Potato Latkes Recipe - Belly Full (2024)

These classic Potato Latkes have a tender inside and crispy exterior. While they’re traditionally made for Jewish holidays, anyone can enjoy this latke recipe. With a few simple ingredients and deep fried, there’s absolutely nothing quite like them!

They are fantastic all on their own, but we love serving them with homemade applesauce.

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We’re a blended family, celebrating both Jewish holidays and Christmas every year. Since my sister hosts Christmas dinner, my mom and I take turns hosting Hanukkah. One of our favorite traditions is making potato latkes together…and every year we always regret not making a double batch, because they disappear in a flash!

What are Latkes?

Latkes – or potato pancakes, if you prefer – pronounced “lat-key,” are traditionally made for the Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Hanukkah holidays. BUT you do not need to be Jewish to enjoy them. Their deliciousness is universal!

Latkes are small potato pancakes that are comparable to corn fritters, except the main ingredients are potatoes, egg, some sort of starch, and sometimes onion (like my recipe.) Perfect latkes have a tender inside and crispy exterior – they are beyond scrumptious!

Since there always seems to be some confusion, I feel compelled to point out that latkes and hash browns are not the same thing! And latkes are never made with mashed potatoes. (Mashed Potato Cakes, while fantastic, are completely different.)

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Best Latke Recipe

For our family recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

  • Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best potatoes for latkes because of their high starch content.
  • Onion: We include onion in ours for flavor. Onions and potatoes are perfect together.
  • Flour: Justall-purpose flour. (See below regarding matzo meal.)
  • Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder to hold the latkes together.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: For flavor.
  • Vegetable oil: Use for frying.

Recipe Variations

  • Use Matzo meal: This is finely ground up matzo and can be used in place of the flour for Passover.
  • Blend in some fresh herbs: Adding some fresh herbs or a little garlic powder to the potato mixture will give you a different flavor.
  • Add another vegetable: Combining the potatoes with a vegetable is delicious! I’ve made latkes with potato and zucchini and also Potato Carrot Latkes.
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How to Make Latkes

Latkes can be made two different ways (although, I don’t completely agree with this. HA.) – one where the potato is shredded (perhaps this is where the confusion of comparing them to hash browns comes in), the other where the potato is pureed with the other ingredients (my preferred method.) Here are a few tips:
(To make this latke recipe, follow the steps below included in the printable recipe card and watch the video.)

  • Use a food processor to combine the ingredients: You want the mixture to be blended with some texture, but not clumpy.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: I typically fit in about 4 at a time without them touching.
  • Adjust the heat or cook time, if necessary: Keep an eye on the latkes and adjust the cooking time, the heat, or switch out the oil if you notice them browning too quickly.

How to Store Latkes

Potato pancakes, like most fritters and fried food, are best eaten right away while they’re hot and crispy. You can definitely enjoy leftovers, though (if you’re lucky enough to have any!)

Can you make latkes ahead of time? You can make the batter up to 2 hours ahead of frying it (stored in the fridge.) Once fried, latkes will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to reheat latkes: to reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350° oven until they’re crisp again, about 10 minutes.
Can you freeze cooked potato latkes? Yes. Frythem, drain off any grease, and allow to cool completely. Store in freezer bags for up to 2 weeks. Defrost when ready to use, and reheat.

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What to Serve with Latkes

Traditionally, latkes are served with applesauce or sour cream. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Homemade Applesauce
  • Homemade Ricotta Cheese
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
  • Onion Jam

More Jewish Food:

  • Rugelach
  • Noodle Kugel
  • Cheese Blintz
  • Challah Bread
  • Matzo Ball Soup

I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!

Potato Latkes Recipe - Belly Full (5)

Potato Latkes

5 from 9 Ratings

Classic Potato Latkes have a tender inside and crispy exterior. With a few simple ingredients and deep fried, there’s absolutely nothing quite like them!

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 latkes

Ingredients

  • 1 small sweet onion , peeled, stem removed, quartered
  • 2 large eggs , beaten
  • 1 pound russet potatoes , peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (see note below regarding matzo meal)
  • 1 cup (or more) vegetable oil , for frying
  • applesauce , for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the onion and eggs and puree until smooth and fluffy. Add the potato, using off-on pulses, process the mixture until pureed, but still retaining some texture. Add the salt, pepper, and flour and briefly process to combine – do not over process.

  • Pour the mixture into a bowl, squeezing out excess liquid if there is any.

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with a double layer of paper towels.

  • Pour a solid layer of oil in the bottom of a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough, working in batches, spoon rounded tablespoons of the mixture into the pan (make sure they don’t touch each other.) Flatten just slightly with the back of a spoon – they should be about 2-3 inches in diameter.

  • Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. (If they start to burn, adjust your cooking time and/or change out your oil for a clean amount.)

  • Transfer the latkes to the lined baking sheet to drain and place in the oven until all are cooked.

  • Garnish and serve immediately with some applesauce or sour cream, if desired.

