Latkes recipes

Latkes, the all-time-favorite nosh at Hanukkah, are nothing more than humble potato pancakes. Just potatoes. Some grated onion. Eggs. Salt. No big deal, right?
Wrong! Latkes are a very big deal! And everybody has an opinion about the best way to make them—the best way to EAT them, for that matter! Do we make them flat or fluffy? Fried in olive oil or canola? Do we use Yukon Gold or Idaho? Flour or matzo meal? And for a real brain-twister: which is the best topping—applesauce or sour cream and sugar? Oy! Too many questions.
So, why all the fuss? For one thing, latkes are a symbolic food, a Jewish reminder of the miracle of Hanukkah. (Hey, since the ancient oil miraculously lasted eight days, eating food bathed in oil is the least we can do.) Making them just right has become a friendly obsession. When you add in the fact that they’re singularly delicious with endless variations, it’s no wonder they’ve become a culinary art form.
And talk about variations! There are sweet potato latkes, sour cream latkes, zucchini latkes, salmon latkes and even banana latkes, to name a few. Some chefs adore the countless possibilities. Others are purists and stick with potato latkes—the real deal for them. As my papa Harry would say, “Fancy-schmancy latkes? Feh! Old-fashioned is best!”
Old-fashioned, indeed. That basically means crispy, flavorful, heavenly…just like bubbe used to make. It also means whipping up a huge mess in the kitchen. There’s potato peeling! Soaking! Grating! Squeezing dry! Frying! No shortcuts allowed. What a production. Thank goodness it’s a once-a-year affair. But ah, the deliciousness of it all…a totally unforgettable, tradition-worthy delight.
So here’s to a plateful of warm Hanukkah happiness. Cook up your own Hanukkah tradition with our traditional latke and sweet potato and zucchini latke recipes. You should have seconds on such a blessing!
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Potato latkes
Sweet potato latkes
Sweet potatoes and zucchini are another delicious latke combination. Best of all, no soaking and squeezing required!
You may also like
See more-
Mother's Day What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Tell her just how much she means using this guide from Hallmark writers.
-
Mother's Day How to Wrap Flowers for Mother’s Day
Flower bouquets are a favorite gift for Mother's Day—and no wonder! This time of year, you can find amazing flowers e...
-
Gift Wrapping Giftology: how to wrap a Mother's Day gift
Make Mom’s day with these simply stunning Mother’s Day gift-wrapping ideas. Watch our video tutorials ...
-
Mother's Day How to Write an Appreciation Letter for Mom
No one has loved you (or put up with you) like Mom has. Or let’s say it wasn’t “Mom”—maybe it’s been a stepmom, grand...
-
Drinks Perfect for brunch: Easy, refreshing beer cocktails
You don’t have to remind yourself it’s 5 o’clock somewhere: The red beer, beermosa, and radler are perfect beer co...
-
Valentine's Day Free Printable Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages You'll Love
Valentine’s Day is all about love. Not just the romantic kind, either. More and more, people are using Valentine’s Da...
-
Valentine's Day What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card
Hallmark writers offer up inspiration to help you find just the right loving words to add when you sign a valentine.
-
Birthday What to Write in a Birthday Card
When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, per...
-
Christmas Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Anniversary What to Write in an Anniversary Card
Here’s to lasting love! From still-newlyweds toasting with wine glasses they opened on their weddin...
-
Lifestyle How to journal: 5 reasons, 3 ways, and 9+ styles
Start journaling today with our easy guide on how and why to journal
-
Christmas Baby’s First Christmas: Making it a holiday to remember
All of a sudden, you’re more than just a couple: You’re a family. Or a bigger family. Baby’s first Christmas means...
-
Anniversary Anniversary gifts by year
There are a lot of anniversary gift lists out there. Most hit the major milestones with traditional and modern the...
-
Father's Day Father's Day Without Dad: Remembering Lost Loved Ones with New Traditions
For many of us, “father” is synonymous with love, guidance and support. That love does not dissipate after our fat...
-
Family How to Support Foster Families
It’s so exciting when someone you know welcomes a child into their lives, whether by birth, adoption, or fostering...
-
Baby Gifts for New Parents: Thoughtful Things to Give and Do
We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and da...
-
Kwanzaa What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa Card
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Hanukkah Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and frien...
-
Christmas What is Three Kings Day?
Each January 6th, Latinx families around the world celebrate Three Kings Day— Día de los Tres Reyes Magos...