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Classic Crispy Potato Latkes

A stack of golden brown, crispy potato latkes piled high on a white plate, illuminated by natural light.
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Make perfectly golden, crispy potato latkes with tender centers. This traditional recipe guarantees a shatteringly crisp exterior, ideal for your holiday table or any comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large russet potatoes, peeled
  • 1 small yellow onion, peeled
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Grate the potatoes and onion using the coarse side of a box grater.
  2. Place the grated potato and onion mixture into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Wrap tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is key for crispy latkes.
  3. Transfer the dry potato and onion mixture to a medium bowl.
  4. Add the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers (about 350°F).
  6. Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form pancakes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp.
  8. Remove the latkes from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream or applesauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, squeeze the moisture from the potatoes aggressively. You want them very dry before mixing in the other ingredients.
  • If you are making these ahead, you can keep the batter refrigerated for up to an hour, but stir well before frying.
  • If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, consider serving these with a dollop of crème fraîche instead of sour cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/crispy-potato-latkes-recipe/