published Dec 21, 2022 Every Jewish family has their own take latkes, whether it’s a special frying method or a favorite dipping sauce. This potato latkes recipe is foolproof whether you’ve grown up eating these salty bites or you’d like to try making them for the first time! The savory aromas of simmering onions and fried food that fill the kitchen while making potato latkes always bring me that warm holiday season feeling. These are traditional Hanukkah eats, but I always wind up making them throughout the year — they’re so simple and delicious. I love them topped with homemade applesauce (which is also included in this recipe), but they also go great with creamy hummus. Whether you’re looking to shake up your typical breakfast or you’re hoping to carry on a family tradition, this potato latkes recipe is sure to satisfy.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Russet Potatoes – These extra-starchy potatoes are ideal for forming potato latkes. Substitute with Yukon gold potatoes, but expect a slightly less dense result.Yellow Onion – Add lots of flavor. I don’t recommend substituting with another variety as the flavor won’t be the same.Eggs – Needed to bind everything together.Panko Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs also act as a binding agent. Many Jewish cooks use matzo meal instead. See notes for more substitutions. Salt & White Pepper – Plenty of kosher salt is a must for this potato latkes recipe. White pepper adds a more robust depth of flavor, but black pepper will work if it’s all you’ve got. Ghee – A clarified butter, this is a kosher-safe ingredient. Traditional Jewish recipes use schmaltz chicken fat because it’s kosher and really enhances the depth of flavor in this dish. For non-kosher diets, regular butter may be substituted.Vegetable Oil – A versatile oil that works great for frying. Canola oil is a good substitute. Sour Cream – Used as a garnish. A healthier substitute can be plain Greek yogurt.Honeycrisp Apples – For applesauce, this variety has the the perfect amount of sweetness. I recommend McIntosh and Golden Delicious as an alternative — Granny Smith is just too tart.Sugar – Since apples have high water content, some extra sugar is needed to keep the applesauce sweet.Cinnamon – Adds a lovely warmth to the applesauce. For more complex flavor, try pumpkin pie spice, Chinese Five Spice, or Garam Masala!
HOW TO MAKE POTATO LATKES
What Type of Potato is Best for Latkes?
Russet potatoes tend to be the best to use since they help keep the fritters binded together. Yukon gold or red potatoes will work similarly.
What’s the Difference Between Latkes and Hashbrowns?
Though both involve fried, shredded potatoes, potato latkes include egg and breadcrumbs. The finished result is a compact, bound-together patty that is more like a pancake than a hashbrown.
What Toppings are Good With Potato Latkes?
Traditional toppings include sour cream and chives or applesauce, but these potato fritters are very versatile. Spread creamy hummus on top, dip them in a cool tzatziki, or even make them breakfast-friendly with cream cheese or eggs.
What to Serve With Latkes?
Traditionally, potato latkes are served on Hanukkah alongside beef brisket or kugel. However, you can serve these with any roast meat, cream cheese, and smoked salmon, or sautéed vegetables. They’re very versatile and can function however you’d like them too!
