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Silver Dollar Latkes

These silver dollar latkes are a quintessential dairy-free comfort food, offering a delightful contrast between their golden, craggy exteriors and tender, savoury centres. Traditionally served during Hanukkah, these bite-sized potato pancakes are a versatile addition to any brunch or dinner spread. By using a blend of schmaltz and vegetable oil for frying, you achieve a professional depth of flavour and a superior crunch that makes these homemade treats far better than any shop-bought alternative.

Achieving the perfect texture relies on removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and onions, ensuring they crisp up beautifully in the frying pan. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be served alongside traditional apple sauce or a dollop of soured cream if you are not following a pareve menu. They are best enjoyed warm from the oven, providing a comforting, salty snack that both children and adults will adore.

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Ingredients for Silver Dollar Latkes

  • 30g fine plain dried breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/8 teaspoons finely ground black pepper

  • 1.4kg russet potatoes (3 or 4), peeled

  • 450g onions (about 3 medium)

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tablespoons (or more) schmaltz (chicken fat), duck fat, or vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons (or more) vegetable oil

Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet; line with 2 layers of paper towels. Combine breadcrumbs, salt, baking powder, and pepper in a small bowl.

Using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor, grate potatoes and onions. Transfer to a large kitchen towel. Gather ends of towel in each hand and twist over sink, wringing out as much liquid as possible. Open towel; toss mixture to loosen. Wring out again (excess moisture will lead to soggy latkes).

Transfer potato mixture to a large bowl; add breadcrumb mixture and egg. Toss with your hands to thoroughly combine.

Preheat oven to 218°C. Heat 2 tablespoons schmaltz and 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Drop a small amount of latke mixture into skillet. If the fat sizzles around the edges, it's ready (do not let it smoke). Working in 5 batches and adding more schmaltz and oil to skillet as needed to maintain about 1/8" fat, drop small spoonfuls of mixture into pan, pressing gently with the back of the spoon or a spatula to flatten slightly. Cook latkes, occasionally rotating pan, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. (You may occasionally need to pick out stray potato bits from oil if they start to burn.)

Transfer latkes to prepared rack and let drain. Remove paper towels and bake latkes in oven until all are warmed through and recrisped, about 5 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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