What to Eat with Potato Latkes - Toppings and Side Dishes

What to Serve with Potato Latkes

Potato latkes are a traditional Hanukkah food that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Also known as potato pancakes, they are made from shredded potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and seasoning that are formed into patties and fried in oil. While latkes are delicious on their own, they are even better when served with a variety of toppings and sides.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a classic topping for latkes. The cool, tangy creaminess of the sour cream perfectly balances the crispy, salty latkes. Sour cream contains fat and protein which makes it more satiating. When buying sour cream, opt for full-fat rather than low-fat versions for the best flavor and texture.

Applesauce

Applesauce is another traditional latke topping. The sweetness of the applesauce offsets the saltiness of the latkes. Applesauce also adds moisture to temper the crispy texture of the latkes. Use plain unsweetened applesauce or try fun flavors like cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Making your own homemade applesauce allows you to control the amount of added sugar.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to sour cream. It has a similar creamy texture but contains more protein and less fat. The tartness of the yogurt pairs well with the fried latkes. Mix in lemon juice and herbs like dill to give the yogurt even more flavor. Greek yogurt also makes an excellent base for vegetarian tzatziki sauce.

Lox

Smoked salmon or lox lends a savory, salty flavor to latkes. Lox provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Create a latke lox stack by topping a latke with cream cheese, lox, tomato, onion, and capers. The cream cheese acts as glue to hold it all together. You can also top latkes with just a spoonful of plain cream cheese or herbed cream cheese spread.

Caviar

For special occasions, top latkes with caviar for an elegant appetizer. The briny pearls of fish roe pop with each salty bite. Opt for more affordable caviar like salmon roe instead of pricier options like beluga. Spoon caviar directly on top of hot latkes and garnish with chopped onion, creme fraiche, and chives.

Gravlax

Gravlax is cured salmon that makes a refreshing counterpart to fried latkes. It has a similar flavor profile to lox but the curing process gives it a more delicate texture. Serve gravlax on thin bagel chips next to the latkes for contrasting textures. Or top latkes directly with paper-thin slices of gravlax and fresh dill.

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon adds a burst of flavor and color to latkes. Opt for hot-smoked salmon rather than cold-smoked lox for warm, flaky fish on top of crispy latkes. Wild-caught salmon has more omega-3s than farmed. Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers mounted on a latke make an easy appetizer.

Caviar

For special occasions, top latkes with caviar for an elegant appetizer. The briny pearls of fish roe pop with each salty bite. Opt for more affordable caviar like salmon roe instead of pricier options like beluga. Spoon caviar directly on top of hot latkes and garnish with chopped onion, creme fraiche, and chives.

Gravlax

Gravlax is cured salmon that makes a refreshing counterpart to fried latkes. It has a similar flavor profile to lox but the curing process gives it a more delicate texture. Serve gravlax on thin bagel chips next to the latkes for contrasting textures. Or top latkes directly with paper-thin slices of gravlax and fresh dill.

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon adds a burst of flavor and color to latkes. Opt for hot-smoked salmon rather than cold-smoked lox for warm, flaky fish on top of crispy latkes. Wild-caught salmon has more omega-3s than farmed. Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers mounted on a latke make an easy appetizer.

Horseradish

The spicy kick of horseradish complements the crispy potato taste of latkes. Horseradish is often served alongside other Hanukkah foods like gefilte fish and brisket. Look for freshly grated horseradish root in the refrigerated section rather than jarred, which loses some heat over time. Horseradish also pairs well with smoked fish and meats served on latkes.

Dill

Fresh dill adds brightness and herbaceous flavor to latkes. Its grassy taste helps cut through the oiliness of fried foods. Mix chopped dill into sour cream or Greek yogurt to spoon on top of hot latkes. Dill also complements smoked fish like salmon when served alongside latkes. Use fresh dill sprigs as a pretty garnish.

Chopped Liver

Chopped liver is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish made from chicken or goose liver. The rich, spreadable pate makes a savory topping for crispy latkes. Opt for healthier chicken livers rather than beef or goose. Chopped liver can be served spread on latkes or make open-faced latke liver sandwiches.

Scallions

Scallions provide a pop of color and fresh onion flavor without the overpowering taste of regular onions. Chop scallions and sprinkle them on top of sour cream or Greek yogurt to spoon over latkes. You can also use thinly sliced scallions as a garnish for lox, caviar, or gravlax served with latkes.

Crumbled Bacon

A sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to rich latkes. Look for uncured turkey or beef bacon as healthier alternatives. Bacon goes well with sour cream-topped latkes. For a warm topping, cook chopped bacon bits until crispy then top latkes while still hot.

Caramelized Onions

Sweet, rich caramelized onions are a delicious way to top simple latkes. Slowly cook sliced onions in oil over low heat until browned and caramelized. Pair the sweet onions with savory Greek yogurt or sour cream. Caramelized onions offer more flavor than raw onions without too much added moisture.

Chopped Liver

Chopped liver is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish made from chicken or goose liver. The rich, spreadable pate makes a savory topping for crispy latkes. Opt for healthier chicken livers rather than beef or goose. Chopped liver can be served spread on latkes or make open-faced latke liver sandwiches.

