Our Favorite Shavuot Recipes

One of Judaism’s most beloved holidays, Shavuot marks the celebration of us receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. As we celebrate the moment, families around the world gather at their table to enjoy a festive meal—a meal of rich, creamy, cheese-filled dishes. 

The dairy-themed meals are a departure from the typical meat-filled meals of most other holidays. So, if you’re having trouble planning your Shavuot menu, we put together a list of some of our holiday favorites to inspire your table. 

But, because we’re curious, let’s take a look at why we eat dairy on Shavuot. 

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Why Do We Eat Dairy on Shavuot?

There are a number of reasons we turn to dairy for Shavuot. The first touches on the origins of the holiday and the second on the numerical value of the hebrew word for Dairy, “Chalav”.

Eating Dairy and Receiving the Torah

Upon receiving the Torah, the Jewish people were also given the laws of Kashrut. And because the Torah was given on Shabbat, the Jewish people couldn’t Kasher (make kosher) their utensils, nor could they properly kill the animals they wished to eat. So as a matter of necessity, they turned to dairy foods, and we continue to keep that tradition alive each year.

The Numerical Value of Milk

The Torah is likened to nourishing milk. The hebrew word for milk is “Chalav.” In hebrew, each letter is assigned a numerical value, and if you add the numerical values of each of the letters in Chalav, it equals 40—the number of days Moses spent on Mount Sinai when receiving the Torah.

Now that we understand the tradition, let’s dig into some amazing Shavuot recipes to complete your holiday table.

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Shavuot Appetizers

‍Herbed Goat Cheese Tartlets

These flaky, bite-sized delights are the perfect way to kick off your Shavuot meal.

Ingredients:

• Puff pastry sheets
• Goat cheese
• Fresh thyme and rosemary
• Honey drizzle

Instructions:

1. Cut puff pastry into small squares and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
2. Top with goat cheese, herbs, and a touch of honey.
3. Return to the oven until golden brown.

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Spinach & Artichoke Dip

A creamy, crowd-pleasing classic served warm with crackers or challah.

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded mozzarella
• Cooked spinach and chopped artichokes
• Garlic, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and transfer to a baking dish.
2. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.

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Shavuot Main Courses

Spinach-Feta Stuffed Salmon

A savory, protein-rich main that's elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Fresh salmon fillets
• Spinach
• Feta cheese
• Lemon juice, garlic, olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté spinach and mix with crumbled feta.
2. Slice salmon down the center and stuff with filling.
3. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

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Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This pasta dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a dairy-focused Shavuot meal.

Ingredients:

• Fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Heavy cream or non-dairy alternative
• Mushrooms, garlic, onions
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms, then add cream and cheese.
3. Combine with pasta and serve hot.

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Shavuot Desserts

Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake

No Shavuot menu is complete without cheesecake!

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Melted chocolate
• Strawberries
• Graham cracker crust

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and eggs.
2. Pour over crust and swirl in chocolate.
3. Bake at 325°F for 50 minutes. Chill and top with strawberries.

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Lemon Ricotta Blintzes

These light and zesty blintzes are a Shavuot favorite.

Ingredients:

• Crepe batter
• Ricotta cheese
• Lemon zest and sugar
• Powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook thin crepes in a pan.
2. Fill with lemon-ricotta mixture and fold.
3. Pan-fry and dust with powdered sugar.

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Bring It All Together

Your Shavuot meal doesn’t need to be complicated. With a thoughtful menu of traditional and modern recipes, your table will be a source of joy and celebration. From appetizers to that perfect Shavuot cheesecake, these dishes honor the holiday's spirit with every bite.

Chag Sameach!

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