We tend to kick off our holiday planning calls with a more personal conversation where we share our family customs, favorite foods, crafts, what our tables look like, and all the little things that make the upcoming holiday special in our own homes.

I thought, wouldn’t it be fun if you could be a fly on the wall for those conversations? They’re honestly some of my favorite parts of planning the holidays!

So, here’s a peek at what we’ll be making and serving in our own homes this Rosh Hashanah. Take a look, steal an idea or two, and let the inspiration begin!

Goldy Guttman (Kosherdotcom Director):

One thing I always play around with at every meal is salatim at the first course. My kids are pretty picky, so I experiment with salads/dips and keep the soup/main more classic.

I also make challah every week, and Esty Wolbe's challah recipe from the site is my go-to challah recipe for years. I've made it both by hand and in a Bosch mixer with excellent results every time. People always ask me for my challah recipe after tasting it! One thing I always do is sprinkle everything bagel seasoning in the pan before adding my challah dough, so the bottom crust has the seasoning. It's a must in this house!

Esty Wolbe’s Best Homemade Challah Ever by Esty Wolbe

Here are some recipes we love in my house for Rosh Hashanah and all year round:

Crispy Mushrooms with Scallion-Ginger Dressing by Michal Frischman

Herb and Silan Crusted Sweet Potatoes by Sima Kazarnovsky

Oven-Smoked Brisket by Ashira Mirsky

Fig Frangipane Galette by Jennifer Chetrit

Chestnut Hummus with Herb Chestnut Oil by Chanie Apfelbaum

Gooey Salty Chocolate Date Bars by Sima Kazarnovsky

Leah Gottheim (Kosherdotcom VP):

This was the easiest chicken that basically comes with a built-in side dish and so much flavor!

One-Pan Apple Glazed Chicken with Carrots and Sweet Potatoes by Rena Tuchinsky

I never really knew what to do with leeks…until I found this recipe.

Onion Leek Tart by Faigy Murray

This is my go-to side dish that everyone loves.

Easy Pumpkin Kugel by Leah Gottheim

Rachel Kor (Kosherdotcom Lifestyle Editor):

I try to create a special Rosh Hashanah menu while keeping things as easy and stress-free as possible. Adding Simanim throughout is a must, and kid-friendly crowd-pleasers are a no-brainer. Comfort food, like a great roast or spare ribs, is always on the table, too. And if I have the time, I love adding a really special dessert that doesn’t require too much effort. This year, that’s the prettiest pomegranate flower garnish.

These are some of the recipes that will be on my table this year.

Date Roll Cookies by Sina Mizrahi

Oil-Free Carrot Muffins by Elky Friedman

The Prettiest Pomegranate Garnish for Rosh Hashanah by Rachel Kor

Rosh Hashanah Salad by Estee Kafra

Custard Apple Streusel Pie by Brynie Greisman

Sweet and Tangy Spare Ribs by Renee Muller

Leek Pancakes by Ruthy Bodner

Renee Schwartz (Kosherdotcom Recipe Editor):

My general cooking style is fairly simple, and right now — with a house full of picky kids — I'm doing less experimenting and more pursuing those elusive recipes that sit squarely at the intersection of "best" and "most-kid-approved."

However, that kind of culinary rut does get ... boring. I think of it as my own personal oneg Yom Tov to make special dishes that are special favorites just for myself.

Sweet Noodle Kugel by Sara Goldstein

This is a favorite, as is the classic sweet potato pone from Spice and Spirit, and any kind of apple crisp - my current go-to is:

Tanya’s Apple Cobbler by Menuchah Armel

Even if I make these in small portions, or freeze some to have for the rest of the yamim tovim, when I sit down to a slice of my favorite sweet kugels, it feels like a gesture of self care.

And, of course, round challahs are unskippable. I like to try the newest Kosher.com shape or topping every year. If you use spelt flour, like I do, you'll find that the shapes don't hold well. If you want top results, you might consider switching to all-purpose flour for these batches.

This one from Estee Chait was very pretty and easy to accomplish.

How to Make the Prettiest Round Flower Challah for Rosh Hashanah by Estelle Chait

Raquel Malul (Kosherdotcom Social Media Manager):

When it comes to Rosh Hashanah I love to stick with the classics. Always an apple and honey dessert. Pomegranates sprinkled in as many things as possible. Anywhere fun to sneak in some simanim is always a win!

I love making confit for my sourdough during the year and this is a perfect elevated version for Rosh Hashanah.

Simanim Confit Is Perfect For All The Rosh Hashanah Challah! by Rachel Kor

I remember when this recipe came out a few years ago I knew I had to give it a try! It was a huge success. It's become a Rosh Hashanah staple.

Honey Pomegranate Trifles by Esty Wolbe

This chicken is super easy, flavorful and no-fail. You can never go wrong with it.

Caramelized Onion, Honey, and Chestnut Chicken by Tammy Israel

I love a good green bean side dish and I usually make both of these for different meals. Although seemingly similar, the flavors are actually very different!

Maple Green Beans with Pomegranate Arils by Sina Mizrahi

Green Beans with Chestnuts, Pomegranates and Lemony Tahini by Ruth Fox and Vicky Cohen

It's not Rosh Hashanah without a classic apple cake.

Apple Crumble Cake by Faigy Murray

Nechami Goldman (Kosherdotcom Video Producer):

I always bake round challos some time over the summer so my freezer is stocked. The first braiding technique featured in this episode looks really beautiful:

4 Ways to Impress With Your Round Challah Skills⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Shortcuts by Family Table

This year I attempted a spelt honey cookie that was still soft and chewy, and I think this recipe nailed it!

Can’t-Tell-They’re-Spelt Honey Cookies by Kosher Intelligence

For regular honey cookies - this is the one:

Honey Whoopie Pies by Melanie and Diana Moss

I’ll definitely be making these 3-ingredient, virtually-no-prep dessert bites I saw at a neighbor: fill store-bought mini tart shells with custard and top with 3 strategically placed pomegranate seeds. And boom. It looks so elegant (like yum heaven mush as my girls would say) and is too easy to be counted as a recipe.

My personal Rosh Hashanah menu would consist of mainly carbs, but in the interest of keeping everyone else happy… may I humbly recommend these other great, no-fail recipes:

Rosh Hashanah Chicken Marbella by Rorie Weisberg

Confetti Cabbage Salad with Grilled Chicken by Esty Wolbe

BBQ Pulled Brisket Spring Rolls by Devorah Schwartz

No need to fry - just spray with oil and bake!

Our Staff’s Go-To Rosh Hashanah Recipes