Potato and Sweet Onion Latkes with Applesauce

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

Golden fried latkes made from grated potatoes and sweet onions, served with homemade cinnamon-spiced applesauce for a traditional Hanukkah treat. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah ready in about 45 minutes blends large, grated sweet onion, large eggs, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 5 large peeled and grated russet potatoes and 1 large grated sweet onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid until mostly dry.
  2. Step 2: Transfer potato and onion mixture to a large bowl. Beat 3 large eggs, then add to the bowl along with 1/3 cup all-purpose flour. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Form the potato mixture into 3-inch diameter patties and fry in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the applesauce by combining 4 peeled, cored, and chopped apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Step 6: Simmer apples for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and sauce thickens slightly. Mash with a fork or potato masher to desired consistency.
  7. Step 7: Serve the hot latkes with warm cinnamon applesauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Potato and Sweet Onion Latkes with Applesauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Potato and Sweet Onion Latkes with Applesauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Potato and Sweet Onion Latkes with Applesauce?

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 Potato and Sweet Onion Latkes with Applesauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Potato and Sweet Onion Latkes with Applesauce?

Middle Eastern hanukkah like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes