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Adam and Maxine's Famous Latkes

This classic potato latkes recipe delivers the ultimate vegetarian comfort food, yielding fritters that are shatteringly crisp on the outside and tender within. By using a clever technique to wring out every drop of moisture from the grated potatoes and onions, you ensure a light, golden finish every time. These savoury treats are a staple of Jewish cuisine, traditionally served during Hanukkah but equally delicious as a weekend brunch or a satisfying side dish for any family gathering.

Preparing these homemade latkes is a simple process that relies on pantry staples like eggs, breadcrumbs, and baking powder for the perfect lift. For the most authentic flavour, serve them warm from the oven with a generous dollop of cool soured cream and a side of sweet applesauce. This balance of salty, crisp potato and refreshing toppings makes them a crowd-pleasing addition to any vegetarian menu.

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Ingredients for Adam and Maxine's Famous Latkes

  • 1.4kg large russet potatoes (4-6)

  • 450g medium Vidalia, yellow, or brown onions (about 2)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 30g fine plain dried breadcrumbs

  • 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons (or more) schmaltz (chicken fat

  • optional)

  • 2-60ml (or more) vegetable oil

  • Applesauce

  • Soured cream

Preheat oven to 163°C. Peel potatoes. Using the large holes of a box grater or the grater disk on a food processor, grate potatoes and onions. Transfer to a large kitchen towel. Gather ends of towel; twist over sink and squeeze firmly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Open towel; toss mixture to loosen. Gather towel; wring out once more.

Whisk eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, baking powder, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Add potato mixture. Using your fingers, mix until well coated. (Latke mixture should be wet and thick, not soupy.)

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. Set a wire rack inside another large rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons schmaltz, if using, and 2 tablespoons oil (or 60ml oil if not using schmaltz; fat should measure about 1/8") in a 12" nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Drop a small amount of latke mixture into pan. If the fat sizzles around the edges, it's ready. (Do not let fat smoke.)

Working in batches and adding more schmaltz and oil to skillet as needed to maintain 1/8" fat, drop large spoonfuls of mixture into pan, pressing gently with the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten slightly. (If mixture becomes watery between batches, mix to incorporate; do not drain.)

Cook latkes, occasionally rotating pan for even browning, until golden brown and cooked through, 2 1/2-3 minutes per side. (If small pieces of potato floating in the oil start to burn, carefully strain out.)

Transfer latkes to paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain, then transfer to prepared wire rack. Place sheet with latkes in oven to keep warm and crisp while cooking remaining latkes.

Serve warm latkes with applesauce and soured cream.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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