Friday night is a time for family, tradition and sharing a meal together in many Jewish households. Shabbat dinner often features comforting dishes, meaningful rituals and plenty of conversation around the table, making it one of the week's most anticipated gatherings.

To help you plan your menu, we've rounded up the 37 best Shabbat dinner recipes. You'll also find a printable coloring placemat to help keep younger guests entertained while everyone enjoys the meal.

What is Shabbat dinner? 

Shabbat dinner is the traditional Friday evening meal that marks the beginning of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. Families and friends gather around the table to share blessings over wine or grape juice and challah, then enjoy a leisurely meal together. 

More than just dinner, it's a time to pause from the busy week, connect with loved ones and celebrate through food, conversation and tradition.

Every family's Shabbat dinner looks a little different. Menus often reflect cultural traditions and family recipes, but many include comforting dishes that can be prepared ahead of time, making it easier to spend less time in the kitchen and more time together.

Popular Shabbat dinner foods 

Shabbat dinner recipes and menus vary by family, but many feature a mix of traditional favorites and comforting homemade dishes. The meal often begins with challah and wine or grape juice, then moves on to appetizers, hearty main courses, vegetables and dessert. Many recipes are prepared in advance, making them easy to serve on Friday evening.

Some of the most popular Shabbat dinner foods include:

• Challah bread

• Chicken soup or matzo ball soup

• Roasted chicken or brisket

• Fish, such as salmon or cod

• Potato kugel

• Roasted vegetables

• Fresh salads

• Rice or couscous

• Cakes, cookies or fresh fruit for dessert

The recipes below include both traditional favorites and modern dishes that work well in a Shabbat dinner menu.

37 Shabbat recipes to try 

From timeless family favorites to modern weeknight-friendly dishes, these Shabbat dinner recipes make it easy to build a delicious menu for your Friday evening gathering. Mix and match appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts to create a meal that fits your family's traditions and tastes.

1. Challah bread 

Category: Appetizers

One of the most important and traditional Shabbat recipes is challah. You can customize your braided bread for all palates — add everything bagel seasoning for a savory challah recipe or mix in chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make sure to bake an extra loaf for the blessing of the bread, which traditionally calls for two loaves.

2. Matzo ball soup 

Category: Appetizers

There is something so comforting about sipping a warm bowl of homemade matzo ball soup on Shabbat. Serve your soup during the first course or enjoy this hearty recipe as an entree.

3. Lentil soup

Category: Appetizers

Lentils symbolize the circle of life in the Jewish tradition. Enjoy a large bowl of this lentil soup as your first course on Shabbat.

4. Israeli salad 

Category: Appetizers

Israeli salad is a fresh and flavorful dish made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and parsley, tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. This vibrant salad pairs perfectly with other Shabbat foods and adds a refreshing touch to your meal. 

5. Hummus 

Category: Appetizers

Creamy and rich, hummus is a versatile Shabbat appetizer made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Serve it with warm pita bread or fresh vegetable slices for a dish everyone will love.

6. Roasted chicken  

Category: Main dish 

Impress your loved ones with this garlic-salt-roasted chicken. Serve this entree with honey-glazed carrots to complete your Shabbat dinner.

7. Cajun drumsticks  

Category: Main dish 

Looking for modern Shabbat dinner recipes? These Cajun drumsticks are perfect for soaking in the flavors the day before Shabbat. One bite and your family will suddenly have a new favorite meal.

8. Lamb chops  

Category: Main dish

Bask in the delicious flavors of lemon and oregano with these lamb chops. Serve this entree with couscous or Israeli salad to complete the meal.

9. Cornish hens  

Category: Main dish

Add a modern flair to your Shabbat dinner with this cornish hen recipe. For a kosher meat meal, replace butter with olive oil or an appropriately certified pareve alternative, and confirm that all ingredients and preparation equipment fit the household’s kosher practice.

