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The holiday season is a time to break out all your favorite family recipes. For many Jewish families, this includes making potato latkes during Hanukkah. If you’ve never experienced latkes, they’re crispy potato pancakes typically made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour.
While they’re a popular Hanukkah dish, you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy potato latkes. They can be included in a variety of holiday meals, and they make a great addition to any potluck party you attend this holiday season.
The following guide will give you all the tips to knock this holiday classic out of the park and elevate your meal.
Latkes are not just any potato pancake; made with shredded potatoes and fried to crispy perfection, they have a unique, rich, savory flavor and crunchy texture. The secret to cooking irresistible latkes is to prep your potatoes properly.
The following potato prep best practices will ensure your latkes come out crispy and delicious:
Note: You can also use dehydrated potato shreds that have been rehydrated in warm water for 15-20 minutes, drained, and tossed with a tablespoon of potato starch or cornstarch. Frozen shredded potatoes that have been thawed will also work well. (Again, squeeze out as much moisture as you can.)
Schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) is the preferred type of fat to use when frying your latkes. You can render chicken fat yourself or buy schmaltz at the grocery store. It’s usually located in the same aisle as the other cooking oils.
You can also fry your latkes in oil and achieve great results. If you serve them with sour cream and want to ensure your latkes stay Kosher, use oil since schmaltz can’t be combined with dairy.
If you’re looking for a classic potato latke recipe that will dazzle your guests this holiday season, you’re covered. This recipe pairs your latkes with brown butter-glazed apples, providing a sweet accompaniment that perfectly complements your savory latkes.
View this classic potato latkes with brown butter glazed apples recipe.
This lower-fat, lower-calorie latke recipe maintains classic latkes’ great flavor and crispy texture. The addition of carrots boosts the flavor and variety of nutrients. Your guests won’t even be able to tell the difference!
View our lightened-up potato latkes recipe.
Another alternative to lighten up your latkes is to use an air fryer. The air fryer uses a lot less oil than deep-frying, and it will keep your latkes crispy. You’ll prepare the latkes in the same way as you would with the classic recipe. Then, spray them with an oil of your choice and cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until they’re crisp.
Latkes pair well with many delicious toppings to enhance their crave-worthy flavor. Below are some favorite options to get your creative juices flowing:
Whether you’re preparing a traditional Hanukkah meal or looking to add some variety to your holiday party, many entrees and sides complement potato latkes. Some of the most common include:
Make your latkes the star of the meal with these side dishes:
Check out these creative versions of latkes for a versatile and delicious side year-round.
Everything but the Bagel Latkes
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