These golden, crispy potato pancakes, usually enjoyed during Hanukkah, hold their own as the main event, but can also be elevated by pairing them with the right side dishes.

Here are 18 delicious suggestions that harmonize with the crunchiness of latkes, each bringing its own unique flavor profile to the table.

Happy Hanukkah !!!!!!!!!

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with latkes are Greek yogurt, garden salad, smoked cod, applesauce, tzatziki sauce, sufganiyot, stuffed mushrooms, poached egg, brisket, cucumber salad, herring, red onion marmalade, roasted beet salad, sour cream, chicken soup, and lox.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a fantastic accompaniment for latkes. Its thick, creamy texture and tangy taste pair perfectly with the crispiness and richness of the latkes. Add a dollop on top of your latkes or use it as a dip. The cool, creamy tang of the yogurt also helps to balance the palate.

2. Garden Salad

A fresh, vibrant garden salad is a great way to offset the richness of the latkes. The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and other assorted veggies bring a welcome freshness and crunch that complements the latkes. Dress lightly with vinaigrette to enhance the flavors without overpowering the latkes.

3. Smoked Cod

Latkes with smoked cod is a match made in culinary heaven. The smoky, flaky fish pairs beautifully with the crispy, starchy latkes. This combination is particularly popular in Jewish Ashkenazi cuisine, where the saltiness of the fish contrasts delightfully with the latkes.

4. Applesauce

Applesauce is a traditional accompaniment to latkes. The sweet, tangy flavors of the applesauce are a delicious contrast to the savory latkes. It adds a fruity note to each bite, making the meal even more enjoyable. It's a classic combination that you can't go wrong with!

5. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki, a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and dill, offers a tangy and refreshing counterpoint to the fried latkes. The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the yogurt and dill give a cooling effect that contrasts nicely with the warm, crispy latkes.

6. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy element to your meal. The mushroom caps can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from cheese to breadcrumbs to herbs, all of which complement the starchy, crispy latkes. The soft texture of the mushrooms is also a nice contrast to the crunch of the latkes.

7. Poached Egg

A perfectly poached egg on top of a latke adds a rich, creamy element. When you cut into the egg, the runny yolk mingles with the crispy latke creating a dish that's decadently delicious. It's a simple addition that adds a touch of luxury to your meal.

8. Brisket

If you're after a heartier option to pair with your latkes, consider a tender, juicy brisket. The slow-cooked, savory beef plays well with the crunchy latkes, offering a balance of textures and flavors. Served with some of the braising juices, brisket becomes a decadent addition to your meal.

9. Cucumber Salad

The cool, refreshing taste of cucumber salad is an excellent contrast to the fried latkes. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and fresh dill, this salad brings a tangy crunch that lightens the palate and makes each bite of latke even more enjoyable.

10. Sufganiyot (Israeli Donuts)

Something sweet is always a good idea. Sufganiyot are fluffy, jelly-filled donuts, dusted with sugar. They are a traditional Hanukkah treat and pair wonderfully with latkes for a festive and indulgent meal. The sweetness of the donuts balances the savory latkes, rounding off the meal on a high note.

11. Shakshuka

This is a cozy, warm dish, perfect for a hearty meal. It's made with eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and often spiced with cumin. Its bold flavors and soft texture contrast nicely with the crispiness of latkes. Plus, it's a great vegetarian option!

12. Baked Salmon

For a lighter but equally tasty choice, try baked salmon. It's healthy, rich in omega-3, and its subtle, buttery taste complements the potato latkes beautifully. The simplicity of the salmon lets the latkes shine, while still making the meal feel special.

13. Herring

Another traditional Ashkenazi Jewish pairing with latkes is pickled herring. The vinegar tang and saltiness of the herring wonderfully balances the crispy, starchy latkes. The umami-packed fish also provides a welcome contrast of textures.

14. Roasted Beet Salad

A roasted beet salad, with its earthy sweetness and vibrant colors, makes for a wonderful side with latkes. The tender beets, perhaps tossed with goat cheese and a light vinaigrette, add a touch of luxury to the meal, their sweet, earthy flavors a delightful partner for the savory latkes.

15. Sour Cream

A classic pairing for latkes, sour cream offers a creamy, tangy flavor that is delightful with the crunchy latkes. It's an easy and traditional way to add a touch of cool creaminess to contrast the hot, crisp pancakes.

16. Chicken Soup

A bowl of comforting chicken soup served alongside latkes creates a cozy, satisfying meal. The savory, warming broth and tender chicken are a perfect match for the crispy, golden latkes. This is comfort food at its finest.

17. Lox

Lox, or smoked salmon, adds a luxurious, smoky, and salty element that matches perfectly with latkes. Top your latke with a piece of lox, perhaps with a bit of cream cheese, for a gourmet twist on the classic latke.

18. Red Onion Marmalade

This sweet and sour condiment is a great accompaniment to latkes. The deep caramelized flavors of the onion marmalade, along with its smooth texture, pairs very well with the crispy latkes. It brings an element of complexity to the dish, balancing the potato pancakes' straightforward, comforting goodness.

More Recipes

What To Serve With Potato Pancakes

What To Serve With Challah

What To Serve With Matzo Ball Soup

What To Serve With Kugel