There’s something truly enchanting about the golden-brown crunch of crispy classic potato latkes. With each bite, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandmother would whip up these delightful treats during family gatherings, filling the air with the mouthwatering scent of sautéed onions. One unexpected weekend, while looking for a way to indulge my cravings for something homemade, I revisited this beloved recipe and quickly realized that these latkes aren’t just for special occasions; they can easily breathe new life into a regular weeknight dinner.
Using just a handful of simple ingredients, including Yukon Gold potatoes and a touch of avocado oil, you can create something that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether enjoyed on their own, paired with applesauce, or served with a dollop of sour cream, these latkes are bound to steal the show. So, if you’re tired of fast food and craving the authentic taste of home-cooked meals, let’s dive into this wonderfully easy recipe that celebrates the humble potato in the most delicious way possible!
Why are Crispy Classic Potato Latkes a must-try?
Crispy texture: The perfect golden-brown exterior gives way to a fluffy interior that delights the senses.
Simple preparation: With just a few fresh ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for any home cook to master.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy them plain, or dress them up with applesauce or sour cream for a gourmet twist.
Crowd pleaser: Whether for family dinners or entertaining guests, latkes bring smiles to every table.
Budget-friendly: Use inexpensive staples to create a satisfying dish that feels luxurious without breaking the bank!
Crispy Classic Potato Latkes Ingredients
For the Latkes
- Yukon Gold potatoes – These potatoes provide a perfect balance of starch and moisture for crispy texture.
- Onion – Adds aromatic flavor, which elevates the overall taste of the latkes.
- Egg – Acts as a binder, helping the latkes hold their shape during frying.
- Flour – Aids in achieving the right consistency while contributing to crispiness.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and onion.
- Baking powder – Provides a slight lift, ensuring the latkes are light and fluffy inside.
- Avocado oil – Perfect for frying, this oil offers a high smoke point and a subtle flavor.
Feeling inspired by these Crispy Classic Potato Latkes? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crispy Classic Potato Latkes
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Peel and Shred: Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and onion. Use a box grater or food processor to shred them finely, ensuring they mix beautifully in the next steps.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes and onion with the whisked eggs, flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Stir until everything is well blended and holds together.
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Heat Oil: In a frying pan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. You’ll want the oil shimmering but not smoking, which indicates it’s hot enough for frying.
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Form Patties: Take scoops of the potato mixture and shape them into patties, about the size of your palm. Carefully drop them into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
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Fry: Fry the latkes for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Turn gently to avoid splattering.
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Drain: Use a slotted spatula to remove the latkes from the pan and place them on paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain, keeping them crispy.
Optional: Serve with applesauce or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Classic Potato Latkes?
Enhance your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the savory crunch of these irresistible latkes.
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Applesauce: The sweet and tangy flavor of applesauce beautifully contrasts the savory latkes, creating a delightful taste sensation.
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Sour Cream: This creamy addition adds a rich texture and coolness, making each bite of latke indulgently smooth.
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Smoked Salmon: Elevate your latkes with a touch of luxury; the briny flavor of salmon pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes.
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Herbed Yogurt Dip: A refreshing dip made with Greek yogurt and herbs brings a burst of freshness that complements the latkes wonderfully.
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Simple Salad: Serve a light mixed greens salad tossed with zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the latkes.
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Beet Salad: The earthiness of roasted beets and a sprinkle of feta adds color and complexity, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Classic Cocktail: A light, crisp cocktail, such as a gin and tonic, offers a refreshing contrast to the crispy, savory latkes.
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Chardonnay: A well-chilled glass of Chardonnay with its citrus notes will elevate your dining experience, blending beautifully with the latkes.
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Homemade Pickles: Add a tangy crunch to your plate; the acidity of pickles provides a delightful counterpoint to the fried flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Classic Potato Latkes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to save time in the kitchen! You can prep the potato and onion mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply shred the potatoes and onion, then combine them with the whisked eggs, flour, kosher salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy your latkes, heat the avocado oil and form patties from the chilled mixture, frying them until perfectly golden brown. This way, you’ll have fresh, homemade latkes on the table with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made them from scratch that day!
Crispy Classic Potato Latkes Variations
Feel free to play around with these fantastic twists and swaps to personalize your latkes even more!
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Sweet Potato: Substitute half the Yukon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color.
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Zucchini: Add shredded zucchini to the potato mixture for extra moisture and a subtle flavor boost; just squeeze out excess liquid first.
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Herbed Latkes: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or chives for a fragrant and fancy upgrade. Their freshness elevates this traditional dish!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to give your latkes a delightful spicy finish. Perfect for those who love heat!
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Cheesy Delight: Fold in shredded cheese like cheddar or feta for a rich, savory twist. It adds creaminess and depth that’s absolutely irresistible.
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend without losing the crispy goodness. Enjoy without worry!
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Onion Variations: Experiment with different onions (green onions, shallots) to vary the flavor profile of your latkes. Each type brings its unique taste.
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Pesto-Infused: Drizzle some pesto into the mixture for a flavor-packed, herby bite; this twist brings an Italian flair to traditional latkes!
Expert Tips for Crispy Classic Potato Latkes
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Use Fresh Potatoes: Opting for fresh Yukon Gold potatoes enhances the flavor and texture of your latkes, making them crispier.
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Shred Evenly: Shred potatoes and onions uniformly for consistent cooking. Uneven pieces can cause some latkes to overcook while others remain soggy.
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Heat Oil Correctly: Ensure the avocado oil is just the right temperature before frying. Too cool oil will lead to oily latkes, while too hot will burn them quickly.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Fry latkes in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding will trap steam and lead to soggy latkes.
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Draining is Key: After frying, let the latkes drain on paper towels, which helps keep that crispy texture intact for longer.
Embrace these tips to achieve the perfect Crispy Classic Potato Latkes every time!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Classic Potato Latkes
Room Temperature: Crispy classic potato latkes can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If they sit longer, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store leftover latkes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, place parchment paper between layers.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked latkes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Enjoy your Crispy Classic Potato Latkes anytime!
Crispy Classic Potato Latkes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for potato latkes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for latkes due to their perfect balance of starch and moisture, which help achieve that delightful crispy texture while keeping the insides fluffy. If you can’t find them, try Russet potatoes for a similar effect, but be mindful of their higher starch content.
How long can I store leftover latkes in the fridge?
Very! Leftover latkes can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, I recommend placing parchment paper between the layers of latkes to absorb moisture.
Can I freeze crispy potato latkes? How?
Absolutely, you can freeze them! First, place the cooked latkes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, squeezing out the air to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What is the best way to reheat frozen latkes?
To reheat, I suggest preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen latkes on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. This method revives that delightful crispy texture!
Can I make potato latkes gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make your latkes gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
What if my latkes fall apart while frying?
If your latkes are falling apart during frying, it could be due to excess moisture. I recommend using a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the shredded potatoes and onions before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will give you a better binding consistency and prevent them from breaking apart in the oil.
Crispy Classic Potato Latkes That Will Brighten Your Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and onion. Shred them finely using a box grater or food processor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded potatoes, onion, whisked egg, flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Stir until blended.
- Heat avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Shape scoops of the potato mixture into patties and drop into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove latkes using a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels.