These crispy potato latke bites are packed with flavor! Topped with delicious smoked salmon, they make for a perfect appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist that crunchy outside and tasty topping? I like to serve them with a dollop of sour cream—it adds a nice creamy touch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for latkes because they’re high in starch and help achieve a crispy texture. If you can’t find russets, try using Yukon Gold potatoes, but avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes as they won’t crisp up as well.
Onion: A small yellow onion works perfectly. If you want a milder flavor, you could use green onions or even omit it altogether for a simpler taste.
Eggs: Eggs bind the mixture. If you’re looking for a vegan option, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water. About 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water can replace one egg.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the batter. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour can be good substitutes — they might change the flavor a bit, but still work nicely!
Smoked Salmon: I love using high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, consider using smoked trout or even a spread like cream cheese as an alternative.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Latkes?
Getting latkes crispy involves managing moisture – and there’s a simple way to do that! After grating the potatoes, squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial for that desirable crunch.
- Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring out moisture.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature. It should shimmer but not smoke. Too low, and they’ll absorb oil; too high, and they’ll burn.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Following these tips will give you latkes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just the way they should be!
Potato Latke Bites With Smoked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Latke Bites:
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for prep and cooking. The latke bites are best served warm right after they’re made, so make sure you have everything ready to go before you start frying. They’ll be crispy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by grating the potatoes. Once done, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and place the grated potatoes in the center. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this will help your latkes become nice and crispy!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything together until you have a good, thick batter.
3. Heating the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of the potato mixture into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!
4. Frying the Latke Bites:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and flatten it slightly into small rounds before placing them in the hot oil. Fry each latke for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet—fry in batches if needed!
5. Draining Excess Oil:
Once they are nice and golden, remove the latkes from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. This way, they stay crisp and not greasy!
6. Topping Your Latkes:
After letting them cool slightly, it’s time to top them! Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on each latke, then place a small slice or folded piece of smoked salmon on top.
7. Garnishing:
Finish with a fresh dill sprig on each one for that perfect touch of flavor. It’s both pretty and tasty!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
These potato latke bites are best enjoyed warm. Serve them as a delightful appetizer or snack, and watch everyone dig in. They won’t last long, so get ready for the compliments!
Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy potato bites with succulent smoked salmon and creamy accents. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Just avoid waxy varieties as they won’t crisp up as well.
Can I Make the Latkes in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the latkes ahead of time! Just fry them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side to regain their crispiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Latke Bites?
Store any leftover latke bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Can I Substitute the Smoked Salmon?
Absolutely! If you don’t have smoked salmon, try using other options like smoked trout or even a light cream cheese spread for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, consider topping them with avocado or roasted vegetables!