Fried Sweet Potato Latkes Recipe

Fried sweet potato latkes are 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 Sweet Potato 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 is a type of fried 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 Latkes 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. According to tradition, 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.

While the traditional latke is made from potatoes, like our Homemade Potato Cake Recipe but crispier, modern variations may include other vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even shredded carrots. Some recipes also cater to dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free or vegan versions.

Latkes with Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and shredded, about 1.5 pounds
  • you can do half and half with other veggies too like Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes or carrots
• 1 onion yellow
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• cheesecloth to absorb the excess moisture, or drain on paper towels and press to eliminate as much as possible
• large bowl
• 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.

When you are cooking in oil you do want to make SURE to get as much water out as possible or it will splatter. So first, grate the peeled sweet potatoes and onion using the coarse side of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment.

Place the grated sweet potatoes and onions in a clean kitchen towel, a few paper towels or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

How to Make Fried Latkes

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed sweet potato and onion mixture, beaten eggs, flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• In a large, heavy skillet, heat about 1/4 inch oil, vegetable or olive oil, over medium high heat until it shimmers. You can also use a deep fryer if you prefer. Using a spoon or your hands, shape the sweet potato mixture into 2-3 inch patties, squeezing out any excess liquid.
• Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spatula to flip them.
• Remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

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.

We have hopefully answered this question above and in the recipe card below. 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

1. A sweet and tangy applesauce is a traditional topping for latkes. The contrast between the crispy, savory latke and the sweet applesauce is a classic combination.
2. Another common topping is sour cream, which adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
3. For an elegant twist, some people enjoy serving latkes with smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
4. In more upscale settings, latkes can be topped with caviar for a luxurious treat.
5. Chopped fresh chives or green onions add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
6. Some variations include cheese in the mixture, creating a cheesy potato pancake.

You can customize yours by adding other seasonings or ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, or spices, to enhance their flavor. 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.