What Goes Well With Latkes

So there I was, standing in my kitchen, covered head to toe in shredded potato. Thinking, "This is what peak performance looks like." My latkes were golden, crispy, and absolutely magnificent — and now they just sat there judging me, waiting for a sidekick.

See, a latke without a good pairing is like a superhero without a cape. It's fine, technically, but nobody's excited about it. So let's talk about what these crispy potato discs actually deserve.

The Classic Challengers

Let's start with applesauce and sour cream — the Forrest and Jenny of the latke world. Sweet, tangy, creamy, and together they complete you. Apparently, Americans lean hard toward applesauce, while Scandinavia runs on sour cream like it's a personality trait.

And honestly? Don't choose. Put both on. Life's too short for condiment drama. My uncle once refused sour cream "on principle," which sounds impressive until you realize his principles didn't include wearing matching socks.

The Game-Changers

Now here's where things get interesting. Smoked salmon draped over a latke is basically a Jewish Eggs Benedict moment — except nobody questions your finances over brunch. Voted "most likely to make you go silent with joy" by me, just now.

How To Make The Best Latkes Ever | Flavour Network

And let's not overlook a fried egg on top. The yolk breaks, it pools into every nook and crunchy cranny, and suddenly you're living your best life. Pro tip: use an egg so fresh it squawks when you crack it (it won't squawk, but the fresh ones are better).

The Unexpected Friends

Here's a surprising fact most folks don't know: latkes and lox together have been a holiday table tradition for over a century, wowing the same relatives who critique your career choices every year. If it worked in 1920, it works in 2025.

39 Latke Recipes To Try This Hanukkah - Hey Alma

But wait — have you tried whitefish salad? It's creamy, smoky, and feels fancy even though you probably bought it in a plastic tub. Pair it with a latke and suddenly you're hosting a dinner party, whether guests are invited or not.

Oh, and I once saw someone put guacamole on a latke. It shouldn't work, but somehow it absolutely did, like pineapple on pizza. Call me crazy — I call it culinary courage.

Latke Platter | Rachel Phipps

The Words to Live By

At the end of the day, a perfect latke pairing comes down to one simple rule: if it made you do a little food dance, you got it right. No one's grading your plate, unless your abuela's watching — and honestly, she might grade it anyway.

So whether you go classic or absolutely unhinged, drizzle, dollop, and delight your way through the entire batch. Calories don't count on Hanukkah, because time machines exist in spirit form. Now go grab that extra crispy one before someone else does.