Crispy Golden Potato Latkes Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Crispy golden potato latkes have been my go-to comfort food since childhood.

Every bite reminds me of weekend gatherings with my grandmother.

She taught me the secret to perfect texture and flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this traditional jewish dish with love and care.

Grated potatoes and onions create a magical combination that sizzles in hot oil.

Minimal ingredients come together to produce something truly spectacular.

You won’t believe how simple these delicious potato pancakes can be to prepare.

Let’s make something memorable that connects you to culinary tradition.

Easy Potato Latkes That Deliver Golden Crunch

Quickly Tackle Weeknight Cooking: These potato latkes whip up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families seeking delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beginner-Friendly Technique: No advanced culinary skills required – the simple step-by-step process allows home cooks of all levels to create crispy, golden potato pancakes with confidence and ease.

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or as a hearty side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, these latkes bring warmth and traditional flavor to any meal.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Crafted with basic pantry staples like potatoes, eggs, and breadcrumbs, this recipe offers a delicious solution for affordable, satisfying cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Everything Needed For Crisp Potato Latkes

• Potatoes (Russet): Crispy and fluffy foundation of the latkes, with high starch content for perfect texture.
• Onion: Adds sharp flavor and helps bind ingredients together, classic latke companion.

• Egg: Natural binder that helps hold latkes together and provides richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Extra binding agent that improves structural integrity and adds subtle crunch.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Canola Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point, ideal for even and crisp frying.

Crispy Potato Latkes Directions

Step 1: Grate Potatoes and Onions

Grab a box grater and shred potatoes and onions into fine, delicate strands.

Work quickly to prevent browning and create the perfect texture for your latkes.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean cheesecloth or several layers of paper towels.

Squeeze firmly to remove all liquid, ensuring your latkes will be wonderfully crisp.

Step 3: Mix Latke Batter

• Shredded potatoes
• Shredded onions
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture holds its shape and looks evenly distributed.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour canola oil into a 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Set the heat to medium-high and let the oil become hot and shimmering.

Step 5: Form Potato Patties

Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop the potato mixture.

Gently press and flatten each scoop into a thin, even patty.

Step 6: Fry Latkes to Golden Perfection

Carefully slide the potato patties into the hot oil.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a delightfully crispy exterior.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Move the cooked latkes onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil and maintain their crispiness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot latkes immediately.

Serve with a dollop of cool sour cream or sweet applesauce for a traditional and delicious experience.

Easy Potato Latkes – Cooking Notes

• Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the potatoes to ensure crispy, golden-brown latkes that aren't soggy.
• Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly crisp exterior with a tender inside.
• Always use fresh oil for each batch to maintain consistent flavor and prevent burnt taste.
• Fry latkes in small batches to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming greasy or steaming instead of frying.
• Enjoy latkes right after cooking for maximum crunchiness and best texture, as they tend to lose their crispness quickly.

Store Potato Latkes For Later And Keep Them Crunchy

• Store leftover latkes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual latkes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated latkes at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Quickly revive latkes by pan-frying in a little oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp again.

Perfect Matches for Easy Potato Latkes

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Elevate crispy potato latkes with strategic pairings
• Pair with Tangy Companions: Sour cream and applesauce provide classic, refreshing counterpoints to the rich, golden-brown latkes
• Wine and Spirits Delight: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling cut through the latkes' oiliness, while vodka shots offer a traditional Eastern European touch
• Cultural Comfort Combo: Serve alongside traditional Jewish dishes like braised brisket or roasted chicken to create a hearty, satisfying meal.

Sweet Potato Casserole Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free matzo meal for celiac-friendly latkes.
• Vegan Version: Substitute egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer to create plant-based potato pancakes.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with grated cauliflower or zucchini for a lighter, vegetable-based pancake that reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley to the potato mixture for extra flavor and aromatic complexity.

FAQs

• What are latkes traditionally associated with?

Latkes are a traditional Jewish dish closely connected to Hanukkah, celebrating the miracle of oil and commemorating Jewish cultural heritage during the Festival of Lights.

• How do I prevent my latkes from becoming soggy?

Remove as much moisture as possible from the potatoes by squeezing them thoroughly in cheesecloth or paper towels before mixing with other ingredients, which helps create crispy, golden-brown latkes.

• Can I make latkes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare latkes in advance and reheat them in a hot oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness without losing texture.

• What type of potatoes work best for latkes?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal because they help create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, providing the perfect texture for traditional latkes.

Easy Potato Latkes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden potato latkes bring Jewish culinary tradition to your kitchen with delightful simplicity. Perfectly seasoned potato pancakes invite you to savor a classic comfort dish that connects generations through warm, crackling edges and rich cultural heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) potatoes (such as Russet), shredded
• 1 small onion, shredded
• 1 large egg

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Cooking Ingredient:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) canola oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Grate potatoes and onions using a box grater, creating fine, uniform shreds for optimal texture.
2. Gather shredded potatoes in a clean cheesecloth or thick paper towels, applying firm pressure to extract maximum liquid, ensuring crispy latkes.
3. Combine the drained potato and onion shreds with beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients to create a cohesive mixture.
4. Warm canola oil in a spacious cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to reach the perfect frying temperature.
5. Carefully form potato mixture into uniform patties using a measuring cup, gently pressing to compact the ingredients and maintain structural integrity.
6. Carefully place latkes into the hot oil, cooking until edges turn golden and crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring heat to prevent burning.
7. Remove latkes using a slotted spatula, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
8. Plate the golden-brown latkes immediately, offering traditional accompaniments like tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce for dipping.

Notes

• Squeeze potatoes thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy latkes.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture and golden-brown exterior.
• Experiment with adding grated garlic or herbs like chives for extra flavor depth.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg