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.
