balls can be dropped in consommé or broth, but this hearty soup adds plenty of mix-ins for a satisfying first course that can also double as an entree.

3 of 15

Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Drumsticks are arguably the most festive part of a bird, certainly earning them a prime spot on the Shabbat table. This chicken can be prepared a day in advance and baked right before dinner time.

Advertisement

4 of 15

Roasted Orange Rosemary Honey Glazed Chicken

Credit: CookinCyn
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet, savory, and pretty enough to impress guests, this easy recipe has Shabbat written all over it. Serve with a side of honey roasted carrots for a complete meal.

5 of 15

Cornish Hens the Easy Way

Credit: Phibe15
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cornish hens always feel super special, and there's no better time to prepare the dainty birds than in honor of Shabbat. Save all those tiny bones to make stock!

6 of 15

Roasted Rack of Lamb

Credit: Kim D.
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

An ambitious but worthwhile undertaking, roasted lamb is a treat worth waiting for. You'll need to prepare this in advance and reheat it, or dedicate a few hours of your Friday afternoon to dinner prep so this lamb can be ready for Shabbat.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Lemon Rosemary Salmon

Credit: Nolan Tek
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Citrus and rosemary pair so well together (Shabbat cocktail anyone?) and this salmon recipe is no exception. 

8 of 15

Maple Salmon

Credit: Dianne
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This salmon is ridiculously easy to make, but don't be fooled by its simplicity! Maple and soy combine in a sweet-salty marinade that's poised to become an instant favorite.

9 of 15

Simple Broccolini

Credit: naples34102
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Broccoli is an everyday side, but dainty broccolini amps up your veg game. Olive oil, garlic and lemon add all the flavor here, for a side that pairs with pretty much anything.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Ann's Rice Pilaf

Credit: lutzflcat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A versatile side that goes with pretty much any entree, this pilaf is easy to execute and fun to dress up with seasonings and veggies. Those who don't mix dairy with meat (for Kosher restrictions) can substitute margarine or plant-based butter for the real thing.

11 of 15

Stuffed Eggplant with Israeli Couscous

Credit: Allrecipes Trusted Brands
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this as a main or a side, but prepare to wow everyone at the table. The bright pomegranate seeds on top, along with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, make this Middle Eastern-inspired dish particularly visually appealing. 

12 of 15

Acorn Squash with Rice and Arugula Stuffing

Credit: Allrecipes Trusted Brands
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Stuffed squash takes care of your veg and starch in one course, or is a nice addition to a table full of texturally unique foods.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Cannellini Bean and Artichoke Salad

Credit: lutzflcat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The best part of this salad recipe is that almost all of the ingredients can be stocked in your pantry. Whether you're adding another last-minute guest and want to stretch the course out or just add another option to dinner, know this recipe for backup.

14 of 15

Cauliflower Chickpeas and Farro

Credit: Swanson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This nutty, hearty dish takes only thirty minutes to prepare. The recipe is so wonderfully comforting, don't expect to have leftovers.

15 of 15

Garlic Lentils with Kale

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A high protein, high flavor dish that can be served as a component of a meal or the main event! Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, these lentils also make great leftovers.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Melissa Kravitz