Classic Potato Latkes

Classic Potato Latkes

Ingredients

  • 2 large Russet potatoes

    scrubbed and cut lengthwise into quarters, about 1 pound

  • 1 large onion

    peeled and cut into quarters, 8 ounces

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

    plus more for sprinkling, or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Safflower or other oil

    for frying

Directions

  1. 1

    Using a food processor with a coarse grating disc, grate the potatoes and onion. Transfer the mixture to a clean dishtowel and squeeze and wring out as much of the liquid as possible.

  2. 2

    Working quickly, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour, salt, baking powder and pepper, and mix until the flour is absorbed.

  3. 3

    In a medium heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, pour in about 1/4 inch of the oil. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter placed in the pan should sizzle), use a heaping tablespoon to drop the batter into the hot pan, cooking in batches. Use a spatula to flatten and shape the drops into discs. When the edges of the latkes are brown and crispy, about 5 minutes, flip. Cook until the second side is deeply browned, about another 5 minutes. Transfer the latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle with salt while still warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Classic Potato Latkes

Classic Potato Latkes

Similar Recipes

Classic Potato Latkes

Classic Potato Latkes

Learn to make crispy, flavorful Jewish potato latkes for Hanukkah with potato shreds, schmaltz or vegetable oil, onions, matzo meal. Kosher.

60 minutes24 servings
Light & Crispy Potato Latkes

Light & Crispy Potato Latkes

This recipe for crispy Potato Latkes comes from my mother-in-law who, hands down, makes the best potato pancakes on the planet. They're traditionally eaten during Hanukkah, but are delicious any time of year. Made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and matzo meal (or flour), latkes are pan fried until perfectly golden brown. Serve with applesauce, sour cream, and smoked salmon. Gluten-Free (without flour), Dairy-Free.

50 minutes6 servings
Best-Ever Potato Latkes

Best-Ever Potato Latkes

This potato latkes recipe from New York City's Russ & Daughters yields potato cakes that are crispy and satisfying, and which derive an extra touch of flavor from finely chopped scallions and shredded onion.

50 minutes5 servings4439 kcal
Zucchini Latkes

Zucchini Latkes

Forget about potatoes: Grate sweet squash to form Zucchini Latkes this Hanukkah.

65 minutes4 servings420 kcal
Crispy Hash Browns

Crispy Hash Browns

There's just one secret to the crispiest hash browns: remove as much moisture as possible before frying. Our recipe shows you exactly how to do it to achieve the perfectly browned, diners-style crispy hash browns, every time.

20 minutes
Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes

Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes

These leftover mashed potato cakes give leftover mashed spuds new life with even more flavor than before from added bacon bits, sharp shredded cheese—all fried to crisp-tender perfection.

50 minutes8 servings
Easy Potato Salad

Easy Potato Salad

This old-fashioned recipe for Easy Potato Salad has probably been passed down by our grandmas for generations. It’s a summer classic destined for backyard barbecues, family celebrations, and picnics.

45 minutes
Perfect Potato Salad

Perfect Potato Salad

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Searching for that timeless, comforting crunch of perfectly made potato pancakes? Our Classic Potato Latkes recipe delivers a truly golden, savory experience, bringing tradition and incredible flavor directly to your kitchen.

Why These Classic Latkes Work

This recipe champions simplicity and quality, relying on essential ingredients like starchy Russet potatoes and a savory onion, bound together with eggs and flour. The inclusion of baking powder is key, ensuring your latkes achieve a beautifully light interior that wonderfully contrasts with their signature crispy exterior. It’s a straightforward approach that yields consistently delicious results.

What to Expect

You'll be rewarded with a delightful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite. Imagine a deeply golden-brown, undeniably crispy crust that gives way to a tender, savory potato interior. The hearty potato and sweet onion are seasoned simply with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a deeply satisfying, classic taste. These latkes are a celebration of humble ingredients transformed into something truly special and comforting.

Customization & Variations

While these latkes are perfect as written, they're also versatile. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, opt for a sweet onion variety. For those who enjoy a little spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the batter. Though Russet potatoes are ideal for maximum crispness, Yukon Golds can be used for a slightly creamier texture, if desired. You can also experiment with different neutral oils for frying, such as canola or grapeseed, if safflower oil isn't on hand.

Serving & Context

These Classic Potato Latkes are a wonderful addition to holiday feasts, a cozy weekend brunch, or as a comforting side dish for any meal. Serve them hot, straight from the pan, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra salt, alongside traditional applesauce and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions