Sweet Potato Latkes

Our fried sweet potato latkes recipe is a wonderful side dish for Hannukah or any time of year. With shredded sweet potatoes instead of russets like we use to make air fryer latkes, they’re crispy and delicious with every bite.

What is a Latke?

A latke, pronounced “LAHT-kuh,” is a popular Jewish dish, particularly during Hanukkah. Though they are often enjoyed year round by many. A latke kind of like our air fryer potato pancake made from grated or shredded potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour or matzo meal. It’s typically seasoned with salt and pepper and fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

Your recipe should always yield a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. They are often served hot, sometimes with our easy Matzo Ball Recipe and accompanied by various toppings or accompaniments, depending on personal preferences and cultural variations. We will go over a few options below.

These delicious bites have a long history. Particularly associated with Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights but that isn’t the only time they can be enjoyed. These are fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of the menorah in the temple in Jerusalem. According to the story, the oil in the menorah miraculously lasted for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day.

Ingredient Notes

You are going to want to start with a few large sweet potatoes peeled and shredded, about 1.5 pounds is what we used here. You can do half and half with other veggies too like Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes or carrots

I like to add a yellow or white onion diced into the mix for added texture and flavor, you really could use any variety you liked.

You will want a few room temperature eggs beaten together until fluffy and then incorporated with the shredded vegetables.

You are going to use some all purpose flour as a binder to make them stick together more like a patty. Other flours will work too.

As for seasonings you should go with some kosher salt and pepper.

As far as equipment goes you want a cheesecloth to absorb the excess moisture, or drain on paper towels and press to eliminate as much as possible. A large bowl to combine everything together and I like using a cast iron pan for frying. Cheese grater for grating the potatoes or use food processor

We in fact are not Jewish but since I grew up with a best friend who was I acquired a taste for them and thus make them for my own children. A delicious and comforting dish we savor each bite at any time of the year really. I have taught my daughters this and How to Make Challah too which they love.

What oil should you use to fry latkes?

It’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point since latkes are typically fried at high temperatures such as canola or vegetable which have little to no taste to them or peanut oil can add a bit of a nutty flavor if you prefer.

How hot should oil be to fry latkes?

Heat oil over medium high heat until it reaches 350-375 degrees F. Once it maintains this steady high heat for a few minutes, then add your food for the best texture.

Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy for the best overall texture with Chicken Matzo Ball Soup. Leftovers can be saved once at room temperature, in the fridge but will need to be crisped again in oil or air fryer.

There are many variations for this and our Apple Kugel as you know. The seasonings below can be included or changed of course, and what to serve when done as well. Ideas on serving options are;

What to Serve With Latkes

A sweet and tangy applesauce is a traditional topping for latkes. Another common topping is sour cream, which adds a creamy and tangy element. For an elegant twist, some people enjoy serving latkes with smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.

1. In more upscale settings, latkes can be topped with caviar for a luxurious treat.
2. Chopped fresh chives or green onions add a burst of freshness.
3. Some variations include cheese in the mixture, creating a cheesy potato pancake.

If you are making these with kids we do have some Free Hanukkah Coloring Pages they will enjoy too. There is a printable step by step recipe card below for you below.