Yiddish for “pancake”, latkes are incredibly scrumptious potato pancakes. They’re traditionally served sweet with apple sauce or savory with sour cream. However, the fixings don’t have to stop there! There is an abundance of combinations that taste smashing with this crispy delicacy. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, here are 10 topping and side ideas for latkes for every meal. So, grab your grater and let’s top those latkes!
1. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
One of my hands-down favorite ways to enjoy a plate of latkes is with smoked salmon and cream cheese. You’ll smear the cream cheese on the lox then pile it with tender layers of smoked salmon. When it comes to cream cheese, you’ll have several options for flavors. Chives and onion, garden veggies, or plain are just a few. You can even opt for smoked salmon to get a double dose of goodness. I just recommend steering clear of sweet flavors like pumpkin spice. That is unless you like odd flavor combinations, then, by all means, add on the sweets!
2. Poached Egg
I can eat a poached egg for breakfast pretty much every day. There’s something about slicing into the firm fluffy whites and vibrant runny yoke that I can’t resist. Pair this with some latkes and you have the perfect breakfast. The best part is how the latkes capture the yoke. It’s kind of like eating a sunny-side-up egg with hash browns, only better. Achieving the perfect poached egg, however, can take some practice. But with this recipe, you’ll become a poached egg pro in no time.
3. Applesauce
In the mood for something more sweet than savory? Go with a classic latke topping like applesauce. It may sound odd at first, but it’s tradition for a reason. It tastes amazing! The combination of sweet and salty hits the palate with a burst of flavor. It’s a phenomenal contrast that also satisfies your comfort food cravings. For quick breakfasts or snacks, you can use store-bought applesauce. Or, win the parent of the year award and make your apple sauce from scratch. I like to choose the latter route for special occasions like holidays or potlucks.
4. Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
It’s surprising how stunning this hearty beef stew pairs with crispy golden latkes. The latkes soak up all the yummy flavors, turning this into a gratifying meal. For the stew, you’ll want to use chunks of cubed beef meat as well as beef bouillon. This builds deep and rich complex flavors that go well with veggies like carrots and onions. This recipe calls for potatoes, too, which may sound like overkill, but it’s unbelievably satisfying. This is an exceptional recipe for cold rainy days when all you want to do is throw on a cozy sweater and hunker down inside.
5. Roast Chicken
Roast chicken and latkes are a play on meat and potatoes that absolutely nail it. The crispiness of the latkes and juicy tenderness of the chicken has a complementary texture as well as flavor. Sure, you could always grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, but this one is far better. There’s a layer of garlic butter underneath and on top of the skin. Add lemon along with some white wine, and this chicken is anything but boring and dry. Meat and potato lovers will be all about this dish!
6. Simple Tossed Green Salad
I love the looks of a bright garden fresh salad as much as I love the taste. Pair it with some crispy latkes and you have a sensational meal to serve your guests! This salad is a simple mix of leafy greens, cucumber, red onion, and sunflower seeds. To keep it light and fresh, omit the bacon. However, the latkes are already fried, so why not add in just a little bit more guilt? The best part, though, is the six-ingredient dressing. It’s tangy, sweet, and zingy, which melds beautifully with the veggies. This is an excellent recipe to have on hand when you want a little bit of guilt mixed with some clean eating.
7. Sour Cream
Of course, you can’t go wrong with sour cream! This traditional way of serving latkes can stir up some debate. Some people prefer to go the traditional applesauce route, while others are all about sour cream. While both are arguably amazing, there’s no denying sour cream is a winner. Add a dollop on top of your latkes for a delightful savory treat. It’s creamy, crunchy, and hits the spot!
8. Buttered Vegetables
Don’t let this humble pairing fool you, it can certainly hold its own against the rest. The homey duo is simple, which sometimes, the best dishes are! Buttered veggies add a nice contrast both in texture and color. They’re a terrific pairing when you want something healthy that’s also super easy. Throwing the buttered vegetables together only takes about 10 minutes. If you like your veggies on the tender side, you may want to simmer them a little bit longer.
9. Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
For special occasions or a typical Wednesday night, garlic butter salmon and latkes is a divine dinner. You’ll smother salmon in a fresh homemade garlic butter sauce and bake it on a sheet pan in the oven. While that’s doing its thing, you can fry up your latkes. While it’s optional of course, some roasted asparagus spears will make a stellar side. You can bake them with the fish to add some more nutrients and color to this dish.
10. Sauerkraut
If you need something more effortless, add a heaping of sauerkraut on top of your latkes. Sauerkraut is good for the gut and adds some zip to this dish. If you want to try your hand at making kraut at home, I’ve got the perfect recipe. It’s easy to follow and versatile. You can stick with just cabbage or add in some other veggies like onions and carrots. Healthy and full of probiotics, sauerkraut is a phenomenal topping for some perfectly fried latkes. Click on a star to rate it!
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