19 Elegant Rosh Hashanah Appetizers to Make for the Holiday Dinner

From fresh salads to cheesy tarts and comforting soups, we've got stellar suggestions for how to start your holiday meal.

beet cheddar apple tarts
Photo: Bryan Gardner

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls in the autumn, during September or October. It's a time of togetherness, where families and friends convene after religious services to celebrate the dawn of a new year. Unlike the Passover seder, there are fewer typical foods eaten for this holiday, but we've selected a number of Rosh Hashanah appetizers that would be ideal for kicking off your gathering.

Our selection includes recipes that feature ingredients considered lucky for the holiday, like carrots, which feature in both a vegetable tart and a creamy soup, and ones that are culturally significant, like pomegranates, which serve as the garnish for autumnal pears and fresh goat cheese in a supremely quick, four-ingredient starter. And, of course, there's that Jewish holiday favorite, matzo ball soup, along with less expected options such as a mushroom and Gruyère tart, deviled eggs with smoked salmon, and butternut squash salad.

Whichever you choose to serve, these Rosh Hashanah appetizers will set the perfect scene for a festive meal.

01 of 19

Carrot, Zucchini, and Leek Fritters

carrot zucchini and leek fritters
Lennart Weibull

A riff on latkes, these colorful fritters pack in three vegetables. Serve them with a dipping sauce like like Zesty Tomato or Curried-Sour-Cream—or both!

02 of 19

Polenta Squares With Wild Mushrooms and Fontina

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David Malosh

Cooled polenta sets into a firm and is crisp on the outside and creamy within. It makes the perfect base for these savory bites. Use a mix of mushrooms for the topping for the best texture and flavor.

03 of 19

Crème Fraîche Salmon Spread

creme fraiche salmon spread
David Malosh

Serve this quick, easy, and sophisticated spread with crisp crackers. Tangy crème fraîche unites poached and smoked salmon for an elegant topping.

04 of 19

Pears and Camembert

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Anna Williams

This rich appetizer is just right for a special meal like Rosh Hashanah dinner. A wheel of camembert is sliced across and filled with warm buttery diced pears and walnuts and topped with a balsamic-honey glaze.

05 of 19

Herbed Hummus

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Give store-bought hummus a holiday makeover by blending in fresh herbs. It's also a great way to use up leftover herbs.

06 of 19

Smoked Salmon-Radish Deviled Eggs

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Mike Krautter

The smoked fish adds a luxurious savory flavor to this classic appetizer.

07 of 19

Roasted-Carrot-and-Beet Tart

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Bryan Gardner

Leaving the carrots whole makes for an even more enticing presentation in this striking phyllo tart.

08 of 19

Test Kitchen's Favorite Matzo Ball Soup

matzo ball chicken broth soup
Sidney Bensimon

It's our favorite for good reason: The long-simmered chicken stock makes a soup that is well worth the wait.

09 of 19

Spicy Squash Salad With Ginger-Lime Dressing

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David Prince

This dish features two varieties of squash: butternut and acorn, along with an addictive, slightly zesty vinaigrette.

10 of 19

Mushroom-Gruyère Tart

mushroom tart
Jonathan Lovekin

Tahini makes a surprising, savory addition to the crust in this satisfying vegetarian dish.

11 of 19

Beet Salad With Honey-Lavender Dressing

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Mikkel Vang

Fall produce and fresh goat cheese star in this vibrant, refreshing salad.

12 of 19

Carrot-Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Coconut Soup

Bryan Gardner

This aromatic, velvety soup can be served hot or cold and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

13 of 19

Baked Brie With Boozy Fruit

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Aya Brackett

It's hard to resist the gooey texture and rich flavor of baked brie. Tangy, port-laced fruit adds a sweet, slightly acidic note.

14 of 19

Beet, Cheddar, and Apple Tarts

beet cheddar apple tarts
Bryan Gardner

Apples and honey (meant to signify the sweetness of the year ahead) are a classic snack at Rosh Hashanah, so we've included this favorite seasonal fruit in an elegant, savory tart made with store-bought puff pastry.

15 of 19

Butternut Squash Pizza With Hazelnut Dough

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Thinly sliced winter squash stars in this rustic, creative preparation.

16 of 19

Herb-Cheese Palmiers

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These savory pastries feature both cheddar and parmesan, along with chopped fresh herbs.

17 of 19

Carrot Roulades With Radish and Herb Goat Cheese

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Thin strips of carrots create the perfect vessel for creamy goat cheese filling.

18 of 19

Classic Deviled Eggs

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Bryan Gardner

A classic appetizer for Rosh Hashanah and so many other holidays. This is the original and best recipe.

19 of 19

Crostini With Ricotta, Honey, and Lemon Zest

three versions of crostini on gray placemat
Marcus Nilsson

Ready in under five minutes, this easy Italian-inspired appetizer marries savory and sweet wonderfully.

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