Latkes are a beloved treat in many cultures, and for good reason – they’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and incredibly delicious. If you’ve never tried making latkes before, now’s the perfect time to give it a shot. In this list of recipes, we’ll explore the traditional method of preparing these tasty potatoes, as well as some creative variations.
At its core, latke-making is all about combining grated potato with flour, eggs, and pepper, then frying the mixture in oil until it’s golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy interior – a perfect combination that’s hard to resist. And while traditional latkes are often served during Hanukkah, when there are eight days of celebration, they’re also enjoyed at other times and in various cultural contexts.
One of the best things about latkes is that they can be topped in countless ways. From sweet combinations like pomegranate arils and honey to savory pairings like ricotta cheese and orange marmalade, the possibilities are endless. And it’s not just about combining different flavors – you can also get creative with textures by adding crunchy elements like chopped nuts or crispy bacon.
Ultimately, the best part of making latkes is experimenting with different recipes and toppings until you find your perfect combination. So go ahead, get cooking, and see what delicious creations you can come up with!
Best Latkes Recipes
Latkes And Smoked Salmon Platter
When it comes to planning a meal around latkes, one of the most impressive accompaniments is a charcuterie-style board that complements these crispy delights perfectly. The beauty of this combination lies in its customizability – you can tailor it to your specific meal plan by selecting items that suit your taste and preferences. At the core of this creation is the latkes themselves, which should be served with applesauce and sour cream as a mandatory duo. From there, feel free to get creative!
Smoked fish, spreads, caviar, fresh herbs, pickles, and even chips can all be included to add depth and variety to your board. Don’t forget to incorporate fruits and vegetables to bring pops of color to the presentation – it’s these elements that will really make your charcuterie-style board stand out.
Harissa Sweet Potato Latkes
This innovative recipe takes a unique approach by modifying the core ingredients to include sweet potato, chickpea flour, cornstarch, eggs, harissa, and paprika, resulting in an entirely distinct flavor profile. The departure from traditional latke recipes demands a complementary condiment that can stand up to its bold character. A refreshing yogurt sauce infused with pomegranate arils and fragrant mint leaves provides the perfect counterbalance to the sweet and spicy notes.
Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe With Chunky Applesauce
When it comes to pairing latkes, aficionados often swear by classic combinations like applesauce or sour cream. But what if you could take that familiarity to the next level? A clever recipe adaptation combines vegan latkes with a homemade applesauce that’s not only easy to make but also boasts an impressive flavor and texture boost.
The key is a simple stovetop process that requires just twenty minutes, a few choice ingredients including apples, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and lemon juice, and a willingness to get creative.
Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Latkes
When it comes to pairing potato pancakes, this chef takes an unconventional approach. Rather than following traditional recipes that feature regular potatoes, sweet potatoes take center stage. The key difference lies in how they’re prepared – instead of the usual frying method, the sweet potatoes are baked to perfection on a sheet pan. To add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, eggs are baked right on top during the final ten minutes of cooking.
And to round out this innovative combination, serve with a side of fresh or cooked greens for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Waffled Vegetable Latkes
Transforming traditional latkes by cooking them in a waffle maker yields a delightful twist with crispy edges. The innovative combination of potatoes with carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers takes the flavor profile to the next level. A box grater is the ultimate tool for grating the ingredients to perfection. To elevate the dish further, try pairing your latkes with an assortment of toppings such as tangy sour cream, salty lox, pungent capers, and sweet red onion slivers.
Sweet Potato Latkes, Brown Sugar Syrup And Candied Pecans
When it comes to pairing these sweet potato latkes, you’re faced with a delightful dilemma – go savory or go sweet? The recipe takes the latter route, and for good reason. A rich brown sugar syrup is crafted with a combination of brown sugar, water, salt, and vanilla, creating a sweet and indulgent accompaniment to the latkes. But that’s not all – the sweetness is perfectly balanced by the spiciness of cayenne candied pecans.
These unique and flavorful toppings add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the dish, making it truly unforgettable.
Crispy Potato Latkes
While this latke recipe sticks to the classic approach by using russet potatoes as its base, it’s the suggested accompaniments that truly elevate the dish. For those looking to add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication, the combination of sour cream, salmon roe, and chopped chives is a tried-and-true favorite. Another popular option is to incorporate dill into a sour cream topping, adding a bright and refreshing note to each bite.
Sweet Potato Latkes With Middle Eastern Salad And Hummus
As we continue our culinary journey, Middle Eastern flavors take center stage in this sweet potato latke recipe. The harmonious blend of sweet potatoes, onions, and spices gives way to a vibrant side salad featuring kale, cucumber, red onion, preserved lemon, fresh parsley, and mint leaves. But the real showstopper is the accompanying hummus recipe, carefully crafted to complement the crispy latkes.
To serve, simply place a spoonful of creamy hummus atop your latke and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Potato Latkes With Smoked Salmon
To elevate the potato pancake experience, this recipe is divided into three parts that cover all the essential accompaniments. Before even starting to cook, prepare the pickle by marinating thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and dill seeds for a few hours. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, crumbled feta, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of fresh dill in a food processor until well mixed.
Set this tangy cheese blend aside to chill while the latkes are being made and fried in coconut oil. When it’s time to serve, place a spoonful of the chilled cheese mix and a dollop of the pickled red onion on top of each crispy latke for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Korean Sweet Potato Latkes With Gochujang Mayonnaise
Korean-inspired sweet potato latkes take a dramatic turn with a spicy twist. The recipe combines the classic fried potatoes with Gochujang mayonnaise and scallions, adding an unexpected layer of complexity. At its core is a sweet and spicy fermented chili paste spread, which requires some advance preparation to allow the flavors of gochujang, lime juice, and sriracha to meld together and chill.
But what truly elevates this dish is the addition of some of that same gochujang directly into the latke mixture itself. For an added kick, consider topping with kimchi for a harmonious blend of spicy and savory flavors.
Potato Latkes Topped With Turkey And Cranberry Chutney
When hosting a Turkey Day feast that incorporates latkes, this pairing is sure to impress. The combination of crispy, savory latkes with sliced turkey and a tangy cranberry chutney is a match made in heaven. What makes this chutney particularly unique is its use of cranberries, orange juice, zest, and just the right amount of sugar, resulting in a flavor profile that’s both tart and tantalizing. It’s the perfect way to round out your Thanksgiving meal.
Pulled Brisket-Topped Latkes
For a satisfying pairing, consider serving brisket alongside crispy latkes. The sweetness of caramelized onions would also complement this combination nicely. To achieve tender and flavorful brisket, it’s essential to allow plenty of time for slow cooking – think hours rather than minutes. Recipes for both the brisket and latkes are included for your convenience.
Sweet Potato Coconut Latkes With Pineapple Relish
As I conclude this list of mouth-watering pairings for latkes, a refreshing twist on tradition is revealed – a zesty pineapple relish that perfectly complements the sweet potato-based latkes. The key to these indulgent treats lies in the unsweetened coconut flakes, which infuse the sweet potato and onion mixture with an exotic tropical flair.
Meanwhile, the relish itself is a symphony of flavors, featuring juicy pineapple, spicy jalapeno, crunchy red onion, zesty lime juice and zest, and a touch of salt to tie everything together.
Latkes With A Greek Twist
Savoring the flavors of the Mediterranean, this scrumptious potato latke takes center stage with its golden brown crust glistening from the addition of feta cheese, wilted spinach, and the tangy tzatziki spread – a delightful trifecta that’s sure to tantalize taste buds. But don’t stop there; take it up a notch by adding a slice of lemon wedge at serving time, allowing each guest to squeeze in just the right amount of zesty lemon juice to further elevate this already impressive dish.
Keto-Low Carb Cauliflower Latkes
The traditional potato-based latke has been a staple in many cuisines, but what if we told you there’s a game-changing alternative? Cauliflower, the darling of low-carb enthusiasts everywhere, is surprisingly well-suited to stand in for potatoes. In fact, this vegetable can be used to create a crispy, flavorful fritter that just happens to be lower in carbs than its spud-based counterpart. And the best part? You won’t even miss the potatoes with these delicious, crunchy latkes on the table.
Rainbow Latkes
Indulge in a vibrant culinary experience with this latkes recipe that brings together an array of bold, colorful ingredients. Beets, purple cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes form a stunning stack of nutritious and satisfying options. Elevate these flavorful bases by adding creamy avocado, eggs, and fresh greens for a filling lunch.
Loaded Potato Latkes
These indulgent treats boast a mouthwatering appeal reminiscent of a loaded baked potato – crispy bacon, fragrant green onions, and did I mention the abundance of rich, smoky bacon? The texture is distinct from other recipes, with a tender, pancake-like consistency that’s more akin to mashed-potato pancakes than the traditional grated potatoes. Despite the difference in presentation, the flavor is undoubtedly alluring, making these bite-sized morsels an irresistible delight.
