Below are 8 of the best gluten-free latkes recipes we can find, perfect if you want to vary the tradition a bit each night of Hanukkah.
Eight gluten-free latkes recipes for eight nights of Hanukkah. If you are a fan of latkes but also like a bit of variety, we have a huge treat for you. The first is our personal favorite, a family potato latke recipe passed down and converted to create gluten-free latkes.
Latkes are often called potato pancakes, and technically, that is what they are. However, there are some differences. Traditional potato pancakes are rounder and thinner, while latkes are defined by their more coarse appearance and thicker texture.
However, like many traditions, the lines between latkes and potato pancakes have blurred a bit. To simplify, the potato pancake fried in oil and served at Hanukkah is called a latke.
Latkes are potato pancakes that are fried in oil and eaten during Hanukkah.
Why are latkes eaten at hanukkah?
It’s the oil.
Hanukkah is the only time of the year I can think of when we are encouraged to eat fried foods. After all, oil plays a significant role in the holiday. For it was one day’s worth of oil that burned for eight days after the second Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed that makes the miracle of Hanukkah.
(Check out The Hanukkah miracle story here.)
The oil used in preparing these fried latkes is often thought of as a symbol of the Hanukkah miracle.
Do you have a favorite recipe? Why not share it with us? Whether you’ve got traditional Jewish food or anything gluten-free, we’d love to see what you can create.
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Are all latkes gluten-free?
On this page, we feature only gluten-free latke recipes, but traditionally, they usually contain gluten. In fact, the most common ingredients of latkes are potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour (or matzah meal).
How to eat gluten-free latkes
Latkes are typically served hot with apple sauce or sour cream, whether they are gluten-free or not. Apple sauce, while being delicious with the potato pancake, also helps cut the oiliness.
We have seen at restaurants (and even ordered) latkes with slices of smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream. There is also a twist on this in the recipes below.
I also know people who sprinkle cinnamon on top, but the closest I have come to trying this was topping them with cinnamon apple sauce. And then there is ketchup, something that might appeal to those who dip their fries, but it’s not for me.
8 Gluten-free latke recipes
Gluten-free latke recipes
Each of the recipes featured are gluten-free or have a gluten-free option.
Easy Hanukkah Latkes
Easy to prepare, these delicious gluten-free potato pancakes are an alternative version of my grandma's traditional Hanukkah latkes. They are what we eat every year, although they usually don't come out as "perfect" looking as they do in the image.
Herbed Vegetable Potato Pancakes
Herbed vegetable potato pancakes are perfect for brunch, party appetizers, or a side dish. Top them with smoked salmon and lemon-chive cream for an elegant appetizer.
Extra Crispy Scallion Latkes
These scallion potato pancakes have lacy crispy edges and tender centers. The scallions add an onion flavour that seems to compliment the crispyness. A favorite you won't want to miss.
Spinach Artichoke Baked Latkes (Vegan)
These healthy baked spinach artichoke latkes are naturally vegan and gluten-free. They are a cinch to make and a perfect party appetizer or meal.
Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Crispy brussels sprouts latkes are baked, not fried....a healthy gluten-free choice. Subsituting brussel sprouts for potato and you have a low carb alternative latke.
Crispy Potato Latkes
These extra crispy latkes are naturally gluten-free. Instead of flour, they use the starch from the potatoes. Serve with sour cream and apple sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Latkes (Vegan)
These easy, crispy, oil-free latkes are made right in your air fryer! This air fryer gluten-free vegan potato latkes recipe is top 8 allergy-free, paleo, and ready in 10 minutes. Keep them traditional for Hanukkah or add a touch of smoked paprika for a flavorful dinner side dish any night.
Beetroot and Sweet Potato Latkes with Cashew Cream (Vegan)
If none of these appeals, you might want one of our favorite Jewish cookbooks.
If all else fails . . .
You can get a gluten-free potato pancake mix from Manischewitz. Honestly, we have never tried it, and I don’t think we will, as making latkes from scratch is a family tradition. However, everything we have tried from Manischewitz has been fine. Buy your Manischewitz gluten-free potato pancake mix at Amazon here.
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Which gluten-free latke recipe will you try first?
More on Hanukkah at Kibitz Spot:
These all look delicious. I have to admit that I’m craving the latkes with smoked salmon and lemon chive cream—yum! Thank you for the Hanukkah history lesson!
These Latka ideas look awesome! I have never tried to make them in my air fryer and so you have totally inspired me! Plus the beet root latkas look so interesting and so inventive! Will have to also try giving those a go!
Oh wow, these all look so good. I always learn so much about the Jewish tradition from your posts and I appreciate that.
I am glad that I don’t have any intolerance to gluten, but what a treasure your recipes are for those who do. And your latkes look quite tasty!
Thanks for this post and learning about the oil and the different latke recipe to try. They all look delicious.
We are gluten-free and love making Latkes fir the holiday! I love your list and am excited to try the air fryer recipe.
I love latkes! This post was very helpful. Can’t wait to try one of these
I never thought about it but of course they’d usually have flour added. I’m liking the look of the spinach ones.
What a nice variety of latkes. Lets one step out of their comfort zone and try something new. They all sound marvelous!