Jewish Recipes So Good They'll Make Your Bubbe Proud

By

Melissa Kravitz

Published on February 18, 2020

Mom's Potato Latkes served with applesauce on the side — Photo: Holiday Baker

Grandmothers of Ashkenazic Jewish heritage, i.e. Bubbes, are, naturally, the best purveyors of Eastern European Jewish delicacies, from chopped liver to matzo balls. Sure, delis may try and replicate that special bubbe touch, but nothing quite tastes like a dish straight from grandma's kitchen. Whether you're trying to impress your own bubbe or on the brink of becoming a grandmother yourself, add a few more Jewish recipes to your cooking repertoire with our collection.

01 of 17

Matzoh Ball Soup

Matzoh Ball Soup — mauigirl

A Jewish grandparent is only as good as their matzo ball soup. Just kidding, a little bit. Referred to as kosher penicillin, this cure-all for everything from the common cold to the unfortunate heartbreak is a necessity in any Jewish home cook's repertoire.

02 of 17

Pecan Noodle Kugel

Pecan Noodle Kugel — Jodi Christiansen Herman

Sweet pasta isn't common in Western cuisine, but kugel turns egg noodles into a sugary, cheesy side essential to any Jewish dairy celebratory meal. This pecan-crusted version gussies up a classic with a sweet crunch.

03 of 17

Challah

Challah I — Rochelle

Traditionally, the Friday night Shabbat table has not one, but two challahs. Perfect your braiding technique and try expanding to new shapes, with this classic recipe.

04 of 17

Matzo Brei

Matzo Brei — JenniGRN

Not just for Passover, this fried matzo and egg dish is a classic wake-up-at-Bubbe's situation. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack — it's the type of back pocket recipe you'll want to master when your fridge is nearing empty.

05 of 17

Strawberry Blintzes

Strawberry Blintzes

Are they breakfast? Dessert? A main course? Only family tradition can tell you, but classic cheese-stuffed blintzes aren't hard to perfect, which means you can play around with the fruit toppings.

06 of 17

Mom's Potato Latkes

Mom's Potato Latkes served with applesauce on the side — Holiday Baker

The traditional Hanukkah potato pancake is worth making from scratch throughout the cold months. Or, better yet, enlist a few helpers to grate potatoes, whip up a giant batch and freeze latkes to reheat all winter long. Don't forget the applesauce and sour cream on the side!

07 of 17

Jewish Style Sweet and Sour Brisket

Jewish Style Sweet and Sour Brisket — Allrecipes Magazine

Every bubbe has her go-to braised brisket recipe! Test out a few techniques and flavor combos to find yours.

08 of 17

Bubbie's Chopped Liver

Bubbie's Chopped Liver — lutzflcat

You either love it or hate it, but chopped liver isn't going anywhere. It's easier to make than you may think (just a few cooked ingredients and a blitz in the food processor) and can yes, be kind of luxe if you plate it right.

09 of 17

Raspberry and Apricot Rugelach

Raspberry and Apricot Rugelach — AllrecipesPhoto

Part cookie, part pastry, all delicious, this croissant-shaped cookie can be made in sweet or savory varieties, with fruit preserves, chocolate, nuts, and more as the filling.

10 of 17

Mom's Authentic Kosher Cholent

Mom's Authentic Kosher Cholent — Ilikefrenchies

Traditionally cooked in a slow-cooker overnight between Friday dinner and Saturday lunch, this hearty meat, bean, and potato stew is a Shabbat staple.

11 of 17

Sandy's Tzimmes

Sandy's Tzimmes — Allrecipes Magazine

While very few traditional bubbe recipes are veggie forward (that food had to stick to the ribs in the old country), tzimmes is a lighter carrot dish that pairs with pretty much any entree as a nice side.

12 of 17

Gefilte Fish

Gefilte Fish — JPFotoz

Gefilte is a project, but one worth attempting, especially if you want to incite nachas (pride) from bubbe. Be patient, open your windows (that fish scent sticks), and prepare to indulge in your homemade fish rolls — plus horseradish — once you've completed the many steps.

13 of 17

Chocolate Chunk Mandel Bread

Chocolate Chunk Mandel Bread — Jake Wolkoff

Known as the Jewish biscotti, these mandel bread are perfect for your coffee and mah jongg afternoon or a lazy day on the couch watching Seinfeld.

14 of 17

Refrigerator Dill Pickles

Refrigerator Dill Pickles — Ellyx3

Before the word "hipsters" even existed, your Jewish ancestors were pickling. Make your own kosher dills to accompany sandwiches, serve with appetizers, or even jar and package as gifts.

15 of 17

Kasha and Bowties (Kasha Varnishkas)

Kasha and Bowties (Kasha Varnishkas) — bc

Two types of carbs, one dish. Kasha is always a crowd-pleaser, so bringing it to your next potluck wouldn't be a mistake.

16 of 17

Great-Grandmother Bubbie's Hamantaschen

Great-Grandmother Bubbie's Hamantaschen — Grayce Bee

These triangle-shaped butter cookies also leave plenty of room to riff on the fillings, whether you're a sweets lover or more of a poppy seed person.

17 of 17

Old Fashioned Potato Kugel

Old Fashioned Potato Kugel — Susubel

Similar to a potato cake, only better, potato kugel is a starchy baked dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

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