10. Maple salmon  

Category: Main dish

Take your salmon recipe to the next level with a rich, sweet maple marinade. Serve your maple salmon with rice pilaf for a delicious and easy Shabbat meal.

11. Sheet pan chicken  

Category: Main dish

Cut down on prep and cooking time with this sheet pan chicken. Add seasonal vegetables to your baking sheet for a simple yet tasty dinner.

12. Sweet and sour meatballs 

Category: Main dish

Incorporate bold flavors into your Shabbat meal with these sweet-and-sour meatballs. Serve these bite-sized balls as an appetizer or as an entree with roasted potatoes.

13. Orange-glazed chicken 

Category: Main dish

Whip up a quick, mouthwatering dinner with this orange-glazed chicken. Your family will be head over heels for this dish after one bite.

14. Brisket 

Category: Main dish

Brisket is one of the most traditional Shabbat dinner recipes, and for good reason. This tender, juicy and flavorful beef dish is so simple to make for Shabbat. Make sure to serve your brisket with crispy potatoes.

15. Sheet pan cod  

Category: Main dish

This sheet pan cod is an alternative to chicken or beef. The best part is you only need one pan and a few ingredients to create this flavorful dish.

16. Vegetable beef stew

Category: Main dish

Impress your loved ones with this vegetable beef stew. The warmth of the soup along with the flavors of the beef, vegetables and seasoning pair perfectly for a comforting meal.

17. Braised Mediterranean chicken 

Category: Main dish

This braised Mediterranean chicken is an excellent meal that freezes well and tastes even better the next day. Serve this chicken recipe for Shabbat with Israeli couscous and seasonal vegetables.

18. Grilled eggplant 

Category: Vegetarian

Serve this grilled eggplant as an entree or side dish for Shabbat. This low-calorie meal pairs well with rice pilaf, grilled chicken and even a green salad.

19. Potato kugel 

Category: Side dish

While potato kugel is a Passover meal staple, you can also enjoy it on Shabbat. Follow this potato kugel recipe, or mix things up by adding your favorite vegetables. Serve your kugel as a side dish to one of the above Shabbat dinner entrees.

20. Roasted carrots 

Category: Side dish

Keep things simple for Shabbos with these roasted carrots. Pair this side dish with brisket or sheet pan cod to complete your meal.

21. Zucchini kugel  

Category: Side dish

Take your kugel recipe to the next level with this zucchini version. Not only are you getting an extra dose of vegetables, but it’s absolutely delicious.

22. Roasted potatoes

Category: Side dish

You can’t go wrong with these roasted potato recipes for Shabbat. Try rosemary-roasted potatoes and serve this side dish with your choice of protein to balance out the flavors and textures.

23. Rice pilaf 

Category: Side dish 

Rice pilaf is a classic side dish for any meal, including Shabbos. Dress up this pilaf recipe with seasonal vegetables and seasonings. You can also swap the butter in this recipe for a dairy-free option for kosher restrictions.

24. Garlic scalloped potatoes 

Category: Side dish

Scalloped potatoes are an excellent option for modern Shabbat dinner recipes. There is something so comforting about the crispy edges, soft middles and fragrant seasoning. Serve this side dish with your favorite fish or chicken dish.

25. Israeli couscous

Category: Side dish

Israeli couscous makes a versatile side dish for any meal. Mix in pine nuts, onion and seasoning or turn it into a couscous salad to serve with all types of protein.

26. Roasted asparagus

Category: Side dish

You can never go wrong with serving roasted asparagus during your Shabbat meal. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and pair this side dish with chicken, fish or brisket.

27. Roasted Brussels sprouts

Category: Side dish

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, roasted Brussels sprouts are a simple yet delicious addition to your Shabbat table. Toss the sprouts — and possibly other vegetables — with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast until golden brown for a side dish that pairs well with any main course. 

28. Green bean casserole

Category: Side dish

This creamy green bean casserole is a comforting classic, made with tender green beans, savory mushroom sauce and a crispy fried onion topping. It’s an easy make-ahead dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser on Shabbat. 

