Applesauce and sour cream are the traditional accoutrements for latkes. Some load their potato pancakes up with both toppings, while others have strong feelings about one over the other. (I’m Team Applesauce, all the way.) However, this Hanukkah, don’t feel constrained by these standard-bearers. Latkes are just fried potatoes, after all, so they’re basically a blank canvas of crispy deliciousness. Pick any of our top latke recipes and try a new topping this year.
Go Deli-Style: For a filling Hanukkah meal, make latkes the main course and serve with corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, mustard and any other favorite deli toppings. Food Network Kitchen even created a corned-beef patty for this genius Latke Burger.
Breakfast Whenever: Top latkes with smoked salmon, cream cheese or sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives, and you’ve got a holiday breakfast. Try waffling your potato pancakes for less mess and more crunch!
Latke Nachos: Take a cue from these Totchos and sub latkes in for the tots. Load up a big pile of crispy potato pancakes with cheese and your favorite nacho toppings for a crowd-pleasing Hanukkah party platter (just leave off the meat, if you’re keeping it kosher).
Spice ‘Em Up: Give your latkes a sweet-spicy kick with an Indian-inspired chutney. Latkes are similar to aloo tikki, Indian fried potato patties that are often served with green chutney. Spiced fruit chutneys like mango also pair well.
Latke Canapes: You fancy! Turn latkes into classy appetizers with a spoonful of crème fraiche (sour cream upgrade!) topped with caviar. It doesn’t have to be the super-expensive stuff – try American paddlefish caviar or salmon roe, which you may know as ikura at your favorite sushi joint.
Applesauce Upgrade: Instead of opening a jar, make a fresh spin on applesauce, combining the apples with other seasonal flavors like pears, pomegranates or beets.
Check out more ideas for next-level latkes:
