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39 Best Passover Recipes For A Seder (2022)

ByCheryl

We update this post every year with several of our new recipes to help you plan a wonderful Passover Seder menu or help out the host with a potluck dish.

We’ve gathered our family favorite and best Passover recipes for main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Not necessarily traditional, but all Passover friendly.

Many are vegetarian, take 30 minutes or less and perfect for potluck. We even have a few food gift ideas. 

collage of Passover recipes

Those who celebrate this special Jewish holiday will fall into one of two camps.

  • hosting a Passover Seder or
  • bringing a dish or two to someone else’s Seder.

While many stick to traditional foods, some of you might want to change it up a bit – or at least mix old and new.

 

Passover food restrictions (some are now changed)

The recipes below do not include bread, flour, grains and legumes that are not eaten on Passover. Those who are more observant will only eat products and ingredients that are kosher for Passover.

In my experience, almost everything is available now, labeled ‘kosher-for-Passover’. Here’s a good guide to foods that can be eaten during Passover.

Changes since 2016: Passover restrictions have changed according to the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS), the legal body of the Conservative movement. Kitniyot such as rice, corn, sesame seeds, etc are now allowed.

Some may disagree, so be sure to check with your guests or host before using previously restricted foods.

Information to help plan your menu

All the Passover recipes included here can be used in your sedar menu because they all adhere to the customs for eating during Passover.

To help hosts and guests, we have also noted the following for each recipe:

  • Vegetarian recipes: These will be helpful if you have vegetarians at the seder table.
  • Potluck-friendly: This means the dish can be made ahead and transported. We offer a few tips for reheating and serving where needed.
  • Make-ahead: This is critical for larger group gatherings and to reduce the stress.
  • Under 30 minutes: Who doesn’t want a few dishes that can be made quickly?
  • Gift or Lootbag appropriate: If I have the energy, I like to give out loot bags at the end when I host.

What are the traditional dishes for a Passover seder?

Every family has its own Passover traditions and favorite Passover recipes. Traditional dishes will vary. Here are a few common ones, especially for Ashkenazi Jews.

  • chicken soup with matzo balls (matzo ball soup)
  • gefilte fish
  • brisket
  • roast chicken
  • potato kugel (casserole)
  • tzimmes (carrot/prune stew)
  • kosher wine (red wine)
  • Passover cakes (essentially flourless cakes)

Every family will also have a version of the seder plate with symbolic foods.

Main Course Passover Recipes

Apricot Chicken (Easy Semi-Homemade)

glazed apricot chicken on plate
Sticky, sweet, tangy deliciousness. This semi-homemade apricot chicken is a step up from that old recipe with onion soup, jam and Catalina dressing.
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Make ahead: Cook chicken to 155F/68C (read with an instant read thermometer) up to an hour ahead. Cover well with foil. Before serving, spoon sauce on top and broil for 4 minutes 8-10 inches from the heat.

Company Chicken with Citrus Sauce and Pistachios

company chicken breast with citrus and pistachios on plate
This company chicken with citrus, carrots, prunes & pistachios is a treat for the eyes, taste buds and cook (make-ahead). The flavors blend beautifully.
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Make ahead: The whole recipe can be prepped a day ahead (or in the morning) and popped into the oven before serving. 

Potluck: Transport the cooked chicken in a large roaster. Either complete the cooking and keep warm in the host’s oven or just do the broiling before serving at the host’s house. Bring the parsley and pistachios in a separate container to sprinkle on before serving.

Simple Herb Stuffed Salmon Recipe

fillet of salmon with roasted with herbs on plate with lemon
This herb stuffed salmon recipe is infused with green herbs, lemon and wine to create a delicious main dish. Succulent, healthy and ready in 20 minutes.
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For a Passover or holiday menu, use a skinless whole side of salmon (instead of individual fillets) for a beautiful presentation. 

Make ahead: The salmon can be made a couple hours ahead or refrigerated the day before and brought to room temperature the next day. Sprinkle additional chopped herbs on top before serving along with lemon wedges and preferred garnish.  

Potluck: This recipe is perfect for potluck, particularly if you serve it at room temperature (no reheating needed). Under 30 minutes.

Reverse Sear Prime Rib (Mouthwatering)

sliced prime rib roast on cutting board
This classic prime rib recipe uses the reverse-sear method to create mouth watering, medium-rare meat throughout the entire roast. It doesn't get better than that. The method is also perfect for a seder meal because it allows for a long rest time.
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Make ahead: Once the slow cook portion of the roasting is done, it can sit on the counter covered for up to 90 minutes. Just before serving, roast it at very high heat for 6-10 minutes, slice and serve.

One Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

chicken and roasted veggies on plate with gravy f
Make a delicious dinner with this one pan roast chicken and vegetable recipe. Succulent chicken with your favorite roast veggies.
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Roast chicken is pretty traditional for a Passover seder. I suggest using chicken pieces instead of whole chickens to make it easier on yourself.

Make ahead: and keep in a warm oven. If making gravy, serve in a coffee thermos to keep it hot.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken

pieces of balsamic chicken on plate with green onion garnish
With just 6 ingredients, balsamic glazed chicken is a simple sweet, tangy, delicious chicken dinner. 
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Make ahead: This simple but really tasty chicken can be marinated the day before and popped in the oven before dinner time. The chicken can also be fully cooked and kept in a warm oven for up to an hour. Finish off under the broiler for a few minutes for a nice finish. 

Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

salmon filet over quinoa on plate 1
I love the combination of maple syrup, lime, soy sauce and garlic in this super easy maple glazed salmon recipe. Simple, pretty and delish. There are two key ingredients that take the flavors from good to great. Real maple syrup (not the artificial kind) and fresh lime.
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For a large group at a seder, consider serving a full side of skinless salmon (or two) instead of fillets.

Potluck is possible if you serve it at room temperature. Under 30 minutes.

Bone-In Turkey Breast with Pear Chutney

sliced turkey breast with pear chutney on board
A simple roasted bone-in turkey breast with pear chutney makes for a surprisingly no-fuss, healthy and delicious family or company dinner.
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Substitute a tzimmes (see below) for the pear chutney if you like. 

Make ahead: Cook turkey to 160F or a little less. Cool down, then slice across the grain.  Set slices in a pan and add a 1/4 broth to the pan. Cover tightly and reheat at 325F for about 10-15 minutes. Or, much simpler and more fool-proof, just keep warm for up to an hour loosely covered with foil, especially if you’re making hot gravy. 

Potluck: Transport in pan for reheating, covered with foil. Bring chutney on the side and serve warm or at room temperature. 

Sous Vide Option: If you have sous vide equipment, you can make incredibly moist delicious sous vide turkey breasts. Just slice before serving.

Sous Vide Tri Tip

sliced tri tip on plate
Perfectly cook a beef tri tip roast to the exact temperature you choose every single time. That's what you can expect with sous vide tri tip. Remarkable consistency, excellent texture and definitely delicious. 
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With prime rib so expensive these days, tri tip is a great alternative. The sous vide cooking process is perfect for this cut of meat.

Make ahead: You have a window of a couple of hours, making this an ideal option for a seder meal. You can even do a sear for a nice presentation, then keep it warm in a water bath before slicing.

Serve with beef gravy without drippings or peach chutney.

Veal Stew with Wine, Zest and Thyme

veal stew in bowl with bread and salad
This veal stew, made with wine, lemon zest and thyme, is rich, flavorful and full-bodied. Perhaps a bit more rustic for a Passover meal, but still delicious. And perfect for potluck.
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Perhaps try this recipe instead of brisket? Make-ahead: Absolutely. It’s even better the next day warmed up. 

Instant Pot Option: Make Instant Pot Veal Stew if you prefer.

Potluck: Bring the stew in a large pot and heat on low, stirring occasionally. Add parsley just before serving.

Sous Vide Short Ribs (Boneless Beef)

beef short ribs sliced over mashed potatoes
If you own a sous vide machine or are planning to get one, do not miss these boneless beef Sous Vide Short Ribs. Beyond easy and mouth watering! Definitely worth the 48 hour cook time.
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This would be a fantastic alternative to brisket if you have sous vide equipment. 

Make Ahead: Yes, in fact 48 hours ahead. You can finish the sous vide part hours ahead and finish it off before serving. Or complete the dish and keep it in a warm oven. Mouth watering! 

Potluck: Easy to transport.

Grilled BBQ Chicken

bbq chicken thighs on cutting board
The marinade for Grilled BBQ Chicken has been in my family for about 50 years. It looks like regular BBQ sauce, but it's not. Easy and always delicious.
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I know this sounds weird for a Passover sedar, but I actually do this one all the time. 

Under 30 minutes once marinated. 

Make Ahead and Potluck: The marinating can be done the day before or a few hours before cooking. You can grill the chicken an hour before dinner and keep it warm in a pan, well wrapped with foil or in a warm oven.

Canadian Maple Cedar Plank Salmon

cooked glazed salmon on plank f
This rich, mildly smoky Canadian Maple Cedar Plank Salmon is glazed with maple syrup, balsamic, grainy mustard, butter & garlic.  Easy and mouthwatering!
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Make ahead and Potluck: Make it a couple of hours ahead with a full side or two of salmon. Place the planks on a large pan to transport, covered in foil. Serve at room temperature, cutting it into smaller serving pieces on the planks. Wickedly good.

How To Smoke A Brisket

smoked brisket on platter
How to smoke a brisket in a smoker includes all the best research, experience and tips by guest chef Bob to get you to a tender, mouth watering smoked brisket. We included a great shortcut and step by step instructions that even a novice can follow. 
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OK, not your typical brisket recipe. And not your ‘whip this up in 30 minutes’ recipe. But if you want to bring something sensational… 

Make ahead (needs a whole day and a half) and Potluck. 

Sous Vide Chicken Breast (Citrus Glazed)

sliced chicken breast with citrus glaze on plate
This tender, juicy citrus glazed sous vide chicken breast is bursting with flavor from a sweet, tangy glaze of maple syrup, orange, lemon and lime. Company worthy.
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This is a lovely and simple recipe for a Passover seder.

Make ahead: You have a window of a couple hours which takes the stress right out.

Or, make the chicken a day or two ahead, cool it, place in the fridge and rewarm it in a sous vide water bath at 135F for up to an hour before serving. The sauce can also be made ahead and rewarmed. So it’s all manageable for potluck too.

Baked Fish Fillets with Cherry Tomato Sauce

cherry tomato sauce over white fish fillets
A mildly spicy, citrusy cherry tomato sauce with just a few ingredients turns baked fish fillets into a delicious jazzed up dinner in about 20 minutes.
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Not exactly traditional for Passover, but a nice change and great for those who eat fish but not meat.

Make ahead: Make the sauce ahead and just roast the fish for 10-12 minutes before serving. 30 minutes. Pescatarian. 

Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

moroccan chicken pieces in skillet with potatoes
Experience incredible aromas and juicy spiced Moroccan chicken with the most scrumptious sweet potato, prune, onion, garlic and apple medley ever. No special equipment needed.
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Perfect for a small group. Or use a larger pan instead of a skillet. No tagine is needed.

Make ahead: Prep veggies the night before. The entire recipe can be cooked ahead and kept warm, loosely covered, for up to an hour without cutting up the chicken. 

Side Dish Recipes for Passover

Party Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa

salad quinoa and grilled vegetables in shallow bowl
We love this Party Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa, loaded with eggplant, corn, peppers and maple-balsamic dressing. Three sides in one colorful dish.
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The vegetables can be roasted instead of grilled. Vegetarian. 

Make ahead: All the components for this salad can be made ahead. You just need to assemble the parts and drizzle on the dressing before serving. 

Potluck: Assemble, cover and transport the salad with the dressing in a container to be added just before serving.

Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cinnamon Dressing

butternut squash salad with cinnamon dressing on plate
Beautiful, delicious and satisfying as a vegetarian main or side, butternut squash salad with caramelized onions, toasted pecans and warm cinnamon dressing will get rave reviews at your Passover dinner.
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Make Ahead: All components (squash, onions, dressing) can be made up to a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge, covered. Bring the butternut squash and onions to room temperature before serving or warm them for a minute in the microwave. 

Potluck: Assemble the salad before transporting. Bring the dressing in a separate container. Before serving, heat the dressing in the microwave, drizzle over the salad and serve. Vegetarian. 

Spinach Quinoa Salad With Beets

spinach beet quinoa salad on plate
If you're looking for a bold, colorful, earthy, nutritious, textured side dish, this Spinach Quinoa Salad with beets might just fit the bill. It's mixed with apple and avocado, then dressed with a light honey Dijon dressing for great flavors and a beautiful presentation. 
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Under 30 minutes (actually 12 minutes!). Vegetarian.

Make ahead: Add dressing at least half hour before to meld the flavors. Potluck

Grilled Carrots With Balsamic Glaze

grilled balsamic glazed carrots on plate
These vibrant, sweet, tender, caramelized Grilled Carrots with Balsamic Glaze add a little drama to the table.
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I love that you can use the grill and save precious oven space for these carrots. Under 30 minutes. Vegetarian.

Make ahead. Potluck: These carrots are easy to bring to a seder. Just warm up for a minute in the microwave.

Vegetable Stuffing with Quinoa

quinoa stuffing in serving dish
You won't miss the bread in this delicious, super healthy, Vegetable Stuffing with quinoa.  It's a great alternative to a traditional stuffing, dressing or any side dish. And takes only 30 minutes to make.
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We recently discovered that quinoa can be eaten during Passover. 

Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes. Make ahead. Potluck

Roasted Glazed Carrot Tzimmes

roasted glazed carrots tzimmes on plate
A perfect side for a Jewish holiday, Roasted Glazed Carrot Tzimmes fuses the delicious, rich flavors of balsamic, maple, orange & cinnamon.  A twist on the more traditional version.
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This tzimmes recipe is roasted instead of using the more traditional stewed method.

Make ahead – see two options in the post. Vegetarian. 

Easy Roasted Bok Choy Recipe

roasted bok choy garnished on plate 1
This tender crisp roasted bok choy recipe makes an easy and healthy 12 minute, low calorie side dish. Amp up the flavor with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and sprinkle of sesame seeds.
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If you need an easy and healthy 12 minute low calorie option, this is a good one. Under 30 minutes. 

Make ahead: Everything can be prepped ahead of time on a pan and roasted for 6 minutes before serving. Or just warm the completed dish in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.  (in fact 12 minutes). 

Potluck: Bring sesame seeds  and balsamic reduction , if using, in separate containers. Vegetarian.

Roasted Head of Cauliflower with Grape Relish

roasted whole cauliflower with grape relish on top on plate
This company-worthy roasted head of cauliflower, crowned with a bright zesty-sweet grape relish, makes a beautiful centerpiece for special occasions.
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Make Ahead: Earlier in the day, make recipe, then warm cauliflower before serving, topped with relish (also made earlier). Or, do the covered part of the cauliflower roasting ahead of time, then the final uncovered roasting before serving. 

Potluck: Make and bring the fully roasted cauliflower and grape relish separately. Reheat in a 350F-375F oven for 10-15 minutes and top with relish. Vegetarian. 

Oven Roasted Vegetable Recipe

roasted vegetables in round dish
This oven roasted vegetables recipe is simple comfort food. Sweet potatoes, peppers, eggplant, apples and rosemary create a delicious side dish. Not to mention healthy and colorful. And never mind that an apple is not a vegetable. It works perfectly. 
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Make ahead: Just follow the directions for roasting several hours ahead or in  the morning. Reheat at 375-425F for about 5-10 minutes.

Potluck: Bring to host in pan to reheat before serving (make sure your host has oven space to spare). Vegetarian. 

Quinoa and Glazed Butternut Squash Salad

quinoa butternut squash salad on plate
Simple, hearty and healthy, Quinoa and Glazed Butternut Squash salad with spinach, cranberries and toasted sesame seeds is a delicious vegetarian main dish or side.
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Vegetarian. Make ahead: Serve warm or at room temperature. Potluck. 

Red Quinoa Salad with Roasted Carrots Recipe

quinoa salad with roasted carrots on plate
This red quinoa salad is loaded with super healthy greens, roasted carrots and beets, topped with avocado and a delicious orange-balsamic dressing. Yum!
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Hey, substitute the beets with prunes and you practically have a modern Passover tzimmes! Vegetarian. 

Make ahead:  Prepare the salad and add the dressing just before serving. 

Potluck: take dressing separately in  different container and add just before serving.

Best Citrus Salad With Greens

citrus salad on platter1
Sweet oranges and tangy grapefruit tossed in vinaigrette over salad greens make this delicious citrus salad a lovely all-season salad. Refreshing and pretty! We use a simple citrus vinaigrette for zip, nuts for crunch and creamy avocado for a contrasting texture. Quick, easy and beautiful. 
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This is a light refreshing salad that goes well with a heavier meal. Under 30 minutes. 

Make ahead: Everything can be prepped ahead of time, but keep the citrus sections, dressing and salad greens separate until serving time to avoid a soggy salad. Vegetarian.

Simple Thai Mango Salad

Thai mango salad on black plate
Prepare for an explosion of fresh flavors and textures with this simple Thai mango salad. Silky ripe mango, crisp bean sprouts, green onions and peppers in a sweet, spicy, tangy, umami dressing. Ready in 10 minutes.
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This will take a little longer to double or triple the recipe. It makes an excellent refreshing condiment for brisket, roast chicken or tri tip. Skip the bean sprouts for Passover. Under 30 minutes. 

Make ahead: Everything can be prepped ahead of time, but add the dressing just before so the mango doesn’t get watery. Vegetarian.

Lemon Risotto with Grilled Vegetables (Instant Pot)

vegetable risotto in a bowl
Creamy risotto without the constant hands-on stirring? Yes! Instant pot lemon risotto with grilled vegetables takes minimal effort for exceptional results. Ready in 30 minutes.
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Based on the new 2016 rules, rice is now allowed for Passover. You might want to skip the Parmesan cheese for the Passover Seder though unless you’re serving fish. 30 minutes.

Make ahead: The risotto will keep warm in the instant pot for up to an hour. Or, just make the dish ahead and warm it in the microwave or stovetop, adding extra broth to loosen it up.   

Tomato and Onion Salad

tomato onion salad in dressing in a black bowl
This sweet, tangy Marinated Tomato Salad with homemade Catalina dressing creates a colorful side dish even when tomatoes are not at their best.
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Love the vibrant colors! And there’s no need for a salad plate. Easy (especially with a shortcut) and very popular. A family favorite. Vegetarian. Make ahead. Potluck. 

Passover Desserts and Treats

Matzo Chocolate Toffee Bar (trademark recipe)

pile of matzo chocolate toffee bars f
Looking for a special treat for Passover?  Try this easy Marcy Goldman trademark recipe for chocolate toffee matzo.  It's addictive, especially during Passover when no cake or cookies are eaten. It's also fantastic made with graham crackers instead of matzo – for any holiday treat.
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Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes (plus chill time). Gift/loot bag. 

Crunchy Caramel Pecan Matzo Crack

caramel matzo crunch in bowl
We dare you to eat just one handful of this Crunchy Caramel Pecan Matzo Crack. It’s an addictive twist on the famous Passover treat and we love to eat it as a snack or as a topping for ice cream or berry crisp.
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Similar to the treat above, but even easier. Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes. Loot bags.

Berry Crumble (No Bake)

berry crumble in serving dish
If you're looking to serve something healthy and light and a few notches above plain berries, this no-bake Berry Crumble is the ticket. Fresh berries topped with a rich nut-date mixture (and whipped cream if you like) – ready in 10 minutes.
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Try this fresh dessert instead of the usual fruit or berry bowl after dinner. 

Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Under 30 minutes

Orange Polenta Cake (gluten free)

orange polenta cake on a plate with a slice carved out
This delicious golden gluten-free Orange Polenta Cake is moist, rich and bursting with zesty orange flavor. It's easy to make as it has no layers, no filling and no icing. 
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In the past, corn was not allowed on Passover. Since 2016, it has now been approved. 

Make Ahead: the cake can be made ahead and kept  covered in the fridge. We suggest bringing it to room temperature before serving or warming it for a few seconds in the microwave. The cake can also be frozen.

Potluck friendly. Vegetarian. 

Chocolate Mousse Dessert with Warm Caramel Sauce

slice of chocolate mousse dessert with caramel sauce on plate 1
Elegant and sinfully rich, this Chocolate Mousse Dessert with Warm Caramel Sauce is simply sensational. Your guests will groan with pleasure. A great no-flour Passover dessert.
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To die for. Contains dairy. A wonderful alternative to a flourless chocolate cake. Make ahead; Vegetarian; Potluck.

Chocolate Toffee With Hazelnuts

Chocolate toffee stacked on board with hazelnuts f
Chocolate Toffee – buttery, nutty, chocolate-y, crunchy and scrumptious. Like Skor bars, but way better. And much easier to make than you think. 
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A bit more effort, but worth it for a special person or occasion. Outrageously good. Don’t be intimidated to make this treat like we were. We’ve provided clear simple instructions. 

Make ahead. Vegetarian. Potluck. Gift/loot bag. 

White Chocolate Bark (5 minutes prep)

white chocolate bark with almonds on plate 1
White Chocolate Bark (or any bark for that matter) is pretty much the easiest sweet treat you can possibly make. Endless flavor possibilities, 2-3 ingredients, 5 minutes to put together and 20-30 minutes to chill. Creamy, melt in your mouth, deliciousness.
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This treat is perfect for Passover. So easy to make and everyone loves it. Great for Potluck and Loot Bags. Also make ahead, under 30 minutes and vegetarian. A winner!

Tips for Hosting

Wishing those who celebrate a wonderful Passover seder!

Cheryl and Jenna

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