Charoset: the delicious, easy side dish recipe for Passover Seder

Charoset, also known as haroset, is a classic dish to serve as part of Passover Seder. This beautifully sweet, lightly spiced dish is a little like an apple relish, but with a mortar, brown-like look.

Made with crisp, firm apples, sweet wine, chopped nuts, and seasoned with spices, charoset (or haroset) is an essential part of any Passover celebration. It's incredibly easy to customize – you can add a variety of different fruits, spices, dried fruit, nuts, and sweeteners.

Charoset is completely vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher, so anyone can enjoy it. The best part is you can make it up to a few days in advance, which will help improve the flavor and make preparing your Passover meal easier.

Charoset Meaning

Charoset (pronounced “ha-ro-set”) symbolizes the mortar which was used by the Israelites when they were enslaved in Egypt. It is one of the traditional dishes served at Passover Seder. There are many variations from region to region, with different ingredients being used among various Jewish populations.

Can You Make Charoset Without Wine? 

You can absolutely make charoset without wine. Instead of wine, you can use grape juice or pomegranate juice to make charoset.

How to Serve Charoset

Charoset is typically eaten with matzo or the bitter herbs, maror and chazeret, which symbolize the Jews' suffering in Egypt. The herbs are also an integral part of the traditional Passover Seder. Charoset can even enjoy it on its own.

Tips for Traditional Charoset

Use a sweet but firm type of apple for your charoset. Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are all fantastic options.

For a little extra crunchy texture in your charoset, you can serve it with matzo crackers.

For more flavorful charoset with a milder wine flavor, make the dish a day or two ahead of time.

Other ingredients to add to your charoset include honey, figs, pomegranate, chopped pear, raisins, sultanas, dates, orange zest, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

You can use other types of nuts including almonds, pistachios, or pecans.

Use a sweet red wine like Manischewitz for your charoset.

How to Store Charoset

Transfer your charoset to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Make Charoset

Add apples, walnuts, and wine to a large bowl. Toss to combine.

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Add to the apple mixture and toss well.

Cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If you're using red wine for your charoset, make sure it's a sweet red one. Keep your regular red wine for drinking!