Shockingly Crisp Baked Latkes Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Bake

by: Rebecca Firkser

October18,2021

4.8

12 Ratings

  • Prep time 30 minutes
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • makes About 16 medium (or 32 silver-dollar) latkes

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

Everybody loves a latke—fried potato pancakes, how could you not?—but everyone does not love the way they make your kitchen, clothing, and pets smell like fry oil for a week after the meal. At least, I certainly don’t. There are ways to mitigate this (open all the windows, set up fans, burn incense), but none are particularly effective or easy to manage while handling a pan of hot oil. The most natural solution is of course to make baked latkes. Perhaps very obviously, the absence of fry oil in baked latkes prevents your house from smelling like a deep-fryer, though it also means the latkes lack what makes them so flavorful and crisp. Case in point: To make potatoes taste really good, and, just as importantly, to make latkes crispy, you have to use oil, and quite a bit of it. Setting out to make an actually good baked latke might as well have been called Mission: Impossible.

But guess what? I did it. The key to deeply flavorful, crispy-exterior, tender-interior baked latkes is essentially to oven-fry the pancakes. Though the ¾ cup of peanut oil (or a very neutral vegetable oil) is in fact much less fat than I’d use to fry latkes on the stove, the decent slick paired with ambient heat of the oven—you’ll heat the oil in the sheet pan just before baking—makes for some of the most satisfyingly crisp latkes I’ve ever had. Even better, when you bake latkes, you can make at least 8 palm-sized latkes or 16 silver-dollar latkes at a time—significantly more than one skillet can handle, so cleanup is as easy as washing a sheet pan (very). —Rebecca Firkser

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cuppeanut or vegetable oil, plus more as needed
  • 3 medium russet potatoes (1½ to 2 pounds), scrubbed
  • 1 large yellow onion, peeled and halved
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoonspanko, matzo meal (not matzo ball mix), or all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Latke fixin’s such as applesauce, sour cream, lox, smoked trout, lemon wedges, chopped chives, and chopped dill, for serving
Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F and pour a generous ½ cup of the oil on a sheet pan.
  2. Use a box grater or a food processor fitted with the coarse grater attachment to grate the potatoes and onion.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a clean kitchen towel and place over a large bowl. Gather the edges of the towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you possibly can from the onions and potatoes. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes after you think you’ve squeezed it all, then squeeze again—there’s always more water. Keep the potato mixture in the towel for a moment. Let the liquid sit in the bowl for 5 minutes, then gently dump out the water from the bowl, but make sure to leave any milky white potato starch that’s accumulated in the bottom of the bowl.
  4. Place the oiled sheet pan in the oven and set a timer for 10 minutes. Transfer the potato mixture from the towel to the bowl with the potato starch along with the egg, panko, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and lots of black pepper. Mix with your hands until totally combined.
  5. Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Scoop 8-10 ¼-cup-sized mounds (if you prefer “silver-dollar” latkes, do 2-tablespoon mounds) of the latke batter out and carefully place on the sheet pan. Use a fish or offset spatula to slightly flatten each mound. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (or 15 to 20 minutes, for silver dollars), until deeply golden brown on the bottom and edges of the latkes.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the latkes, pressing down on the pancakes and letting any excess oil pool around the pan, then bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until deeply golden brown on both sides. Transfer the latkes to a paper-towel-lined plate or clean sheet pan and sprinkle with flaky salt. Let sit for 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate. Add another ¼ cup or so of oil to replace what was soaked up by the first batch, then transfer to the oven for 10 minutes to warm the oil. Form and bake the remaining latkes while you eat the first round. Serve with applesauce, sour cream, lox, smoked trout, lemon wedges, and/or chopped chives and dill.

Tags:

  • Jewish
  • Onion
  • Potato
  • Bake
  • Dinner
  • Side

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Smaug

  • chimera

  • Deborah,Cummings

  • Rebecca Firkser

22 Reviews

Smaug December 9, 2023

I have to wonder how much spatter this is creating inside the oven.

