I love having as much of my Sukkot cooking done ahead as possible, especially when there are so many meals to plan and everything has to make its way out to the sukkah. This menu includes appetizers, soups, mains, sides, and desserts that can be prepared in advance and frozen. I chose dishes that feel right for the season, with plenty of warm fall flavors and options that are easy to serve.
Always check the individual recipe for its specific freezing, defrosting, and reheating instructions, since each dish can be a little different.
Get your first course out of the way early.
Choose appetizers and fish that freeze well and can be served from one platter or serving dish. On Yom Tov, and especially when you’re carrying everything out to the sukkah, simple serving is a big win.
Freeze-ahead tips: Transfer frozen fish and appetizers to the refrigerator the day before you plan to serve them and let them defrost slowly overnight. Chilled dishes can usually go straight from the fridge to the table.
For appetizers that are meant to be served warm, reheat covered so they don’t dry out, then uncover briefly at the end if you want to restore some crispness.
Esty Wolbe
Esty’s kitchen is being taken over by a special guest—her mom! Esty may not make the best stuffed cabbage (or Haluptzii), but she’s going to give you the
...read moreCandice Walker
Gefilte fish is a fish cake poached in broth that has a texture like matzo balls. They are delicious served as soup, or as an appetizer on radicchio
...read more
Naomi Nachman
I am stopped all over the world by people telling me how much they love this quick, easy, and incredibly delicious fish. The salty nuts, the sweetness of
...read moreNorene Gilletz
This salmon is great for guests when you’re pressed for time. It’s delicious either hot or cold– Mediterrane-yumm!
...read more
Brynie Greisman
A different and delicious accompaniment to cholent, this is an updated version of deli roll that everyone will welcome warmly. Yields 20-24 pieces
...read more
Chaya Ruchie Schwartz
I’ve been making this meatball recipe for years. My sister-in-law included it in the original stovetop version in the cookbook she made for me when I was engaged.
...read moreA warm bowl of soup is especially welcome on a cool night in the sukkah.
These are the kinds of soups that actually benefit from being made ahead, so you can cook them now, freeze them, and have one less pot to worry about once Yom Tov begins.
Freeze-ahead tips: Freeze soup in containers with a little room at the top for expansion. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a pot, stirring occasionally. If a pureed soup looks a little separated after freezing, don’t worry. A good stir or quick whisk while it heats usually brings it right back together.
Chaia Frishman
Yes, it’s a long name, but every part earns its place. This soup is cozy enough for a chilly night in the succah, but it can equally stand
...read more
Michal Frischman
While I know that root vegetable soups are supposed to be a winter thing, I love them all year, especially over Yom Tov. They’re perfect foods to make
...read more
Brynie Greisman
Roasting the veggies first to slightly caramelize them adds delicious depth and flavor to this soup. The chickpeas thicken it, and the coconut milk adds an irresistible creaminess.
...read moreBrynie Greisman
Sautéing the veggies intensifies their flavor in this soup. Blending half the soup is the trick to getting that creamed flavor and light texture without any added fat.
...read moreBraised meats and roasts are some of the easiest Yom Tov dishes to make ahead. They often taste even better after the flavors have had time to settle, which makes them perfect freezer candidates.
Freeze-ahead tips: Freeze meats with plenty of their sauce or cooking liquid to help keep them moist. For easiest reheating, defrost in the refrigerator for a day or two, depending on the size of the roast or pan. Reheat covered at a moderate temperature until hot throughout.
Slice large roasts before reheating when possible so the meat warms more evenly and you don’t have to overheat the outside while waiting for the center.
Shifra Klein
This sweet-and-savory roast screams Fall, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot all in one. The unique flavor profile of baharat (which is a secret ingredient in many Israeli cholent recipes),
...read more
Shaindy Siff
For this brisket, I use a simple spice rub that brings out amazing flavors every time. Slow cooked with red wine, it turns tender and rich. It’s so
...read more
Sara Goldstein
What would the Yom Tov season be like without a really good brisket recipe? There’s a few important steps here, like marinating the meat and waiting until it’s
...read more
Michal Frischman
Flanken, while not the cheapest cut of meat, is always a safe bet for me, especially for a Yom Tov meal with so much going on. The stress
...read more
Elisheva Drori
If you’re looking for a no-fail, deeply flavorful meat for Yom Tov, this chuck eye roast delivers every time. Slowly braised with red wine, fresh herbs, and sweet
...read moreChicken can be one of the easiest dishes to prep ahead, especially when there’s a flavorful sauce to keep it moist while reheating. I included a mix of sweet, savory, and fruit-forward options so every meal doesn’t start tasting the same.
