These Easy Potato Latkes are a delicious and crispy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a side dish. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and breadcrumbs, these latkes are pan-fried until golden brown and served with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Crispy: These latkes have a wonderful savory flavor and a crispy exterior, making them a satisfying and versatile dish.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these latkes are surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy them for breakfast with eggs and bacon, serve them as a side dish with your favorite protein, or even enjoy them as a snack on their own.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Easy Potato Latkes:
- Potatoes: Such as Russet potatoes, shredded for a fluffy and flavorful base.
- Onion: Shredded, adds flavor and moisture.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Breadcrumbs: Unseasoned, adds texture and helps the latkes hold their shape.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Canola oil: For frying the latkes. You can also use other oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Easy Potato Latkes
Step 1: Remove Excess Liquid
Place the shredded potatoes and onions in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth over a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the potatoes and onions. This step is crucial for achieving crispy latkes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the potatoes and onions to a mixing bowl. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Fry the Latkes
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the potato mixture and form it into patties, flattening them slightly with your fingers. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. Repeat with the remaining latke mixture.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, applesauce, or even a dollop of crème fraîche.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a high starch content and will create fluffy latkes.
- Remove excess moisture: Squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the potatoes and onions is crucial for achieving crispy latkes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the latkes from browning properly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
How to Serve Easy Potato Latkes

- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these Easy Potato Latkes for breakfast or brunch with fried eggs, bacon, or smoked salmon.
- Side Dish: They’re a delicious side dish for any meal, especially with roasted meats, fish, or chicken.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a snack on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover latkes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the latkes in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
While you can use leftover mashed potatoes, the texture of the latkes may be slightly different. They may be denser and less crispy.
Can I add other ingredients to the latkes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add grated cheese, chopped herbs, or spices to the batter for extra flavor.
Can I bake these latkes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. However, they may not be as crispy as the fried version.
How can I make this dish vegan?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as an egg substitute.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Easy Potato Latkes that will become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Easy Potato Latkes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 latkes 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
Description
These Easy Potato Latkes are a classic and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and breadcrumbs, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, shredded
- 1 small onion (or 1/2 medium), shredded
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (unseasoned)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Remove Excess Liquid: Place shredded potatoes and onions in a bowl lined with paper towels or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Mix Batter: Transfer the potatoes and onion to a clean bowl. Add egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cook Latkes: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture and form into patties. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Drain cooked latkes on paper towels. Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.
Notes
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like russets for best results.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latke
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg