Charoset: a family-table method

A bowl of charoset served with matzo and garnished with mint.

This charoset recipe is a blend of apples, walnuts and honey, all mixed together to make a sweet spread that’s an essential part of any Passover meal. Charoset is quick and straightforward to make and is always a big hit with family and friends.

When the spring holidays roll around and I’m celebrating with family, I always put out a big meal with Passover recipes like rack of lamb, matzo ball soup, matzo crack and of course this fresh and tasty apple charoset.

Passover is one of the biggest Jewish holidays of the year, and you can’t have a Passover dinner without charoset. This blend of apples, cinnamon and honey is an essential part of the holiday, and it also happens to be totally tasty!

Charoset Ingredients

To make this charoset recipe you will need shredded or finely diced apples, toasted walnuts, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon and sweet red wine.

Bowls of chopped apples, honey, wine and cinnamon.

How Do You Make Charoset?

When you make this charoset recipe, start by shredding or dicing your apples into small pieces. Place the apples in a large bowl along with chopped walnuts, honey, cinnamon, lemon juice and sweet kosher wine. Mix everything together, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. Serve the charoset with matzo if desired and enjoy it at a Passover seder or any other time!

Apples, wine, cinnamon and honey all in a bowl.

Tips For The Reliable Dish

I like to use a firm, sweet apple for this dish with a crisp texture. Some of my go-to varieties include Braeburn, Pink Lady, Envy, Honeycrisp and Fuji apples. You can also use a blend of different types of apples. Try adding a little Granny Smith for a sweet and tart charoset.
You can make this dish with either shredded or diced apples, it’s really just a matter of personal preference.
You can use a food processor with a shredding blade to chop the apples quickly.
Make sure to add the lemon juice, it helps keep the apples from turning brown.
I recommend toasting your walnuts for the finest flavor. You can put them in the toaster oven for a few minutes, or cook them in a dry pan over medium heat until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on the nuts as they can burn quickly!

Quick Tip

Need to make this dish without alcohol? Substitute grape juice instead of the wine.

A mixing bowl filled with diced apples, cinnamon and sweetener.

Recipe FAQs

What is the significance of charoset?

Charoset is a paste or spread made from fresh and dried fruit blended together with nuts. This dish is featured on the seder plate during Passover. It represents the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks when they were slaves in ancient Egypt. Charoset is sweet to offset the bitterness of the horseradish on the seder plate (maror). The mix of sweet and bitter signifies the optimism of the seder.

Can charoset be made in advance?

You can make charoset in advance. It actually tastes finest if it has at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. I recommend serving your charoset within 8 hours of preparing it. This dish is not a good candidate for the freezer as the apples will become watery if frozen and thawed.

What is charoset made of?

Charoset is made of shredded or finely diced apples mixed together with toasted walnuts, honey and sweet red wine. People add a little lemon juice and cinnamon to the dish as well.

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A hand holding a piece of matzo with a serving of charoset on top.

Flavor Variations

While this dish is great as-is, you can add other ingredients to the mix to customize the flavors to your taste.

Fruit: Try adding in dried fruits such as raisins, currants, chopped dried cherries or chopped Medjool dates. You could also add fruit that goes well with apples such as pears.
Nuts: Swap out the walnuts for almonds or pecans. Not a fan of nuts? Feel free to omit them.
Flavorings: Amp up the flavor of your charoset with add-ins such as lemon zest, orange zest or ground or crystallized ginger. You could add some other warm spices like freshly grated nutmeg, allspice or a little clove.

This charoset is the reliable blend of sweet flavors and is memorable when served on a piece of matzo. Charoset is not just for the holidays, you’ll find yourself making it all year long!

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Charoset Video

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Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen A bowl of charoset served with matzo and garnished with mint.

This charoset recipe is a blend of apples, walnuts and honey, all mixed together to make a sweet spread that's an essential part of any Passover meal. Charoset is quick and straightforward to make, and is always a big hit with family and friends. Time Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Chilling Time30 minutes
Total Time51 minutes

Course Side
Cuisine Jewish
Serves 8

Ingredients

4 cups apples shredded or finely diced
1 cup toasted walnuts finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sweet red wine such as Manischewitz

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. Serve with matzo crackers if desired.

Notes

I like to use a firm, sweet apple for this dish with a crisp texture.
This dish can be made with either shredded or diced apples, it’s really just a matter of personal preference.
Need to make this dish without alcohol? Substitute grape juice instead of the wine.