These crispy potato latke bites are a tasty twist on a classic! Topped with rich smoked salmon, they make for a delightful treat at any gathering.
Honestly, who can resist crispy potatoes and tasty fish? I love serving these bites at parties; they disappear faster than you can say “latke!” It’s fun to pair them with a dollop of sour cream!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for latkes because they are starchy, which helps create a crispy texture. If you can’t find Russets, Yukon Golds will work well too—they’ll be a bit creamier in texture.
Onion: A yellow onion adds flavor to the latke mixture. If you’re sensitive to onion taste, try using green onions for a milder flavor!
Smoked Salmon: The star of this recipe! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you could try smoked trout or even canned salmon. But trust me, nothing beats the classic smoked salmon here.
Sour Cream: I love using sour cream, but if you’re in a pinch, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for a healthier option. It still gives that creamy texture!
Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried dill works, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get Crispy Latkes?
The key to crispy latkes is removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Here’s how:
- After grating the potatoes, place them in a clean kitchen towel and twist it tight, squeezing all the liquid out—this makes a huge difference!
- When frying, ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a little batter in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go. If it’s not hot, your latkes will be oily rather than crispy.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this cools down the oil, resulting in soggy bites. Fry in batches for the best results!
Potato Latke Bites With Smoked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Latkes:
- 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Toppings:
- 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced into small bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and about 20 minutes of cooking time. So, in approximately 40 minutes, you’ll have delicious potato latke bites ready to impress your guests or enjoy as a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Start by placing the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel. Give it a good squeeze to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This is really important for getting those latkes nice and crispy!
2. Make the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined into a cohesive batter.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil looks shimmering. Take care not to let it smoke.
4. Fry the Latkes:
Using a tablespoon, scoop small amounts of the potato mixture and gently drop them into the hot oil. Flatten each pile slightly with the back of the spoon so they form small rounds (about 2-3 inches in diameter). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can make them soggy.
5. Cooking Until Crispy:
Fry each latke for about 3-4 minutes on one side—look for that beautiful golden brown color! Carefully flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy. If the heat gets too high, adjust accordingly to avoid burning.
6. Drain the Latkes:
Once golden and crispy, transfer the latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Keep frying with the remaining mixture until all the latkes are done.
7. Add Toppings:
Once the latkes have cooled slightly, it’s time to top them! Place a generous dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on each latke.
8. Finish with Salmon and Dill:
Add a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream, and for a fresh touch, garnish each bite with a small sprig of dill.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your potato latke bites are ready to be served warm! Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer or snack that will surely wow your friends and family!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, while Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchiness, Yukon Golds are a great alternative. They will give a slightly creamier texture, but they still fry up nicely!
How Can I Make These Latkes Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the potato mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to fry the latkes right before serving for the best texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Latkes?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet or oven—this will help them regain their crispiness!
Can I Freeze Latke Bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked latkes after they’ve cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven for best results.
