14 Elegant Rosh Hashanah Appetizers to Make for the Holiday Dinner

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Photo: David Prince

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 such a gathering.

Our selection includes recipes that feature ingredients considered lucky for the holida, 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, in the mix, 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 14

Smoked Salmon-Radish Deviled Eggs

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Mike Krautter

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

02 of 14

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.

03 of 14

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.

04 of 14

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.

05 of 14

Mushroom-Gruyère Tart

mushroom tart
Jonathan Lovekin

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

06 of 14

Beet Salad with Honey-Lavender Dressing

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Mikkel Vang

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

07 of 14

Carrot-Ginger Soup

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Bryan Gardner

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

08 of 14

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.

09 of 14

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.

10 of 14

Butternut Squash Pizza with Hazelnut Dough

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

11 of 14

Herb-Cheese Palmiers

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

12 of 14

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.

13 of 14

Classic Deviled Eggs

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Bryan Gardner

This crowd-pleasing appetizer is a classic for a reason.

14 of 14

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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