A traditional Hanukkah recipe that is crispy, simple to make and absolutely delicious. These are a pure latke perfection and so easy to make. Enjoy these for an easy to make breakfast or as a traditional dish during the holiday.
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Potato latkes came into my life just a few years ago. I didn’t grow up eating these delicious potato cakes, but oh my gosh I wish I had. A couple years back, I hosted Christmas brunch and my husband, who works at a local fresh grocery store. They had them on their deli menu for the holidays and he suggested that I add them to my menu. I had seen potato latkes before and knew they were a staple for the Hanukkah holiday but never really tried them. They were a huge hit and I fell in love with the crispy exterior, soft middle, and the flavor that has just the right amount of onion. As soon as they were in my belly, I knew that I had to recreate this recipe so that I could make them all the time.
My adventure to re-create this recipe began. I tried not once, not twice, well I lost count but basically a lot of attempts to make these latkes just right. It took me two years of random attempts and a little bit of research to get these just like the ones I enjoyed at my brunch. I love to do research on a recipe before going into the kitchen. It gives me some insight as to why the recipe works and how I can add something to it. It is even more exciting to research when it is a traditional recipe like this one.
Traditionally made for Hanukkah, latkes are fried in oil which is a big element in the Hanukkah celebration and plays a large role in cooking the traditional foods. It represents how the Holy Temple had enough oil in the menorah for just one night, yet it remained lit for eight nights. This is what the holidays are about, traditions that represent something and in my opinion are best when they in the form of yummy foods.
These latkes are so good before you know it you will be going back for more. Thin and crispy and the best part, super easy to make. Sometimes, frying foods can be intimidating, but I promise these are a breeze to make. These make a great appetizer or side dish and are perfect for holiday entertaining. Traditionally these are served with applesauce or sour cream. I served them with a dill cream cheese topped with salmon lox which pairs with the onion flavor so well. Okay, my mouth is watering. No joke, I still have one left over in my fridge and I will be enjoying that right now. Another great thing about this recipe! They are just as good cold and they are warm. Late night snack? yes, please!
Crispy Potato Latkes
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Vegetable Oil for frying
For the dill cream cheese
- 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 oz. salmon lox sliced thin
Instructions
- Using a cheese grater or a food processor, grate the potatoes and onion.
- Squeeze out all excess water from potatoes and onion and place in a large bowl.
- Lightly beat eggs with the salt, pepper, and flour. Add egg mixture to potatoes and mix thoroughly.
- In a medium skillet, heat about 1/4 inch vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Using a 1/3 measuring cup, scoop potato batter and drop onto skillet. Using a spatula, flatten the batter into disks.
- Cook, flipping once, until crispy and browned about 8 minutes.
- Remove and place on a plate lined in paper towels.
- Serve with dill cream cheese and salmon lox.
For dill cream cheese
- In a medium bowl, place softened cream cheese. Add the minced dill and lemon juice and mix thoroughly.
- Place a large dollop of dill cream cheese on top of latke and place salmon lox on top.
Sue says
My latkes some times fall apart as I flip them over. Any ideas??
Kaylene says
Hi Sue! That has happened to me also. I found that the more water I can squeeze out of the potatoes the better. Also, letting the first side get really crispy before flipping it. Hope that helps!