Scallions

Scallions provide a pop of color and fresh onion flavor without the overpowering taste of regular onions. Chop scallions and sprinkle them on top of sour cream or Greek yogurt to spoon over latkes. You can also use thinly sliced scallions as a garnish for lox, caviar, or gravlax served with latkes.

Crumbled Bacon

A sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to rich latkes. Look for uncured turkey or beef bacon as healthier alternatives. Bacon goes well with sour cream-topped latkes. For a warm topping, cook chopped bacon bits until crispy then top latkes while still hot.

Caramelized Onions

Sweet, rich caramelized onions are a delicious way to top simple latkes. Slowly cook sliced onions in oil over low heat until browned and caramelized. Pair the sweet onions with savory Greek yogurt or sour cream. Caramelized onions offer more flavor than raw onions without too much added moisture.

Side Dishes to Serve with Latkes

While latkes are often topped with creamy or savory ingredients, they also pair well with a variety of side dishes and sauces for dipping. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside potato latkes.

Applesauce

In addition to being a common latke topping, applesauce also makes a great side to have on hand for dipping. The sweet apple flavor balances salty, crispy latkes. Offer unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties.

Bowl of Sour Cream

A bowl of sour cream on the side is perfect for dipping crisp, hot latkes straight from the pan. The cool tanginess offsets greasy fried foods. Garnish the sour cream with extra sliced scallions or snipped chives.

Greek Yogurt

Alongside sour cream, offer Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, plant-based dipping option. Mix in lemon juice and herbs to the yogurt. Garlic yogurt sauce also pairs well with latkes.

Crudités

Serve fresh raw veggie crudités on the side to add color and crunch. Dip crispy carrots, celery, radishes, cucumber, and other favorite crunchy vegetables into Greek yogurt. The veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to balance the fried latkes.

Dill Pickles

Tart, briny dill pickles are a perfect accompaniment to fried foods. The acidic pickle flavor cuts through the richness of the oil. Pickles also provide probiotics for better digestion. Choose naturally fermented pickles to get the health benefits of live cultures.

Beet Horseradish

Horseradish mixed with shredded red beets makes for a vibrant pink condiment with spicy kick. The horseradish’s punch stands up to crispy, fried latkes. Grate fresh horseradish and beet roots for the best flavor.

Mustard

A variety of mustards are great for spreading on latkes or dipping. Dijon and whole grain mustards have tangy flavor. Honey mustard adds sweetness. Mix up your own custom mustard blend by combining stone ground mustard with ingredients like herbs, maple syrup, curry powder, or horseradish.

Labneh

Labneh is a Middle Eastern yogurt cheese that makes a great dip for latkes. To make your own, strain Greek yogurt overnight through cheesecloth to remove the whey. Mix in olive oil, salt, garlic, and herbs. Labneh has a rich, creamy texture.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt and cucumber dip that pairs well with latkes. Grate peeled cucumber and squeeze out the excess water before mixing with thick Greek yogurt. Add lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and olive oil. The cooling tzatziki provides relief from greasy latkes.

Fruit Compotes

Fruit cooked down into thick, syrupy compotes make delightful dipping sauces for latkes. Try apple, pear, cranberries, berries, stone fruits, or citrus. The sweet fruit balances the savory latke flavors. Compotes keep for over a week refrigerated for easy use.

Transform Leftover Latkes

Leftover latkes can be transformed into other easy, tasty dishes so none go to waste. Here are some creative ways to use up leftover latkes after Hanukkah:

Latke Breakfast Sandwiches

Make a hearty breakfast sandwich by layering eggs, cheese, and meat between latkes instead of bread. Fry an egg and Canadian bacon to top with cheddar cheese between latkes smeared with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Latke Benedict

For a decadent brunch, make latke Benedict by topping latkes with sliced ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Latkes can stand in for English muffins as the base.

Loaded Latke Nachos

Transform latkes into nachos by topping them with beans, salsa, avocado, olives, shredded cheese, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Bake until the cheese is melted and nachos are heated through. Load up with any of your favorite toppings.

Latke Tacos

Use latkes instead of tortillas or taco shells for a crispy base for tacos. Top your latke tacos with typical taco fillings like ground meat, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro. The potato latkes make for hearty, filling tacos.

Latke Sliders

Make mini sliders on latke buns with sliced deli meats and cheeses. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, or ketchup. For dessert sliders, use ingredients like Nutella, bananas, apple butter, or whipped cream.

Latke Stir-Fry

To use up a lot of leftover latkes, try making a latke stir-fry. Slice latkes into strips and stir-fry with shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, broccoli and protein like chicken, shrimp or tofu. Serve with a sauce like teriyaki, sesame, or sweet and sour.

Potato latkes are most associated with Hanukkah but they can be enjoyed all year long. Serve crispy, flavorful latkes with an array of delicious toppings and sides for the perfect holiday appetizer or light meal any time. What are your favorite ways to eat and serve latkes?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.