Latkes pairs well with Sour Cream, Applesauce, Buttered Vegetables, Poached Eggs, and Smoked Fish with Cream Cheese.
Sour Cream
You can never go wrong with sour cream.
For a lighter option, try Smoked Fish with Cream Cheese. A bit of protein as a side dish to go along with latkes is a wonderful idea.
Latkes, those crispy, golden potato pancakes, are the star of many meals, especially during Hanukkah.
Yet, even the most perfect latke can be lifted to new heights with the right company.
Imagine the possibilities when each bite is paired with something equally delicious.
We're here to take you through seven fantastic side dishes that promise to complement your latkes splendidly.
Each one has been chosen to match the latkes' texture and flavor, making sure your meal is memorable.
Ready to find the perfect companion for your next batch of latkes?
7 Recommended Sides to Serve with Latkes
From apple sauce to roast chicken to tossed salad, continue reading this article to know about the best combinations that you can pair with latkes - or see chili party side ideas for gatherings that work well in group settings.
1 - Sour Cream
You can never go wrong with sour cream - and it pairs alongside other rich sides like sweet and sour meatballs side ideas for a heartier spread.
It is one of the two traditional sides that add flavor to the latkes.
Sour cream is the fat that rises to form the crust of creamy yogurt.
The tastes of these two different forms are the same.
Put a spoonful of sour cream on top of the latkes and you will experience a lovely savory taste.
It goes with the taste of the potatoes and onions in the latkes and takes it up a notch.
The latkes now give a crispy and creamy experience to your palate.
2 - Applesauce
Do you have a sweet tooth? Worry not, because latkes go great with applesauce.
It is sweet and simply pleasant. It hits you on the spot.
This combination is also very traditional and it is like that for a reason.
The mixture of these two foods gives out a sweet and salty experience on the palate.
The contrast in the taste between the two is what makes it more special.
You can either make your applesauce at home or use a store-bought one depending on your choice - or swap it with applesauce substitute options and swaps if needed.
Here are a couple of ways you can prepare applesauce at home.
3 - Buttered Vegetables
For a healthier option, you can opt for a side of buttered veggies to go along with the crispy and salty latkes - or include buttered noodles side pairings for a kid-friendly addition.
It doesn't take long to prepare this dish.
This combination gives you a very homely feeling and is simple to make.
Get yourself a pan and start chopping any vegetables that you like.
Toss them into the frying pan and let them simmer till it gets cooked.
Add the amount of butter according to your own liking.
The veggies are very tempting and give a lot of nutritional value too.
4 - Poached Eggs
It would be totally criminal not to include poached eggs on this list of side dishes for the latkes - and a fruit-forward option like poached pears side suggestions balances the plate.
Poached eggs are one of the simplest foods to make and are loved by almost everybody around the world.
You just have to get your eggs and poach them.
After that, plate up your latkes and top them with the poached eggs.
The creaminess of the egg and the crisp texture of the latkes will give you an emotion you've never felt before.
This combination is a wonderful idea to serve for breakfast.
5 - Smoked Fish with Cream Cheese
A bite of this combination will just make your palate dance.
A bit of protein as a side dish to go along with latkes is a wonderful idea - consider options like smoked turkey breast side options when meat is preferred.
This combination is perfect if you are a seafood lover.
Traditionally, the choice of fish is salmon.
It is smoked over the grill with simple ingredients like salt and pepper and a squeeze of lime juice.
Smear some cream cheese on the latkes and top it off with some shreds of the smoked salmon.
The taste of this combination is just majestic, making it one of the best side dishes for latkes.
6 - Tossed Salad
Another option for a healthy pairing is tossed green salad - or try a grain-based bowl like orzo salad side ideas for extra texture.
The ingredients in the salad will help balance out the oiliness in the latkes.
Get yourself a big bowl and add a mixture of leafy greens, onions, olive oil, tomatoes, cucumber, and some sunflower seeds.
Add salt for taste. This is an excellent recipe to have in your locker when you want to eat healthily.
7 - Beef Stew
A side of a meaty dish is also a wonderful combination for latkes.
It is simply delicious and heartwarming.
This is a dish that is perfect for cold weather.
Boil some beef along with some veggies and the ingredients.
Nothing can go wrong with this combination.
The flavor of the beef stew is soaked up by the latkes and it just enhances the flavor of the latkes.
If you think about soul food, this is the dish.
For a quick comparison on breakfast potatoes, see latkes vs hash browns comparison. For heartier, savory mains that pair with many of these sides, corned beef hash side pairings outlines complementary options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sour Cream You can never go wrong with sour cream. Applesauce Do you have a sweet tooth?
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Look for sides with brightness or acidity to cut through richness. This side dish brings the right contrast.
A squeeze of citrus or a vinegar-dressed salad achieves a similar effect if you want something lighter.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.