Latkes: A to Z Recipes

I’ve never been a big fan of potato latkes. Zucchini latkes, yes. Potato latkes, no. I was originally planning to come up with one alternative recipe to share on this blog, but after scouring the web for ideas, I found so many fantastic concoctions that I had to share them instead!

Here’s an A–Z latke list that will have you trying a new recipe every night of Hanukkah. I found delicious-looking, creative recipes featuring a key ingredient that starts with every letter of the alphabet—with the exceptions of U, V, W and X. I broke the rules a little for those.

If you have a favorite twist on the classic that I didn’t include, please share it in the comments.

A is for Apple

Apple Latkes
A sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. Also try: Cinnamon Sweet Potato and Apple Latkes or Potato, Artichoke and Feta Cheese Latkes

B is for Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts Latkes
This recipe was created for Thanksgivukkah in 2013. Also try: Butternut Squash Latkes

C is for Cauliflower

Cauliflower-Curry Latkes
Also try: Spicy Cauliflower Latkes with Za’atar Aioli, Curry Vegetable Latkes and, the guilty pleasure of the bunch, Grilled Cheese Latkes

D is for Duck Fat

Duck Fat-Fried Latkes with Quince Conserva
Because everything is better fried in duck fat, right?

E is for Egg

Potato Latkes Eggs Benedict
Brunch in a latke—lox included! Also try: Eggplant Latkes

F is for Fennel

Fennel-Lemon Latkes with Toasted Caraway Sour Cream
A sophisticated spin on the crispy classic.

G is for Garlic

Roasted Garlic and Herb Latkes
For me, any recipe with the word “garlic” in the name is a step above the rest.

H is for Hatch Chile

Hatch Chile Latkes with Hatch Guacamole
A somewhat more obscure ingredient that’s a spicy New Mexico treat!

I is for Indian Spices

Indian Spiced Potato Pancake with Mint & Yogurt Chutney
Just look at the picture—it’s so fluffy! This is a must-try flavorful addition to your latke repertoire.

J is for Jalepeño

Cilantro-Jalapeño Latkes
Latkes with a serious kick!

K is for Kale

Kale Latkes
You knew it was coming, right?

L is for Leek

Leek Latkes
Also try: Butternut Squash and Leek Latke Benedict

M is for Mushroom

Celery Root and Mushroom Latkes with Onion Applesauce
Also try: Porcini Mushroom Latkes with Mushroom Salad and Chive “Cream” and Mashed Potato Latkes with Zucchini and Dill

N is for Nut

Pine nut, that is…
Turkish Carrot, Apricot, and Pine Nut Latkes (Havuc Koftesi)
Also try: Zucchini Latkes With Parmesan, Pine Nuts and Basil and Nacho Latkes. I take back my “guilty pleasure” comment about grilled cheese latkes. This one takes the cake.

O is for Olive

Olive Latkes
I like olives, but I’m not sure how I feel about this one. If anyone tries it, please let me know how it turns out.

P is for Potato

Classic Potato Latkes
I felt obligated to feature the classic. But there are so many great options! Also try: Persimmon Latkes, Parsnip Latkes with Mustard Cashew Cream and Honey Roasted Apples and Parmesan Potato Pancakes

Q is for Quinoa

Quinoa Vegetable Latkes
Add a healthy dose of fiber and protein to your latkes!

R is for Root Vegetable

Root Vegetable Latkes
The ingredient is more generic than I would like, but they look delicious.

S is for Smoked Salmon

Smoked Salmon Latkes served with a Lemon and Caper Sour Cream
Also try: Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Tarragon Crème Fraîche, Sweet Potato Latkes with Brie and Baby Arugula and Spinach, Feta and Potato Latkes (Spanolatkes)

T is for Turnip

Potato-Turnip Latkes Fried in Duck Fat
You know, I’m not sure I’ve ever had a turnip. But I’m sure this is a good recipe. It’s fried in duck fat, after all.

U is for Ube Yam

Ube Pancake
Purple pancakes! I couldn’t find a latke recipe using ube yams, but I did find recipes for another kind of potato pancake. For something a bit more traditional with a purple twist, try Purple Potato Latkes.

V is for Vodka

Though I had an impossible time finding a V food to incorporate into latkes (other than the too-generic “vegetables”), the Vodka Latke Party came to my attention. Time for some party-planning ideas from Kveller, Williams-Sonoma and sheknows.

W is for Waffle

Latke Waffles
Another tough one. Instead of putting a certain ingredient in a latke, put the latke in a waffle!

X is for Xero

(According to Urban Dictionary). Nothing. Nada.

Y is for Yam

Spicy and Sweet Yam Latkes
Another recipe infused with delicious Indian spices.

Z is for Zucchini

Zucchini Latkes
Becoming almost as commonplace as the potato latke, zucchini latkes have my vote.