  • Note: Matzo meal is finely ground up matzo and can can be used in place of the flour for Passover.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Jewish

Keyword: latke recipe, latkes, potato latkes

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

Potato Latkes Recipe - Belly Full (6)
Potato Latkes Recipe - Belly Full (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs are in a potato latke? ›

Homemade Potato Pancakes Or Latkes (1 small 2-3/4 in. diam., 5/8 in. thick.) contains 6.1g total carbs, 5.4g net carbs, 3.2g fat, 1.3g protein, and 59 calories.

What is the best oil for latkes? ›

Fry in an oil with a high smoke point

Vegetable oil or canola oil is usually best, because of its high smoking point. Latkes were traditionally made with schmaltz, or chicken fat, so if you have access to it, you should certainly add it in, because it does contribute to the flavor.

What protein to serve with latkes? ›

For those wondering what main dish to serve with latkes, Chicken Paprikash shines the brightest. It's a traditional Hungarian dish that perfectly matches the crispy texture of latkes.

What's the difference between latkes and hash browns? ›

Latkes also aren't hash browns. Hash browns are all about crispy, burnished crust, with just enough potato-y center to gain a third dimension and a little give. A latke's interior should be plump and slightly cakey, but yielding, with recognizably rustic strands of potato intertwined with onion.

What is the lowest carb potato to eat? ›

The carb content varies depending on the potato variety. The lowest is Zerella with 8.9 g per 100 g. GiLICIOUS comes in at 10.3 g per 100. Both of these are marketed as low carb potatoes and claim '25% less carbs'.

Are potato pancakes high in carbs? ›

Potato pancakes (2 each - 3 1/4" x 3 5/8" x 1/4") contains 16g total carbs, 14.5g net carbs, 7.1g fat, 3.9g protein, and 142 calories.

What kind of potatoes are best for latkes? ›

Russet potatoes: Russet potatoes, or baking potatoes, are high in starch and have a dry, mealy texture. This type of potato is best for latkes because the dryness of the potato is partially responsible for that desirable, crispy texture. Yellow onion: Yellow onion adds a savory flavor to the latkes.

How to keep latke batter from turning brown? ›

Onions can help block oxidation by coating some of the potato cells” Don Odiorne VP of Foodservice said. That's why some cooks alternate adding potatoes and onion to the mixture rather than doing all the potatoes first.

How hot should oil be for latkes? ›

In a deep-fat fryer or heavy medium pot, heat several inches of oil to 375 degrees F. In batches, gently put the latkes into the hot oil and leave them alone to fry until golden brown, turning only once, about 4 minutes.

What is the difference between potato latkes and potato pancakes? ›

The potato pancake is much simpler, with nothing but raw grated potatoes, egg, and all-purpose flour. The latke, on the other hand, adds baking powder, matzo meal, and even a splash of milk, according to Cooktoria. Surprisingly, the potato pancake has a longer preparation time due to the simplicity of its batter.

What can I combine with potatoes for complete protein? ›

Potatoes plus Milk equal complete protein. Seeds (sunflower, sesame, tree nuts) + Legumes = complete protein. Bread (grain) + Seeds (sunflower, sesame, tree nuts) = complete protein. Grains (like wheat, oats, rice) + Legumes (like beans, peas, peanuts) = complete protein.

What holiday do you eat potato pancakes? ›

Kolatch, Jews eat potato latkes during the eight days of the Hanukkah holiday “because they are fried in oil, and oil symbolizes the miracle of the cruse of oil which lasted for eight days instead of one.

What does latke mean in Hebrew? ›

A latke (Yiddish: לאַטקע latke; sometimes romanized latka, lit. "pancake") is a type of potato pancake or fritter in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine that is traditionally prepared to celebrate Hanukkah.

Why do Jews make latkes? ›

These potato pancakes (called latkes) are meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah, when the oil of the menorah in the ransacked Second Temple of Jerusalem was able to stay aflame for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day. The symbolism comes in the form of the oil in which latkes are fried.

What are Yankee potatoes? ›

In the 1800s “Yankees” in the Northeast enjoyed large. cut potatoes roasted- with crispy pan marks on the. outside and a luscious earthy center. Guests near the. kitchen could hear the slang “yanks” being yelled to.

What is a serving size of latkes? ›

Bite Size (.35 oz each /48 latkes per pack)

If you are serving other appetizers as well, we recommend 3-4 Bite Size Latkes per person . If you are only serving our Bite Size Latkes, please count on at least 5-6 per person.

Is A potato high in carbs? ›

It's true that potatoes are high in starch or carbohydrates, the nutrients that cause spikes in blood sugar. But pairing them with foods high in protein, fiber and unsaturated fats can slow digestion and lead to a steadier release of glucose into the bloodstream.

How many carbs in a potato baked potato? ›

One medium-sized baked potato with skin weighs about 173 grams and provides the following nutrients ( 2 ): Calories: 161. Carbs: 37 grams. Fiber: 3.8 grams.

What are 25 lower carb potatoes? ›

Spud Lite is a potato variety that offers you a fresh and 'lite' taste of 25% less carbs than the average potato. Spud Lite is a golden, creamy potato bursting with nutrition, Spud Lite is super tasty and incredibly easy to prepare.

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