Potato pancakes, otherwise known as latkes, are a classic favorite in the culinary world. Potato pancakes can be a delicious and creative side dish.
Whether you’re cooking for Hanukkah or just looking for a new twist on your regular dinner routine, potato pancakes can be a delicious way to switch things up.
But what to serve with potato pancakes? It’s important to choose the right sides, as they can make or break your meal.
Read on to discover some of the best pairings for these savory treats. We’ve put together some ideas for what to serve with potato pancakes, so you’re guaranteed a tasty dinner.
What are potato pancakes? What do potato pancakes taste like?
Potato pancakes, also known as latkes or boxties, are a traditional dish of grated potatoes and onions that are pan-fried in oil to create a crispy, golden exterior. Potato pancakes can be served as both a savory side dish and a sweet dessert.
They have a very unique flavor due to the combination of potatoes and onion, which gives them a slightly sweet taste with hints of sourness from the onions.
Depending on the region, they may be made with various spices such as nutmeg, garlic powder, or paprika, giving them an even deeper flavor profile.
Potato pancakes can be eaten plain or topped with sour cream, applesauce, cheese sauce, diced ham or any other topping you desire!
30 Sides to serve with potato pancake
1. The Classics Meat
For many people, no meal is complete without some type of protein. If that’s you, then consider serving your potato pancakes with a classic meat side dish to make it a full meal.
Consider roasted chicken or turkey breast topped with gravy, pan-fried fish like salmon or trout cooked in butter and herbs, or pork chops grilled in your favorite marinade.
For an even heartier meal, try adding sausage links or bacon alongside your potato pancakes!
2. Cheesy Goodness
If you’re looking for something more decadent than the classics but still want to keep it relatively simple, why not try adding some cheese?
A creamy brie pair perfectly with crispy potato pancakes and makes the perfect snack or appetizer.
Or, if you’re looking for something more substantial, try a plate of macaroni and cheese with scallions sprinkled on top. It’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
Discover More: Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Potato Knishes
3. Veggies & Salads
For those seeking lighter fare, there’s nothing better than veggies and salads!
To make sure everyone gets their fill of greens, try serving your potato pancakes with a fresh cucumber salad dressed in dill and sour cream.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not whip up some roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in garlic and olive oil?
And don’t forget about the other traditional sides like mashed potatoes or green beans – all work beautifully when served alongside potato pancakes!
4. Baked Apples
Potato pancakes are often served with applesauce, but why not take it up a notch and bake the apples instead?
Simply core, slice, and bake your favorite apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before serving for a sweet accompaniment that won’t overpower the potatoes.
5. Sautéed Vegetables
Need something savory? Sautéed vegetables are an easy way to add flavor without any extra effort. Sautéed Vegetables eaten well with potato pancakes.
Try sautéing bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini in olive oil until softened. For an added kick of flavor, throw in some garlic powder or chili flakes before serving.
If you want something heartier than veggies alone, try adding some diced cooked chicken or shrimp to the mix.
6. Salad
For a light side dish that still packs a punch of flavor, try a simple salad of fresh greens such as baby spinach or arugula topped with walnuts and crumbled feta cheese.
Add some cherry tomatoes and drizzle over your favorite vinaigrette dressing for an easy yet impressive side dish that everyone will love.
7. Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese
The smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese dish is a classic combination that pairs creamy, tangy cream cheese with the slightly salty and smoky flavor of smoked salmon.
The combination of flavors makes for a delicious topping for potato pancakes.
Learn More: What to Serve with Tuscan Salmon
8. Greek-Style Lamb Burgers
Spice up your potato pancakes by serving them with Greek-style lamb burgers made from ground lamb, garlic, oregano, and feta cheese. (Recipe)
The bold flavors in the burger will really highlight the subtle flavors in the potato pancakes.
9. Chicken Paprikash
For a Hungarian twist on potato pancakes, try chicken paprikash – dumplings filled with chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce.
It’s a hearty meal that goes well with latkes that can be served as an appetizer or main course, depending on how much you make.
10. Braised Short Ribs
For those looking for a more traditional accompaniment to their latkes, braised short ribs are an excellent choice.
The rich beefiness of the ribs provides a delicious contrast to the lightness of the pancakes while still allowing the two flavors to complement each other perfectly.
11. Mushroom Gravy
For those who want something a little bit more adventurous, try mushroom gravy over your latkes!
Richly flavorful and deeply satisfying, this earthy concoction adds depth and complexity to every bite of pancake without overpowering it.
12. Apple Compote
Sweeten up your potato pancakes by serving them with an apple compote made from tart apples cooked down until they’re soft and lightly sweetened with brown sugar or maple syrup – perfect for breakfast or brunch!