Freeze-ahead tip: Freeze chicken together with its sauce whenever possible. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered so the chicken stays moist. If the sauce thickens too much after freezing, add a small splash of water or broth before reheating. For glazed or roasted chicken, uncover near the end so the top can regain some color.
Brynie Greisman
Not your typical stuffed chicken, the symphony of flavors in this dish comes together to deliver one of the juiciest, most flavorful chicken dishes ever. The glaze gives
...read moreFaigy Grossman
These pargiyot (deboned chicken bottoms) are infused with an amazing, addictive, and flavorful sauce that is out of this world! It doesn’t hurt that it’s a one-pan, quick-and-easy
...read moreSusie Fishbein
This dish shouts Rosh Hashanah on a plate! Honey and other sticky ingredients are a cinch to measure. Just coat the measuring cup or spoon with nonstick cooking
...read moreShiffy Friedman
Because we like to enjoy each food group on its own, I seldom use fruits in cooking. However, in honor of Tu B’Shvat, I share an exception with
...read more
Leah Leora
I love the Mediterranean herb flavors in this healthy, juicy, and crisp chicken recipe. The Kalamata olives bring it to another level.
...read moreThis is where your freezer can really save you. Kugels are ideal for making ahead, and having two or three ready to go means you can round out several Yom Tov meals without starting another side dish from scratch.
Freeze-ahead tips: Most kugels can go straight from the freezer to the oven if you give them plenty of time to heat through, but defrosting overnight in the refrigerator will make reheating faster and more even. Start them covered so the center gets hot without the top getting too dark, then uncover for the last part of reheating to bring back those crisp edges. Potato kugel especially benefits from that final uncovered stretch.
Chantzy Weinstein
Brynie Greisman
This kugel is so delightful; I know you’ll make it again and again! It appeals to all ages with its creamy texture and heavenly crunchy topping. It freezes
...read more
Orly Kaniel
This is Shani’s recipe! As seen on Savta and Me!
...read moreNitra Ladies Auxiliary
Sweet noodle kugel, known by some as lukshon kugel, is one of the most enduring Ashkenaz Jewish foods, and with this easy recipe you too can prepare it right at home.
...read more
Chaya Rappoport
It takes time to properly caramelize a pot of onions – about an hour, to be exact – but it’s well worth it. The resulting onions are jammy
...read moreDessert is another easy place to get ahead. For Sukkot, I especially like cakes and pies that can be carried out to the sukkah in one piece, sliced at the table, and served without a parade of individual plates and containers.
Freeze-ahead tip: Wrap cakes and pies well before freezing so they don’t pick up freezer odors. Most cakes can defrost, still wrapped, at room temperature for several hours. Pies and desserts with creamy fillings are better defrosted in the refrigerator. Leave any finishing touches, like powdered sugar, glaze, whipped topping, or crunchy garnishes, until after the dessert has thawed so they look fresh when you serve them.
Faigy Murray
Every year I would make loads of honey cake. Cuz you know honey cake and Rosh Hashana are a must! But I realized my family doesn’t care for
...read more
Baila Israel
I experimented with countless Bundt cake recipes, but they always seemed to miss the mark — some turned out too dry, while others were too mushy. Determined to
...read more
Brynie Greisman
Calling all coffee lovers to enjoy a sweet, rich, and decadent dessert lekavod Yom Tov! It starts with a coffee cookie base, topped with a store-bought or easy
...read more
Rivky Kleiman
Here is a dessert that is an oldie but goodie.
...read moreNaomi Nachman
Watch the video here! These are one of my favorite easy treats to make. I make them in batches and put them in the freezer- you never know
...read moreDesign personalized meal menus with custom courses and dish names, using your own recipes or selecting from Kosher.com's vast collection. Perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or everyday planning.