Rebecca F. December 9, 2023

I tested these dozens of times during recipe development and have made them every year for Hanukkah since, and had no splatter at all. There's no need for concern!

carol99 December 8, 2023

Will they stay crispy if I reheat the next day? I normally pan fry 3/4 of the way, freeze, then reheat the day of the party.

Rebecca F. December 8, 2023

You can absolutely reheat them! Plop them on a sheet pan (no need for more oil) and bake at 350F until warm, about 10 minutes

kag7075 December 4, 2023

What is the best size sheet pan to use?

Deborah,Cummings December 4, 2023

I just used a standard cookie/baking sheet. A larger one is even better !

Rebecca F. December 5, 2023

This recipe was developed for a standard half sheet pan (18x13 inches), but any baking sheet you have will work!

kag7075 December 5, 2023

thanks so much for the very fast replies

chimera December 23, 2022

Growing up my mom would line the entire breakfast nook in newspaper and break out the electric frying pan for latkes, and it was such a huge mess. I’ve always sucked it up and just accepted the fact that every Hanukkah my kitchen will be gross and oily smelling for days, since latkes are a must. I saw this recipe and with hope in my heart (and 2 boxes of Trader Joe’s frozen latkes as backup in a worst case scenario) I set forth to make my first batch of oven baked latkes. THEY ARE AMAZING! I’ll never go back to the old way! So crispy and perfect! We served with sour cream because I don’t do applesauce on my latkes, and we had lox and chives on hand so threw those on as well (my mom thought it was odd but hey, she’s old school). Delish. So happy.

Deborah,Cummings December 21, 2022

I was skeptical. I baked them and still did a few in a frying pan. Hands down will bake from now on. Loved the crispy outside and light inside. Felt like k used less oil than fry in!

Katie December 18, 2022

I admittedly was skeptical - but oh my god these are unreal!!!

EMR October 6, 2022

The latkes were in fact very tasty and very crispy. I gave it a 3 because of the strong oil odor that lingered in my kitchen until well into the next day. (I used canola oil.) I used the oven fan while baking since I had read reviews that mentioned the oily smell. The cooking odors were so strong (and not in a good way) that I suspect that is what I will remember about latkes from now on.

shoepershopper December 14, 2022

I mean, that's the "joy" of making latkes. The "aroma" lasts for eight days and nights. 🤣

Irene S. December 1, 2021

I didn't make these, but was a guest last night at a dinner where they were made this way. They were brilliant; among the best latkes I've ever tasted. But I have to admit that the sweater I wore last night still smells of cooking oil this morning.

Tre November 30, 2021

These were amazing! Cooked perfectly! I used 2 trays in the oven (top rack and middle rack) and it didn’t change cook time. Sooo delicious!

JNS December 2, 2021

Did you use convection function ?

valerie J. November 29, 2021

Many thanks for such a prompt answer. I will try this.

valerie J. November 28, 2021

Can you use a convection oven and bake a few sheet pans at a time?

Rebecca F. November 29, 2021

I haven't tried this, but you could certainly give it a go! You may need to bake them for a bit longer/switch the trays positions halfway through baking to ensure even browning and the same amount of crispiness

orit R. November 27, 2021

Question: will this eliminate the frying smell? 🙏

Rebecca F. November 29, 2021

it's not gone completely, but it's significantly less intense than fried, and was mostly gone by the next morning!

Joan S. October 28, 2021

What a great recipe. I can't wait to try it.

Shockingly Crisp Baked Latkes Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between latkes and hash browns? ›

Latkes also aren't hash browns. Hash browns are all about crispy, burnished crust, with just enough potato-y center to gain a third dimension and a little give. A latke's interior should be plump and slightly cakey, but yielding, with recognizably rustic strands of potato intertwined with onion.

Why do Jews eat applesauce with latkes? ›

Tradition says so. Latkes are usually served at dinnertime along with a meaty main, like brisket. Mixing milk and meat at the same meal is a no-no for those who keep kosher, so sour cream would be out as a latke condiment leaving the underdog apple sauce victorious.

Are latkes good for you? ›

Latkes are easily one of our favorite holiday foods, but considering they are traditionally fried in lots of oil, they're not necessarily the healthiest!

