Sweet Potato Latkes

Sweet potato latkes have a crispy, golden brown crust with a sweet, soft inside. Enjoyed fresh off the skillet and topped with sour cream, these easy potato fritters make a cozy side your whole family will love.

Potato latkes are a common side around our house – and for good reason! They’re one of the few sides that my dairy-free sister, nut-free brother, and vegetarian sister can all actually eat, so we make them on a regular basis. Additionally, warm, crispy potato fritters right off the skillet are hard to resist, especially when you dip them in applesauce.

Traditionally, potato latkes are made with russet potatoes, but you can also make them with sweet potatoes for a little extra color and flavor. Sweet potatoes are also full of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, making them a healthy and delicious veggie. Plus, they add such a pretty orange color to your table.

What sauce do you serve with Potato Latkes?

This may sound odd, but potato latkes taste fantastic with applesauce! During Hanukkah, families often enjoy them topped with applesauce or sour cream. Either of these options is perfect for balancing out the crispy, slightly salty potato latkes.

How do you make Sweet Potato Latkes Crispy?

There are two ways to help your latkes turn out nice and crispy. The first thing is to make sure to squeeze out as much water as you can from your potatoes after you grate them. You can use a cheesecloth or even paper towels, just try to wring out as much water as possible. The second step is to make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you cook the latkes. Grease it well with olive oil or butter, and only cook a few latkes at a time so that you don’t overcrowd them. Following these two tips should help your latkes turn out nice and crispy every time!

Tips for making Sweet Potato Latkes

• You can use several varieties of sweet potatoes for these latkes. I normally like a basic orange variety like Jewel sweet potatoes or Garnet yams.
• To keep your latkes hot for dinner, put them on a plate and set them in a warm oven while you cook the rest of the latkes.
• These latkes will taste best if you eat them within 1-2 days of making them. After that, they will start to get pretty soggy. Store them in the fridge in an air-tight container for best results.

Tools you will need

To make these potato latkes, you will need a grater, a bowl, a cheesecloth or paper towels, a skillet, and a spatula.

Ingredients you will need

• 2 sweet potatoes – Feel free to use whatever variety of sweet potato you like!
• 1 egg – This will help the latkes stay together.
• 2 tbsp sourdough starter – This is another binding agent for these latkes. Plus it’s a great way to sneak in a little sourdough discard. 🙂
• 1 tsp salt – Kosher salt works well.
• 1 tsp paprika – For a little extra flavor. You can always omit this or use a different spice if you like.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – You can also use avocado oil or butter.

How to make Sweet Potato Latkes

Peel the sweet potatoes, then coarsely grate them into a bowl. Use a cheesecloth or paper towels to squeeze the excess moisture out of the sweet potatoes before you mix them with the rest of the ingredients.

Whisk an egg, then add it to the bowl with the sweet potatoes. Stir in the sourdough starter, salt, and paprika to make the latke batter.

Preheat a skillet to medium heat and drizzle it with olive oil. Make sure it is nice and hot before adding the latke batter to the skillet!

With clean hands, take about 1/4 cup of the batter and shape it into a pancake in your hands, squeezing out any excess moisture as you do this.

Place the latke in the pan, and repeat to make a few more latkes. Depending on the size of your pan, you can cook more or less of them at a time. Don’t overcrowd the latkes though!

Cook the latkes for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Both sides should be golden brown and crispy. Remove the latkes from the skillet and repeat with the remaining batter.

Enjoy your sweet potato latkes with applesauce or sour cream!

Looking for more easy sides?

If so, make sure you head over to the Kitchen Counter for lots of yummy and healthy side ideas. Here are a few to get you started:

• Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
• Sourdough Panzanella
• Kale Butternut Squash Salad
• Apple and White Cheddar Salad

If you make this recipe and enjoy it, let me know in the comments section below! You can also tag me on instagram @oldfashionedinspiration with a picture of your creation.