21 Next-Level Latkes You Need To Try
Listen, I love plain old potatoes as much as the next person. But it's time to dream bigger.

Before we get started, let's be clear: There is NOTHING wrong with classic potato latkes. They are perfect.

(Get the recipe for these crispy beauties at Bon Appétit or check out this smart, helpful step-by-step latke guide at Serious Eats.)
BUT: There is also a whole world of cool, hip Alternative latkes made with new flavors and exciting root vegetables, waiting to be loved and admired. Why limit yourself?
Here are a bunch of recipes to get started with:
1. Cheesy Potato Latkes

Be honest: Nothing was ever NOT improved by adding cheese. Get the recipe.
2. Sweet Potato, Turnip & Parsnip Latkes

This is a great way to work your way through a stockpile of CSA root veggies. Get the recipe.
3. Cilantro-Jalapeño Latkes

Spicy! Get the recipe.
4. Curry Vegetable Latkes

Crazy? Maybe. But I'm still gonna eat them. Get the recipe.
5. Butternut Squash & Leek Latke Benedict

It's high time you settled down with a nice Jewish brunch. Get the recipe.
6. Rainbow Latkes

This is definitely an extra-credit project, but it's so cool! The latkes, from top down, are made with beet, sweet potato, squash, zucchini, and purple cauliflower. Get the recipe.
7. Hatch Chile Latkes with Hatch Guacamole

The official latke of New Mexico. Get the recipe.
8. Cinnamon Sweet Potato And Apple Latkes

No one ever said you couldn't have latkes for dinner AND dessert. Get the recipe.
9. Brussels Sprout Latkes

The trendiest latke of all. Get the recipe.
10. Celery Root, Potato & Parsnip Latkes

Caviar is optional, but obviously classy as heck. Get the recipe.
11. Persimmon Latkes

This is a great entry-level way to appreciate persimmons. Get the recipe.
12. Smoked Salmon Latkes

Why have it on the side when it could be all up in? Get the recipe.
13. Zucchini Fritters

Ignore the name; these are latkes at heart. Get the recipe.
14. Gluten-Free Parsnip Latkes with Roasted Apples

And (vegan) mustard cashew cream. Get the recipe.
15. Sweet Potato Latkes with Brie & Baby Arugula

Ooh la la! Get the recipe.
16. Butternut Squash Latkes with Sriracha Aioli

You shouldn't have to work hard to convince people that eating ANYTHING covered with sriracha aioli is a good idea. Get the recipe.
17. Celery Root And Mushroom Latkes

These might shock your bubbe, but everyone else at your Hanukkah party will be coming back for thirds. Get the recipe.
18. Matzo Latkes

Passover deserves latkes, too. Get the recipe.
19. Beet & Potato Latkes with Thyme

Using the grater disk on a food processor will help you get those nice lacy shreds of potato. Get the recipe.
20. Caprese Latkes

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Get the recipe.
21. Kale Latkes

You knew this was coming. Here it is. Get the recipe.