29. Mandel bread

Category: Dessert

Enjoy this traditional Jewish cookie after your Shabbat dinner. Serve this crispy and tender treat with tea or coffee.

30. Lemon cake

Category: Dessert

Add a bit of zest to your meal with this lemon cake recipe. Use a dairy-free milk alternative to stick to kosher guidelines.

31. Crumb cake 

Category: Dessert

Indulge in the moist fluffiness with every bite of this kosher-friendly crumb cake. Serve your tasty treat with your favorite type of coffee or tea.

32. Chocolate babka

Category: Dessert

No Shabbat dinner is complete without chocolate babka. Follow this foolproof recipe and experience the tender, decadent dessert for yourself.

33. Rainbow cookies 

Category: Dessert

These mini cakes are a popular dessert in the synagogue — they are often the first to disappear at any gathering. One bite of these rainbow cookies and you’ll understand why they’re a fan favorite.

34. Coconut macaroons 

Category: Dessert

You can count on these coconut macaroons to make a statement on Shabbos. Make sure to bake an extra batch for your family to enjoy throughout the week.

35. Rugelach

Category: Dessert

These twisted treats are sure to be eaten quickly at your Shabbat dinner. Switch up the rugelach flavors each week with chocolate, raspberry or cinnamon.

36. Gluten-free peanut butter cookies

Category: Dessert

Bring the richness of peanut butter to your dinner with these gluten-free cookies. Feel free to customize your cookies with different toppings like coconut or chocolate chips.

37. Parve chocolate cake 

Category: Dessert

Who says you can’t have chocolate cake on Shabbat? Try this parve recipe that tastes even better than it looks. Serve each slice with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.

Common Shabbat dinner traditions 

Shabbat dinner is about more than the meal itself. Many families follow traditions that help mark the start of the Shabbat and create a meaningful gathering.

Common Shabbat dinner traditions include:

• Lighting candles before sunset to welcome the Shabbat

• Sharing blessings over wine or grape juice

• Blessing and sharing challah bread before the meal

• Gathering family and friends around the table

• Enjoying a leisurely meal without rushing

• Singing traditional songs before, during or after dinner

• Taking a break from work and other weekday responsibilities

• Spending quality time together through conversation and connection

• Expressing gratitude for the week and the meal being shared

Traditions can vary widely between families and communities, but the focus is often on rest, reflection and spending time with loved ones.

Make your next Shabbat dinner easier to plan

Now that you have 37 dinner recipes to choose from, it’s time to prepare for your upcoming Shabbat. Whip up a batch of chocolate chip challah, maple salmon, crumb cake or another kosher-certified recipe for dessert.

If you find yourself short on time when planning your Shabbat dinner menu, focus on menu planning and turn to Instacart for help with shopping. 

FAQ

What to eat at a Shabbat dinner?

A traditional Shabbat dinner often begins with blessings over wine (or grape juice) and challah bread, followed by a festive meal shared with family and friends. Common dishes include roasted chicken, brisket, salmon, soups like matzo ball soup, vegetable side dishes, kugel and desserts. 

What is served at a Shabbat dinner?

Many Shabbat dinners include challah, wine or grape juice, a main protein, vegetable sides and dessert. Popular foods include roasted chicken, brisket, salmon, potato kugel, roasted vegetables, salads and baked treats like babka or honey cake. Families often serve both recipes passed down through generations and modern favorites.

Is Shabbat dinner every Friday?

Yes. Shabbat begins at sundown every Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday. The Friday evening meal is one of the most important Shabbat traditions, bringing family and friends together to share food, prayers and conversation before the day of rest.

Can you prepare Shabbat dinner ahead of time?

Yes. Many Shabbat dishes are prepared before sunset on Friday, since traditional Jewish observance forbids cooking on Shabbat. Meals like brisket, kugel, soups and roasted chicken can be made in advance and reheated or kept warm, making them practical choices for hosting a stress-free Shabbat dinner.