13. Fried Eggplant
Add some extra texture and flavor to your potatoes by serving them with fried eggplant slices on top – it’s like having french fries with your latke!
You can season them however you like – try adding garlic powder or parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
14. Pickled Herring Salad
If you want something lighter than a full meal but still flavorful enough to stand up against the potatoes, pickled herring salad is ideal!
The sour notes in the herring mixed with sweet onions and tangy vinaigrette is both refreshing and tasty when served alongside pancakes hot out of the pan.
15. Beet Salad
Beets are incredibly versatile vegetables that can be prepared in endless ways – so why not serve them atop your potato pancakes?
Roasted beets paired with crumbled feta cheese create an elegant balance between sweet and salty that’s sure to please any palate!
16. Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
Another way to add some crunchy texture to your latkes is by topping them off with Brussels sprouts and bacon!
The salty pork pairs beautifully with fresh sprouts for an umami-packed side dish that will take your potato pancakes over the top!
17. Richly-Seasoned Carrots
Roast carrots with rosemary, garlic, and thyme for a fragrant side to your potato pancakes.
18. Potato Rosti
Fry up some extra potatoes with onions and herbs in butter or oil to give your pancakes an added boost of deliciousness.
19. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Bake sweet potatoes in the oven and serve them alongside your potato pancakes for an indulgent treat.
20. Roasted Butternut Squash
Slice butternut squash into cubes and roast it along with olive oil and cumin for a subtly sweet side dish to balance out the flavor of the pancakes.
21. Crispy Kale Chips
Drizzle kale leaves with olive oil and baking powder before baking them in the oven until they’re deliciously crispy – perfect for adding a crunch to your meal!
22. Buttered Green Beans
Simmer green beans in salted butter until they’re perfectly cooked through – top them off with freshly ground black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese if you wish!
23. Roasted Asparagus Spears
Asparagus roasted in sea salt creates an irresistible flavor combination when paired with potato pancakes – it’s also packed full of vitamins.
24. Lemony Broccoli Salad
Mix together broccoli florets, lemon juice, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, chopped walnuts and dried cranberries for an easy yet flavorful salad that pairs well with potato cakes!
25. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut bell peppers into halves, then stuff them with couscous mixed with feta cheese and spinach – bake until golden brown, then serve as a tasty side dish!
26. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes, then mash them together with butter, garlic paste, cream cheese, olive oil, chives, parsley, and paprika – you can never go wrong with mashed potatoes!
27. Ratatouille
Dice vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, yellow squash, tomatoes etc. Sautee them all together in olive oil along with oregano, basil leaves & Italian seasoning.
Add balsamic vinegar at the end. It’s healthy & delicious!
28. Grilled Corn
Grill corn on the cob by brushing on melted butter mixed together with garlic powder, cayenne pepper & smoked paprika. Sprinkle some cotija cheese & chili flakes for an extra kick!
29. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed Mushrooms pair well with potato pancakes. Quickly sauté mushrooms in garlic & butter until golden brown.
Sprinkle some thyme, oregano & parsley for added flavor and texture. Enjoy!
30. Creamy Rice Pudding
Creamy Rice Pudding is the perfect twin for potato pancakes. Cook rice with milk, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, then stir in whipped cream to make this comforting dessert – perfect for those sweet cravings!
What protein to serve with potato pancakes?
Potato pancakes are a hearty and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins.
For a classic meal, try serving your potato pancakes with crispy fried eggs, bacon or sausage.
Alternatively, grilled chicken or salmon would also make an excellent accompaniment to the savory flavor of potato pancakes.
For vegetarians, consider pairing your potato pancakes with roasted veggies or tofu prepared in a flavorful marinade or sauce.
You could even top your potato pancakes with eggplant parmesan for an Italian-inspired twist!
What sauce goes with potato pancakes?
Potato pancakes, also known as latkes, are traditionally served with applesauce or sour cream. Applesauce provides a sweet contrast to the savory potato pancakes.
Sour cream adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish. For a lighter alternative, plain yogurt works well too!
Other sauces that can be used include horseradish sauce, chutney, tzatziki, cranberry relish and even ketchup.
Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite accompaniment for potato pancakes. Enjoy!
What are the best flavors to go with potato pancakes?
Potato pancakes are versatile and can be served in a variety of flavors to suit any taste. For a sweet option, try topping them with applesauce or sour cream and sugar.
Another popular choice is cinnamon sugar, which adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savory flavor of the potato pancake.
If you want something a little more savory, consider adding crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese over the top.
For an extra touch of flavor, you could also add chopped herbs like chives or parsley, as well as some freshly ground black pepper for a bit of spice.
How do you jazz up potato pancakes?
To jazz up potato pancakes, try adding some flavorful ingredients like rosemary, garlic, parsley, thyme, Parmesan cheese and onion. You can also mix in some cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory kick!
For added sweetness, try adding apples or walnuts to the mixture before frying. If you’re feeling adventurous, top your pancakes with sour cream and chives or chopped tomatoes and basil for an extra punch of flavor.
Lastly, don’t forget to season your pancakes with salt and pepper for an even tastier dish! Enjoy!
How do you display potato pancakes on a platter?
Potato pancakes can be displayed on a platter in an attractive and appetizing way. To do so, arrange the pancakes by size in concentric circles or in a single layer.
Place any garnishes, such as herbs or sour cream, between the pancakes to break up the monotony of their shape.
Decorate the edges of the platter with edible flowers or other colorful accompaniments.
For added visual interest and texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or grated cheese around the outside edge of the platter.
Finally, drizzle a flavored oil like truffle oil over the top for a fragrant presentation.
Wrap Up on What to serve with Potato Pancakes
Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory to complete your meal, there are plenty of options when it comes to what to serve with potato pancakes!
Baked apples provide sweetness, while sautéed vegetables offer savory flavors; both dishes bring out the best in one another when paired together on the same plate!
And if you’re looking for something lighter on calories but rich in flavor, don’t forget about salads!
With so many options available at your fingertips, there’s no need to stick with boring side dishes ever again!
And remember – you can always get creative by experimenting with different ingredients and techniques! So go ahead – give these suggestions a try tonight! You won’t regret it!
FAQs
How many potato pancakes per person?
The exact number of potato pancakes per person will depend on the size of each pancake, as well as how hungry people are.
Generally, a healthy serving would be three to four potato pancakes per person – enough to fill up without feeling overly full.
If you’re serving potato pancakes as an appetizer, one or two per person should be enough.
If you’re planning a brunch or gathering where potato pancakes are the main course, five or six per person may be more appropriate.
What do you eat on top of potato pancakes?
A variety of toppings can be used on potato pancakes. Popular options include sour cream, applesauce, caviar, smoked salmon, creamed spinach, and capers.
You could also top your pancake with a fried egg or some diced bacon for a savory flavor. Cheese is another option to consider- try adding feta or gruyere cheese for a delicious treat.
If you’re looking for something sweet, try topping your potato pancake with maple syrup and walnuts or cinnamon sugar and apples.
Why is applesauce served with potato pancakes?
Applesauce is the perfect accompaniment to potato pancakes, as it helps to cut through the richness and provide a sweet contrast.
Applesauce has been served with potato pancakes for centuries, as its tartness complements the savory flavor of the pancakes.
The sharp sweetness of applesauce brightens up each bite and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Additionally, its mild texture helps to create a nice balance between crunchy and soft textures.
Applesauce also provides added nutritional benefits, such as Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants like quercetin. All these factors make applesauce an ideal pairing for potato pancakes.
Furthermore, applesauce’s popularity in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia further explains why it is a common accompaniment to potato pancakes.
Applesauce has been a part of Eastern European cuisine for centuries, so many traditional dishes from the region include this condiment.
In Sweden and Denmark, applesauce is often served with popular childhood snacks such as raggmunk (potato pancake) and kroppkakor (dumpling balls).
In sum, applesauce’s tartness, nutritional benefits, long history in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, and its ability to brighten up flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to potato pancakes.
Why are my potato pancakes soggy?
Potato pancakes can become soggy for a variety of reasons. If the potatoes aren’t shredded finely enough, they can be more difficult to cook and end up soggier than desired.
Also, it’s important to squeeze out as much moisture from the potatoes as possible after shredding.
This helps reduce the amount of water that is released during cooking, resulting in crispier pancakes.
Additionally, over-mixing the pancake mixture can cause too much starch to be released, leading to dense and soggy cakes.
Finally, using a pan with too high sides can trap steam and lead to softer potatoes instead of crisper edges.
To avoid this problem, use a shallow skillet or griddle when cooking your potato pancakes. With the right technique, your potato pancakes should turn out nice and crispy!
What holiday do you eat potato pancakes?
Potato pancakes, also known as latkes, are a traditional dish commonly eaten during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
During this eight-day festival, Jews honor the miracle of the oil that lasted for 8 days in a menorah when rededicating the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
To celebrate, they eat potato pancakes fried in oil to commemorate this miracle and its spiritual significance.
Latkes can be served with applesauce or sour cream to add flavor and color, making them a delicious Hanukkah treat!
