Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden potato latkes crisped in a pan and topped with sweet caramelized onions, perfect for a Hanukkah-inspired appetizer. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs russet potatoes, yellow onion, eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and grate 3 medium russet potatoes using a box grater. Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  2. Step 2: Peel and thinly slice 1 large yellow onion. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion and 1 tbsp sugar, cooking slowly for 15 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, caramelized onions, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Heat remaining 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cup portions of the potato mixture into the oil, flattening gently with a spatula. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Transfer latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with sour cream or applesauce if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep russet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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