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Sep 16, 2026
I love having as much of my Sukkot cooking done ahead as possible, especially when there are so many meals to plan and everything has to make its way out to the sukkah. This menu includes appetizers, soups, mains, sides, and desserts that can be prepared in advance and frozen. I chose dishes that feel right for the season, with plenty of warm fall flavors and options that are easy to serve.
Always check the individual recipe for its specific freezing, defrosting, and reheating instructions, since each dish can be a little different.

Get your first course out of the way early. Choose appetizers and fish that freeze well and can be served from one platter or serving dish. On Yom Tov, and especially when you’re carrying everything out to the sukkah, simple serving is a big win. Freeze-ahead tips: Transfer frozen fish and appetizers to the refrigerator the day before you plan to serve them and let them defrost slowly overnight. Chilled dishes can usually go straight from the fridge to the table. For appetizers that are meant to be served warm, reheat covered so they don’t dry out, then uncover briefly at the end if you want to restore some crispness.
Esty Wolbe
Esty’s kitchen is being taken over by a special guest—her mom! Esty may not make the best stuffed cabbage (or Haluptzii), but she’s going to give you the
...read more
Candice Walker
Gefilte fish is a fish cake poached in broth that has a texture like matzo balls. They are delicious served as soup, or as an appetizer on radicchio
...read more
Naomi Nachman
I am stopped all over the world by people telling me how much they love this quick, easy, and incredibly delicious fish. The salty nuts, the sweetness of
...read more
Norene Gilletz
This salmon is great for guests when you’re pressed for time. It’s delicious either hot or cold– Mediterrane-yumm!
...read more
Brynie Greisman
A different and delicious accompaniment to cholent, this is an updated version of deli roll that everyone will welcome warmly. Yields 20-24 pieces
...read more
Chaya Ruchie Schwartz
I’ve been making this meatball recipe for years. My sister-in-law included it in the original stovetop version in the cookbook she made for me when I was engaged.
...read moreA warm bowl of soup is especially welcome on a cool night in the sukkah. These are the kinds of soups that actually benefit from being made ahead, so you can cook them now, freeze them, and have one less pot to worry about once Yom Tov begins. Freeze-ahead tips: Freeze soup in containers with a little room at the top for expansion. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a pot, stirring occasionally. If a pureed soup looks a little separated after freezing, don’t worry. A good stir or quick whisk while it heats usually brings it right back together.
Chaia Frishman
Yes, it’s a long name, but every part earns its place. This soup is cozy enough for a chilly night in the succah, but it can equally stand
...read more
Michal Frischman
While I know that root vegetable soups are supposed to be a winter thing, I love them all year, especially over Yom Tov. They’re perfect foods to make
...read more
Brynie Greisman
Roasting the veggies first to slightly caramelize them adds delicious depth and flavor to this soup. The chickpeas thicken it, and the coconut milk adds an irresistible creaminess.
...read more
Brynie Greisman
Sautéing the veggies intensifies their flavor in this soup. Blending half the soup is the trick to getting that creamed flavor and light texture without any added fat.
...read moreBraised meats and roasts are some of the easiest Yom Tov dishes to make ahead. They often taste even better after the flavors have had time to settle, which makes them perfect freezer candidates. Freeze-ahead tips: Freeze meats with plenty of their sauce or cooking liquid to help keep them moist. For easiest reheating, defrost in the refrigerator for a day or two, depending on the size of the roast or pan. Reheat covered at a moderate temperature until hot throughout. Slice large roasts before reheating when possible so the meat warms more evenly and you don’t have to overheat the outside while waiting for the center.
Shifra Klein
This sweet-and-savory roast screams Fall, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot all in one. The unique flavor profile of baharat (which is a secret ingredient in many Israeli cholent recipes),
...read more
Shaindy Siff
For this brisket, I use a simple spice rub that brings out amazing flavors every time. Slow cooked with red wine, it turns tender and rich. It’s so
...read more
Sara Goldstein
What would the Yom Tov season be like without a really good brisket recipe? There’s a few important steps here, like marinating the meat and waiting until it’s
...read more
Michal Frischman
Flanken, while not the cheapest cut of meat, is always a safe bet for me, especially for a Yom Tov meal with so much going on. The stress
...read more
Elisheva Drori
If you’re looking for a no-fail, deeply flavorful meat for Yom Tov, this chuck eye roast delivers every time. Slowly braised with red wine, fresh herbs, and sweet
...read moreChicken can be one of the easiest dishes to prep ahead, especially when there’s a flavorful sauce to keep it moist while reheating. I included a mix of sweet, savory, and fruit-forward options so every meal doesn’t start tasting the same. Freeze-ahead tip: Freeze chicken together with its sauce whenever possible. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered so the chicken stays moist. If the sauce thickens too much after freezing, add a small splash of water or broth before reheating. For glazed or roasted chicken, uncover near the end so the top can regain some color.
Brynie Greisman
Not your typical stuffed chicken, the symphony of flavors in this dish comes together to deliver one of the juiciest, most flavorful chicken dishes ever. The glaze gives
...read more
Faigy Grossman
These pargiyot (deboned chicken bottoms) are infused with an amazing, addictive, and flavorful sauce that is out of this world! It doesn’t hurt that it’s a one-pan, quick-and-easy
...read more
Susie Fishbein
This dish shouts Rosh Hashanah on a plate! Honey and other sticky ingredients are a cinch to measure. Just coat the measuring cup or spoon with nonstick cooking
...read more
Shiffy Friedman
Because we like to enjoy each food group on its own, I seldom use fruits in cooking. However, in honor of Tu B’Shvat, I share an exception with
...read more
Leah Leora
I love the Mediterranean herb flavors in this healthy, juicy, and crisp chicken recipe. The Kalamata olives bring it to another level.
...read moreThis is where your freezer can really save you. Kugels are ideal for making ahead, and having two or three ready to go means you can round out several Yom Tov meals without starting another side dish from scratch. Freeze-ahead tips: Most kugels can go straight from the freezer to the oven if you give them plenty of time to heat through, but defrosting overnight in the refrigerator will make reheating faster and more even. Start them covered so the center gets hot without the top getting too dark, then uncover for the last part of reheating to bring back those crisp edges. Potato kugel especially benefits from that final uncovered stretch.
Chantzy Weinstein
Brynie Greisman
This kugel is so delightful; I know you’ll make it again and again! It appeals to all ages with its creamy texture and heavenly crunchy topping. It freezes
...read more
Orly Kaniel
This is Shani’s recipe! As seen on Savta and Me!
...read more
Nitra Ladies Auxiliary
Sweet noodle kugel, known by some as lukshon kugel, is one of the most enduring Ashkenaz Jewish foods, and with this easy recipe you too can prepare it right at home.
...read more
Chaya Rappoport
It takes time to properly caramelize a pot of onions – about an hour, to be exact – but it’s well worth it. The resulting onions are jammy
...read moreDessert is another easy place to get ahead. For Sukkot, I especially like cakes and pies that can be carried out to the sukkah in one piece, sliced at the table, and served without a parade of individual plates and containers. Freeze-ahead tip: Wrap cakes and pies well before freezing so they don’t pick up freezer odors. Most cakes can defrost, still wrapped, at room temperature for several hours. Pies and desserts with creamy fillings are better defrosted in the refrigerator. Leave any finishing touches, like powdered sugar, glaze, whipped topping, or crunchy garnishes, until after the dessert has thawed so they look fresh when you serve them.
Faigy Murray
Every year I would make loads of honey cake. Cuz you know honey cake and Rosh Hashana are a must! But I realized my family doesn’t care for
...read more
Baila Israel
I experimented with countless Bundt cake recipes, but they always seemed to miss the mark — some turned out too dry, while others were too mushy. Determined to
...read more
Brynie Greisman
Calling all coffee lovers to enjoy a sweet, rich, and decadent dessert lekavod Yom Tov! It starts with a coffee cookie base, topped with a store-bought or easy
...read more
Rivky Kleiman
Here is a dessert that is an oldie but goodie.
...read more
Naomi Nachman
Watch the video here! These are one of my favorite easy treats to make. I make them in batches and put them in the freezer- you never know
...read more
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I like the way it is all presented. I am going to try out the Bundt cake and the recipe for pargiyot. I’ll let you know.
by the way I live in Israel and some of the recipes have ingredients unavailable here.
I am a great fan of Kosher.com and always peruse it when I am preparing for Shabbat or Chag.
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