Can you make latkes ahead of time? ›

Or, you can grate the potatoes hours ahead and store them submerged in water in the refrigerator. Drain them well and make the batter up to two hours ahead. (It doesn't matter if it discolors– when you fry them the latkes turn a beautiful golden brown). Fry the latkes no more than an hour or two ahead of serving.

What does latke mean in Hebrew? ›

A latke (Yiddish: לאַטקע latke; sometimes romanized latka, lit. "pancake") is a type of potato pancake or fritter in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine that is traditionally prepared to celebrate Hanukkah.

What is the difference between German potato pancakes and latkes? ›

The potato pancake is much simpler, with nothing but raw grated potatoes, egg, and all-purpose flour. The latke, on the other hand, adds baking powder, matzo meal, and even a splash of milk, according to Cooktoria. Surprisingly, the potato pancake has a longer preparation time due to the simplicity of its batter.

Are latkes sephardic or ashkenazi? ›

Potato latkes are a more recent Ashkenazi invention that gained popularity in Eastern Europe during the mid 1800? s. A series of crop failures in Poland and the Ukraine led to mass planting of potatoes, which were easy and cheap to grow. But before potatoes came on the scene, the latke of choice was cheese.

Can Jews eat mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed potatoes don't need lots of fat to be delicious. Also, I used Yukon Gold potatoes which make especially creamy mashed potatoes. Another option is to substitute the dairy with broth and margarine in order to serve the mashed potatoes with meat at a kosher meal.

What were the original latkes made of? ›

Historically, Jews in Central and Southern Europe cooked kaese (cheese) latkes, and Jews in Eastern Europe made latkes from buckwheat or rye flour.

What is the healthiest potato in the world? ›

The Healthiest Potato is the Red Potato

After taking into account the mineral density, the vitamin density, the macronutrient balance, the sugar-to-fiber ratio, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and the phytochemical profile, red potatoes are the healthiest potato with data from the USDA Food Database.

What does a latke symbolize? ›

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. Centuries after the fact, Jews were told to celebrate by eating foods cooked in oil.

What is the difference between Boxty and latkes? ›

Boxty is different from other potato pancakes or latkes, and you'll see that once you bite into one and notice the crispy hash brown-like outside and soft, dough-like inside.

What do you serve at a latke party? ›

  1. Martha's Gluten Free Potato Latkes.
  2. Pomegranate Honey Pistachio.
  3. Beet Hummus & Microgreens.
  4. Pink Applesauce & Coconut.
  5. Smoked Salmon with Greek Yogurt and Fresh Chives.
  6. Guacomole with Yellow Peppers.
  7. Bartlett Pear with Cinnamon Creme Fraiche.
  8. Labneh and Dill.
Dec 4, 2017

What is the best vegetable oil for latkes? ›

HuffPost interviewed several chefs to determine the best oil for frying latkes.
  • Option 1: Canola Oil.
  • Option 2: Peanut Oil.
  • Option 3: Schmaltz.
  • Option 4: Olive Oil (Your Last Resort)
Nov 29, 2023

How do you reheat potato pancakes so they are crispy? ›

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.

What is a fancy name for hash browns? ›

In the United States, hash browns strictly refer to shredded or riced pan-fried potatoes, while diced and pan-fried potatoes are called country fried potatoes or home fries. Some recipes add diced or chopped onions.

What are the two types of hash browns? ›

There are two kinds of hash browns: The chunky, floury, vaguely brown but not crisp kind, and the lacy, crunchy, shredded version here. Guess which one we prefer? This is part of BA's Best, a collection of our essential recipes.

What's the difference between hash browns and Southern style hash browns? ›

What is the difference between hash browns and Southern hash browns? Hash browns are shredded potatoes that are fried until crispy and brown with no soft interior. Southern-style hash browns are diced potatoes that are fried until the exterior is crisp and the interior is soft, essentially home fries.

What is the difference between latkes and rösti? ›

Latkes are very similar to the rösti, but also incorporate egg and flour into the pancakes, and are pan-fried in canola oil instead of clarified butter. How do I get my rösti super crispy? Frying in clarified butter is what gives the rösti its beautifully crip exterior while the interior remains buttery.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 5922

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.