Latkes Or Potato Pancakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Jewish

Crispy, golden potato pancakes with a savory onion flavor, perfect for brunch or a comforting snack, appealing to all ages and easy to customize with toppings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 large potatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes.
  2. Grate the onion and add it to the grated potatoes.
  3. Beat the eggs well in a bowl.
  4. Add the beaten eggs to the potato and onion mixture.
  5. Add salt and flour to the mixture.
  6. Mix everything well until combined.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly.
  9. Fry until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  10. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra crispiness, consider squeezing out excess moisture from the grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel. If you're out of flour, you can use matzo meal or even cornstarch as a substitute. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a golden-brown color. You can also add herbs like dill or chives for added flavor, or browse more vegetarian recipes for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Latkes are delicious served with applesauce or sour cream for dipping. They pair beautifully with Microwave Irish Coffee for a comforting meal. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For a festive touch, top them with smoked salmon and crème fraîche.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover latkes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which helps retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Latkes Or Potato Pancakes contains roughly 611 calories, with 9g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

611 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 26.6g 34% DV
Carbs 85.2g 31% DV
Fiber 5.4g 19% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 743.1mg 32% DV
Potassium 1491mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 68.6mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 77.2mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 20mg 22% DV
Calcium 85.3mg 7% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make latkes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the latke mixture ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours. However, it's best to fry them just before serving to maintain their crispiness. If you need to make them in advance, fry them and then reheat as described.

What type of potatoes are best for latkes?

Starchy potatoes, like Russets, are ideal for latkes because they yield a crispier texture. Waxy potatoes, such as Red or Yukon Gold, can result in a mushier pancake, so stick with the starchy varieties for the best results.

Can I freeze latkes?

Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze the latkes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until crispy.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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