Frozen Hash Brown Latkes
For now, let’s put aside our trusty potato grater and reach for the convenient package of frozen hash brown potatoes. These should be easily recognizable from your local grocery store’s frozen vegetable aisle. It’s crucial to use them in their thawed state, ready to release excess moisture before being fried. Interestingly, this latkes recipe has a fascinating history – it originated in print back in 2011, during the early days of the internet.
Who knew that such an iconic recipe had been hiding in plain sight all these years? This hacky kitchen tip is a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions can be the most effective.
Asian-Inspired Potato Latkes
There’s something about Asian-inspired cuisine that truly resonates with me. Whether it’s the bold flavors of Thai cooking or the delicate nuances of Japanese dishes, I’m always eager to explore new recipes with an Eastern twist.
This particular latke recipe is a perfect example of how a fusion of Asian flavors can elevate this classic dish to new heights.
The combination of scallions, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil is a winning formula in my book, especially when paired with a rich and savory dipping sauce.
French Potato Pancake
Pomme Darphin is indeed a masterpiece. The artistry begins with the delicate manipulation of long, fine potato strings, carefully coalescing into a rich and velvety pancake. This canvas is then subtly bathed in butter’s golden warmth, resulting in a harmonious union of flavors and textures. Whether serving as a foundation for an array of delectable toppings or enjoyed solo, this culinary gem embodies simplicity, beauty, and scrumptiousness.
Crisp Baked Latkes
When craving the perfect latke experience is not enough to overcome dietary constraints, it’s time to think outside the box – or pan. While traditional hot fat-fried potato latkes are a treat, there are instances where a low-fat alternative is necessary for health reasons. The good news is that these healthier versions can still deliver on texture and flavor, with minimal mess and maximum crispiness.
Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
While this might seem like a departure from traditional latke recipes, trust me when I say these cheesy, eggy, and utterly delicious treats are well worth the effort. The absence of potatoes is what sets them apart, but the combination of fresh zucchini, expertly balanced seasonings, and generous helpings of melted cheese make up for it in spades. Be prepared to watch these tasty morsels vanish in a flash!
Sauteed Beef, Roasted Carrots & Potato Latkes
Blue Apron, a popular meal kit service, offers a unique perk: access to their recipes online at no cost. This means that even if you haven’t subscribed to their service, you can still get creative in the kitchen by trying out their dishes. One such recipe that caught my eye is a mouth-watering combination featuring sautéed beef as the main course and roasted carrot fries on the side – a delicious-looking treat that’s sure to please!
Air Fryer Latkes Recipe
This gluten-free latkes recipe shines with its effortless clean-up and delectable flavor profile, courtesy of the air fryer. The magic lies in the combination of almond flour and tapioca flour as a binder, ensuring a crispy exterior without sacrificing taste. For those sans air fryer, an oven method is also provided for a satisfying alternative.
S’Mores Latkes
In conclusion, we’re pleased to share a unique dessert latke recipe that combines the sweetness of marshmallows with the earthiness of sweet potatoes. Imagine a delicious blend of chocolate, graham cracker, and toasted marshmallow, all wrapped up in a crispy latke shell. Whether you’re cooking by a campfire or in your own kitchen, this sweet treat is sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to a state of culinary bliss.
The bottom line
When it’s time to seek out meal inspiration, consider the following comprehensive list of latkes recipes that you can try next. While latke toppings are incredibly versatile, ranging from simple to complex, I highly recommend experimenting with various sauces, spreads, and flavors to find your perfect combination.
More Potato Recipes
When it comes to indulging in delicious potato side dishes, there are countless options to explore. From savory twice-baked potatoes to crispy air-fried Hasselback varieties, the possibilities are endless! But what about the longevity of these tasty tubers? How long do potatoes last, and what’s the best way to store them? For answers, be sure to check out our guides on potato storage and shelf life.
And if you’re looking for inspiration for your next meal, why not try one of our simple recipes for baby potatoes or baked potatoes? We’ve also got a comprehensive list of 33 mouth-watering toppings to take your baked potato game to the next level. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen and satisfy your cravings with these tried-and-true potato side dish recipes!
Instructions
Select one or two of these latke recipes and get ready to make some culinary magic happen. Create a comprehensive shopping list and don your favorite cooking attire as you set out to craft a delectable homemade treat for your loved ones to savor.
