There are 8 nights of Chanukah, but let's be honest: It's all about the nights with parties. That's where you can really get excited about your menu. Bite-sized treats are always fun, but when you can infuse them with dairy goodness, they're basically unbeatable.

 

1. Mini Caprese Waffle Bites by Faigy Grossman

These adorable, ultra-tasty bites are loaded with all things good: fresh mozzarella, avocado, and roasted tomatoes, piled upon a crisp and flavored waffle crust to produce a most delicious dairy bite for a gourmet Shavuos appetizer or side. I included a kid-friendly version of “pizza waffle bites” for those customers with a less sophisticated palate; they are delicious as well and you may want to double this recipe, as they’ll be gone before you blink!

2. Crazy Loaded Pizza Bites by Chanie Nayman

Salads with beautiful colors do a lot for a party table but the real crowd-pleaser on the table will be these guys! Save room!

3. Mac-and-Cheese Balls by Rivky Kleiman

A great way to make an all-time family favorite party friendly.

4. Pear and Goat Cheese Crostini with Red Grape Reduction by Erin Grunstein

This appetizer is so easy to put together, but so incredibly delicious – all my samples were gone very, very quickly!

5. Cantaloupe and Feta Salad by Sara and Yossi Goldstein

A combination of sweet fruit and salty feta is one of our favorite summertime treats. It’s refreshing and beautiful. Enjoy it in one bite or toss it into a big bowl.

6. Sautéed Mushroom Crostini by Vera Newman

This is my favorite easy appetizer to make for a family get-together, birthday dinner, or even for brunch. It’s instantly devoured every time I make it, no matter how much I prepare.

7. Crispy Cauliflower Dipping Party by Victoria Dwek

8. Mushroom-Stuffed Mozzarella Stick by Michal Frischman

These are definitely a little less cheesy but a whole lot more flavorful than standard mozzarella sticks. But then again, the idea of eating a whole deep-fried cheese stick was never my thing. For best results, freeze completely after breading.  

9. Lemon-Butter Tilapia Bites by Rivky Kleiman

A buttery-soft fabulous finger food.

10. Red Wine Pear Salad with Spiced Walnuts and Goat Cheese by Estee Kafra

It may seem like this salad requires a long list of ingredients, but most of it can be done days in advance, making the assembly very simple.

11. Dairy Onion Dip 'n Nachos by Faigy Grossman

Creamy with a tangy dairy flavor, this dip pairs particularly well with nacho- or taco-flavored tortilla chips.

12. Cheese-Stuffed Bread Loaf by Chef Tom Francz

This is a delicious, classy bread, great for company. You can make it out of almost any bread, store-bought or homemade. Your kids will have a great time helping you stuff it, and taking it apart is as fun as creating it.

13. Kale Feta Salad on Crispy Bagel Rounds by Chanie Nayman

This is a very forgiving recipe. Mix and match ingredients to your taste! 

14. Croissants with Mushroom and Mozzarella Cheese Filling by Temi Philip

Croissants are a favorite and I can’t be limited to just one. Featured as an appetizer for a dairy meal, they prepare the palate for a scrumptious homemade feast.

15. Spinach-Cheese Pizza Pretzel Bites by Chaia Frishman

A long name for a recipe that makes the cutest snack.

16. Goat Cheese-Olive Turnovers by Chayala Grunwald

17. Spicy Cream Cheese Wontons by Yossi and Malky Levine

You’ve tried the chicken wontons, fish wontons, and probably meat wontons too. What better time to go for cream cheese wontons— and for that kick of hot sauce?

18. Tuna Tostones by Ashira Mirsky

Originally published December 2018. Updated and improved December 2025.