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What kind of potatoes do you use for latkes?

Author

Christopher Duran

Updated on March 01, 2026

What kind of potatoes do you use for latkes?

There's no question about it: Russets are hands down the best spuds for making latkes. They have a high starch content, which means your latkes are less likely to fall apart and you don't need flour to bind them.

Similarly, which potatoes are best for latkes?

There's no question about it: Russets are hands down the best spuds for making latkes. They have a high starch content, which means your latkes are less likely to fall apart and you don't need flour to bind them.

Subsequently, question is, what type of potatoes are best for potato pancakes? I make what are universally considered the best potato pancakes!!! My secret has nothing to do with ingredients although I agree that russets and nice sharp onion are invaluable.

Similarly, you may ask, what kind of oil do you use for potato latkes?

peanut oil

Can you use red potatoes for latkes?

Made the latkes with four medium shredded red potatoes, one medium shredded onion, one egg, and a little flour. The potatoes were new/fresh, and, to my surprise, the latkes came out perfectly. For whatever reason, the reds worked much better than the Yukon, Idaho, and russets I've used in the past.

Should I peel potatoes for latkes?

For best results, use russet potatoes. They are high in starch, which is necessary to form pancakes that don't fall apart. If you peel the potatoes before making latkes, put them in water between peeling and shredding to prevent oxidizing and discoloring.

How do you keep potato latkes warm and crispy?

– Always serve latkes hot and fresh if possible.

When ready to reheat, place in a 375 degree oven for about 10 minutes (7 if using a convection oven) until heated through just prior to serving. A convection oven setting will produce a more crispy result.

How do you keep latkes crispy?

The trick to latkes that stay crispy? Let them dry on a rack, instead of a pile of soggy paper towels. They cool quickly, so if you're serving them the same day you can place them on a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven at 200 degrees while you fry the next batch.

Can you make potato latkes in advance?

If you're making them in bulk, and want to spread out the work, you can definitely grate up your (preferably Russet) potatoes a day in advance, but they suggest adding a little lemon juice or other citrus to the latke batter. This will help keep the potatoes fresh when it comes down to frying time.

What is a traditional Hanukkah dinner?

During the Hanukkah holiday, families eat latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (round jelly doughnuts), and other foods to celebrate the miracle of the Festival of Lights.

What do you put on latkes?

Applesauce and sour cream are the traditional accoutrements for latkes.

How do you dry potatoes for latkes?

Moisture is the enemy of good latkes. After you shred the potatoes for the mixture, you want to dry them out really, really well. The easiest way to do that is to pile them into a big swath of cheesecloth and wring it out. Do it more than you think you have to.

What is the difference between potato pancakes and latkes?

Potato pancakes are more rounded than potato latkes and you can make them uniform more easily. On the other hand, potato latkes are also rounded, but you'll notice shredded pieces of potato sticking out here and there. Finally, potato pancakes are thinner, while potato latkes are thicker.

How do you make fried potatoes not stick to the pan?

Remove them from the water and let them air dry on paper towels. Once they are completely dry, pan-fry them on medium heat using a few tablespoons of oil to make sure that they crisp up and don't stick. (Pro tip: Use clarified butter for extra flavor and richness.)

What nationality are latkes?

A latke (Yiddish: ??????‎; sometimes romanized latka) is a type of potato pancake in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine that is traditionally prepared to celebrate Hanukkah.

How do you easily Grate potatoes?

Grate the potatoes over a clean plate or countertop.

Place your grater over a clean plate or countertop. Most graters have two sides, one for making thick shreds and the other for thinner ones. Choose your preferred side, then hold a potato at one end and press it into the grater as you slide it from the top down.

How hot should oil be for latkes?

In a deep-fat fryer or heavy medium pot, heat several inches of oil to 375 degrees F. In batches, gently put the latkes into the hot oil and leave them alone to fry until golden brown, turning only once, about 4 minutes.

Can I shred potatoes in a food processor?

Thin, grated pieces of potato cook through quickly and turn golden and crisp. You can use a simple box grater or a food processor to shred potatoes in minutes.

Can you save latke batter?

Fry it up- drain the grease well-let cool and then store in freezer bags amounts that can be used up for a meal. Defrost when ready to use and reheat in oven until hot and crisp.

Why do you eat latkes on Hanukkah?

Why latkes? The simple answer is that they're meant to remind Jews of the miracle of the oil associated with Hanukkah. During the Jewish holiday, eating crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes represents perseverance, and a little bit of magic. But miraculously it lasted eight days.

What does latke taste like?

The savory latke tastes heavenly with a touch of cool, tangy cream combined with the subtle sweetness of applesauce. If you want to make your own applesauce, go for it! Easy stuff.

Why are my potato pancakes falling apart?

If they're falling apart while you're shaping them, they either need a little more flour to hold them together (QueenSashy recommends saving the potato starch that gathers at the bottom of the liquid you squeeze out of the grated potatoes and mixing that back into the potato mix) or they're too wet and need to be wrung

What do you eat with potato pancakes?

Potato pancakes are typically served as either a side dish or an appetizer. I like to serve these patties alongside a whole roasted chicken, marinated and grilled steak, or with seared pork chops. These cakes also pair nicely with sauteed shrimp or baked salmon.

Are russet and Idaho potatoes the same?

A russet potato is a type of potato that is large, with dark brown skin and few eyes. The flesh is white, dry, and mealy, and it is suitable for baking, mashing, and french fries. Russet potatoes are also known as Idaho potatoes in the United States.

Does IHOP serve potato pancakes?

No more potato pancakes at IHOP!

How do you shred potatoes in a blender?

Add eight pieces of potato to the blender jar. Press the "grate" button and allow the blender to run for 5 seconds. Check the consistency of the potatoes. Grate for another 5 seconds, if necessary.

How do you make potato pancakes from scratch?

Directions
  1. Finely grate potatoes; drain any liquid. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add egg, onion, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder; mix well.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1/8 in. of oil over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls; press lightly to flatten. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve immediately.

What is another name for potato pancakes?

Potato pancakes, raggmunk, draniki, deruny, latkes or boxties are shallow-fried pancakes of grated or ground potato, matzo meal or flour and a binding ingredient such as egg or applesauce, often flavored with grated garlic or onion and seasoning.

How do you make sweet potato pancakes from scratch?

Instructions
  1. Whisk together flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in sweet potato, honey, cinnamon, ginger and mix well.
  3. Add wet sweet potato mixture to the dry mixture.
  4. Heat skillet over medium heat.

Can I substitute red potatoes for russet?

You absolutely can substitute red potatoes for the russets in potato soup. Red potatoes are waxy, have more moisture, and tend to keep their shape better when cooked, so some people actually prefer them when making soup. Russets are drier, have more starch, and break down easily when boiled.