These crispy Panko Latkes with Horseradish Sour Cream will have your family begging for another bite. Large, shredded potatoes, good technique and one special ingredient keep these latkes together while frying, making them a delicious addition to any meal. You might never make another way again.
Latkes are one of my favorite parts of the Hanukkah meal. I grew up eating latkes, but not being Jewish, we called them potato pancakes. My Polish grandmother grated the potatoes on the finest section of her box grater. Before she could finish all the potatoes, they were turning brown because they’re quick to oxidize. Ultimately, they didn’t look very appetizing.
I have to admit the consistency of those pancakes were pretty mushy. The color was a strange brown with a tinge of green. If you’re familiar with making latkes, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
However, they were edible and tasted good with a little sour cream on top. And let’s face it – it’s not like I knew any better and I wasn’t about to question my grandmother’s cooking skills.
Fast forward many years. My husband thought he would educate me on best practices when it comes to making latkes. His recipe consisted of mixing half fresh potatoes and latke mix into one recipe. It was still your typical, off-colored, mushy latke. I knew I had to fix it.
I started experimenting with different binders and larger-sized potato shreds. I found grating the potatoes into water helped keep them from turning brown so quickly. I also added panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and potato starch (available in the baking aisle close to other specialty flours) as a binder.
The result is a crispy latke that stays together well when you flip it side to side.
These latkes aren’t just beautiful, they’re crunchy, golden brown and they taste delicious. Topped with a little horseradish sour cream, they’re the star of the Hanukkah table.
I promise you will love this version, especially if you serve them next to the most amazing kugel.
Panko Latkes with Horseradish Sour Cream
Ingredients
Latkes:
- 1-1/4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and shredded using the largest setting of a box grater
- 1/4 cup potato starch
- 3/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- vegetable oil
Horseradish Sour Cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Shred the potatoes on the largest setting of your box grater into a bowl of cold water, making sure they are completely submerged. This helps prevent oxidation and browning of the potatoes.
- Mix together the onion, panko, potato starch, salt and peppers in a large bowl. Drain the potatoes into a colander, pressing to squeeze out any excess water. Add the potatoes to the onion-panko mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a large 12” cast iron skillet, heat about ¼” of oil over low heat. You'll probably have to add a little more oil with each batch you fry. When the oil is hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently shape into a round pancake. Don't make them too flat or press too hard. The mixture will hold together well as-is.
- Fry on one side until golden brown and gently flip over to do the same, about 2-3 minutes per side. You can easily fry 4-5 latkes at a time. Keep the finished latkes warm in a 250° F oven or in a warming drawer until you're ready to serve.
- The Horseradish Sour Cream can be made earlier in the day. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until fully incorporated. Keep the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish it with extra chives on top.
Other latke recipes you might enjoy:
- Two Years Ago: Streuseled Apple Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Muffins
- Three Years Ago: Leftover Penne Pasta Soup
- Five Years Ago: Holiday Chopped Salad
- Six Years Ago: Dried Apricot and Cherry Granola