Herbed Cheddar Latkes.
Sharing my twist on the classic holiday latke with these Herbed Cheddar Latkes. Shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs, all mixed together and pan-fried into a delicious and crisp potato pancake. Finish these off with a little flaky sea salt for the most addicting and perfect latke, that’s just as good as an appetizer as it is as a side dish.
I’m often asked how I come up with recipes, and what I do when I run out of inspiration. Whenever I need some fresh ideas my first source is always my family. And more often than not, it’s my soon to be sister-in-law, Lyndsie. She’s traveled the world and experienced so many different cultures and foods. Lynds is full of ideas. She prefers veggies, soups, and sides, and is oddly a big fan of lamb. She’s currently begging me to do some kind of holiday lamb roast, but I’m hesitant. What do you guys think?
I was talking to Lynds the other day and she insisted that I needed to make latkes. She was truly appalled that I didn’t have a good latke recipe on HBH already. Honestly, I had other plans for today’s post. But the idea of latkes excited me so much that I decided to rearrange. So, today we’re talking latkes!
I’m very, very excited, and could hardly wait to share this recipe with you. It truly is SO GOOD and great for both Hanukkah (which is very traditional) and Christmas entertaining.
There’s a lot of different versions of latkes out in this world. But after researching, I decided I wanted to do something herby and cheesy. No surprise there, I know. Hey, sometimes you just shouldn’t mess with a good thing. My favorite way to do potatoes is with herbs, cheese, and a little sea salt.
If you’ve never made a latke, prepare yourself, they’re EASY! I was actually shocked with how quickly and painlessly these came together.
The batter is a simple mix of shredded potatoes, onion, bread crumbs, eggs, cheese, and herbs. All of which are ingredients you should keep on hand at all times, especially during the holidays.
Mix the batter up and then pan fry in a little olive oil. Pan frying in oil is what gives the latkes that extra crisp outside. And? Because we’re adding cheese, these latkes have a nice soft, cheesy (and herby) center.
My personal favorite way to enjoy these is right off the skillet, while they’re still extra crisp. I sprinkle them with some fresh chives and my favorite flaky sea salt…one of the best indulgences there is. Think about it. Crisp on the outside, cheesy on the inside, filled with delicious fresh herbs, and perfectly salted to your taste.
Melt in your mouth GOOD! And one of those foods that will always excite you.
Of course, if you prefer, you can also enjoy these the more traditional way. With either applesauce (Lyndsie’s personal favorite), or Greek yogurt (my mom and dad’s personal favorite).
If you’d like to make these for your next holiday party, you can easily make them in advance and just rewarm the latkes in the oven before serving. They won’t be quite as crisp as they are right out of the skillet, but still delicious, and oh so flavorful.
Honestly, if there was one potato dish to make this week, it’s these latkes. For the longest time I never really wanted to mess around with a latke recipe. But after making this recipe, it’s safe to say that I finally see what all the fuss is about.
Guys, latkes are the best! And yes, I even like them served with applesauce…although at first, I thought that sounded incredibly odd. It’s true what they say, don’t knock it till you try it!
It’s also true that these will become a new holiday tradition for my family. I already know that Lyndsie will be demanding we make a few batches for our family Christmas dinner. We better get an assembly line going…
That would sure make for a great Gerard family photo. Last time I had the brothers in the kitchen, Red rolled out pie dough… and then put it right back in the mixing bowl because he thought that was a pie plate.
Yikes.
If you make these latkes, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Herbed Cheddar Latkes
Shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs, all mixed together and pan-fried into a delicious and crisp potato pancake. Finish these off with a little flaky sea salt for the most addicting and perfect latke, that's just as good as an appetizer as it is as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, grated
- 1 yellow onion, grated
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and sage
- kosher salt and black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
- flaky salt and fresh chopped chives, for serving
- plain greek yogurt and apple sauce, for serving
Instructions
-
1. Place the potatoes and onion in a large kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. Add to a large mixing bowl along with the bread crumbs, eggs, cheddar cheese, herbs, and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix to evenly combine.
2. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mix and add to the pan, flattening down with a spatula. Work in batches of 3-4 and cook 4-5 minutes per side or until deeply golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and sprinkle with flaky salt.
3. Serve immediately with applesauce and/or Greek yogurt.
Recipe Notes
- To keep the latkes warm, transfer to a wire cooling rack set inside a baking sheet and place in a 250 degree oven for up to 30 minutes.
Our Favorite Recipes
Easy Coq au Riesling.
hmmmm these sound so moore-ish!!
Thank you Ruth!
This recipe looks delicious! However, I find it strange to read a whole recipe about latkes that doesn’t mention Hannukah even once (and even mentions them being served for Christmas instead). Latkes are more than just a new trendy blog food – they are something that has been eaten for the Jewish holiday for many many many generations. I love your blog especially around the holidays and was sad to feel that the cultural context of this dish was just kind of swept under the rug.
Hi Liv! I am so sorry about that, and thank you for letting me know. I will try to reference the cultural context in other recipes that are coming up. I hope you have a great rest of your week!
hey girl- these look amazing!
Thank you Shawnna!
Love this cheddar twist on latkes (I’m partisl to a sour cream accompaniment, but applesauce definitely works too); and I say YES to satisfying her request for the lamb roast 🙂 No doubt you’ll create something beyond delicious!
Thank you so much Liz!
These sound amazing. My boyfriend’s parent have a Hanukkah party each year where his mom serves latkes. I’d love to introduce her to this version because they sound so flavorful!
Thank you so much Danielle! I am so glad you loved this!
Gotta try this as it looks amazing. I do think a nice lamb recipe would be great. My one suggestion tough would be to make sure your lamb is Australian. I don’t know why, but of the lamb I have cooked which have been many the Australian lamb just has a wonderful not to gamy taste.
Thank you so much Deb! I hope you absolutely love this recipe!
I’ve never made latkes before so I’m super excited to try this recipe. So interesting about the applesauce to go with it. I’m such a sucker to try anything new, so I’ll definitely give the applesauce a try. The herbs and cheddar cheese that you have included sound amazing. And congratulations on Lyndsie being added soon to your family.
Thank you so much! I am so excited that she is going to be apart of the family! Also, I hope you love these!
The cheesy latkes do look yummy, but please be aware that they are traditionally associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (different spellings are each okay) and it would have been respectful of you to have acknowledged that fact. It’s also important to point out that because this variation on latkes includes cheese, someone who adheres to Jewish dietary law could not eat these at a Hanukkah meal that includes meat. That’s because dietary law prohibits mixing meat and dairy foods. So it would be thoughtful of you to make sure your readers know that if they plan to bring latkes to a Hanukkah dinner they’re sharing with Jewish friends who adhere to dietary law, the readers should ask their hosts if the meal will include meat.
Happy holidays 🙂
Janet
Hi Janet! Thank you so much for letting me know all of this information! I was not aware of these dietary laws and I will let people know if they ask!
These latkes look amazing! And that’s so awesome that you have a source of inspiration in your family 🙂
Thank you so much Sarah! I am so glad you like this!
Yes please to the lamb recipe. With a poultry allergy to work around and the fact that we’re not that big on turkey; we serve either lamb, or prime rib for Christmas and Thanksgiving. I will look forward to your sister inlaw’s recipe!
Thank you so much Carolynn!
I’m going to make these but change up the choice of cheese.. Love cheeses of all types except the cheddar. No idea why it just is. I love a good latke with homemade chunky applesauce — fresh from the pan or next day heated up. Best “stand around the kitchen” entertainment!! Happy holidays!
Hi Tanya! I hope these turn out amazing for you and you love them! Happy Holidays to you as well!
These look so good, nice and crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Perfect lakes. I think doing lamb chops for a Christmas dinner. Would be amazing. I use a garlic herb lamb chop recipe. It’s super easy and tastes great. Good luck, you wont be disappointed.
Thank you so much Wendy! I am so glad you love this recipe and I hope they turn out amazing for you!
Yum! Potatoes all the time!
Thank you Donna!
I’m going to try this with the sweet potatoes I have from my CSA. I think the applesauce will work well them! Thanks for the inspiration! I was looking for something different to do with them!
I hope you love these! Let me know how they turn out for you. Thank you Denise!
I would agree with one of the other commenters that’s it’s weird to have a latke recipe without the mention of Hanukkah. Regardless- why not usd matzoh meal instead of panko? That’s what really makes a latke. Otherwise I think it’s just a potato pancake (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
One of the secrets to a really good latke is soaking the shredded potatoes in cold seltzer (refrigerate for about 1/2) before mixing up the batch. Obviously drain the seltzer out. Grandmas secret tip.
Thank you so much Lindsey! I love the secret tips, they’re always the best!
Thank you for sharing such tasty recipe and please keep sharing!
Thank you so much!
This is a beautiful recipe, and I agree with the other commenters about the lack of acknowledgement of this being part of Jewish tradition. It is not just a cultural dish, it is meaningful to the lives of the Jewish people because Latkes are made to represent the miracle of the menorah oil lasting for 8 days. It would have been more appropriate to call them potato pancakes rather than using the traditional Yiddish word. With so many people suggesting that they’ll make Latkes on Christmas without any acknowledgment of the origin of the food almost feels like cultural appropriation, clearly taking elements from the minority culture and using them in the dominant culture. Just some food for thought…I only speak up on this post as a Jewish person, but do not dismiss other instances where this may have happened for other cultures on your blog. Thank you for continuing to provide delicious recipes, and I hope this feedback will help you be more mindful in the future!
Hi McKenna! I did not mean to offend anyone by using this term. I am sorry I was not aware of the background of this food, but thank you for letting me know. I will be more mindful in the future and I truly appreciate this comment. I hope you have a great weekend! Thank you!
Yes. Lamb is fantastic. Leg of Lamb – Rack of Lamb. You can’t go wrong. Listen to Lindsie! I like to make lamb meatballs and homemade naan. My favorite lamb recipe is a pesto rubbed leg.
Thank you so much Jennifer!
I made these tonight and promptly forgot to squeeze the potatoes. Still delicious but not as pretty as yours, but you are a pro after all. I had mine with sour cream and warm jalapeño jelly I happened to have on hand since I made a batch for presents today.
Hi Terri! I am so glad you enjoyed these latkes still! Thank you for trying them!
Tieghan- your commentary on this recipe, both in the paragraphs leading up to the recipe and in the comments, is very upsetting. How do you post about latkes and how there are lots of different latkes in the world and you researched it, without mentioning the story behind them? They are an integral part of Jewish culture, which even I, a Christian from South Carolina, know. Do you not study history in your schools? If you are going to culturally appropriate something, at least learn the background. I expected better from you. I will no longer be following your page and will be telling my fellow chefs to do the same.
In Christ,
Felicity
Hi Felicity, I am sorry you feel this way and sorry to have upset you, that was by no means my intention. I hope you have a great holiday season and enjoy your time with family and friends. Best, Tieghan
I’m making these tonight (with mozzarella stuffed meatballs, spaghetti squash, and marinara. But I’m going to use half white potatoes and half sweet potatoes. I love all your cooking! Wish I could afford to buy your cookbook ?
Hi Marpy! I am so glad you love these and I hope they turn out amazing for you!
Do use a grater for the onion or grate in a food processor? I want to make these tonight!
I just use a grater, but you could certainly great in the food processor too. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan ?
I made these a few nights ago. It was my first time making latkes and it was very easy. I used 3 large russet potatoes and ended up making about 30 latkes, which took some time to fry up. I added chopped chili peppers to the last half of the batch to get a variety. They were delicious and I’ve been eating the leftovers with an egg and sauteed kale in the morning- headed up all together in cast iron on my stove.
I am so glad you loved these Stephanie! Thank you!
This looks and sounds incredible. This food items at different places are really appealing to attract, our people really love to have spicy and such items for outing.
Thank you so much! I hope you love this recipe!
Making this for supper right now, not sure if any will make it onto the plates! So delicious, thanks!
Thank you so much Mari!
These look fantastic! And I would love to see your take on some lamb recipes, please.
Thank you Daniel! xTieghan
I really don’t want to jump on this with other commenters, but this is the second time (at least) that you have taken a historically Jewish food and lumped it in with a different religion. I love your blog, but I really dislike my culture being repurposed for the religion that loves to pretend we don’t exist. Please please please recognize these cultural issues in the future.
Hi Gemma! I sincerely apologize for this. I by no means meant to disrespect you or your culture by this, and will look into the history further in the future! I hope you have an amazing week! xTieghan
How long in advance could I prep these?
HI! Up to 3 days, warm in the oven before serving. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and I hope you had Merry Christmas! Sorry my response is a bit late! xTieghan