10 Nontraditional Ways To Make Traditional Hanukkah Latkes

Instead of sticking to starchy plain potatoes, use sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or zucchini for a brand new latke experience. If you prefer to stick with what you know, you can add spices, herbs, and flavors that are atypical of a classic potato latke to your cherished family recipe.

While we admit we can't get enough of this Perfect-Every-Time Latkes recipe that you can depend upon to produce perfect, grease-free potato pancakes each Hanukkah, we can't help but love this twist with broccoli and Cheddar or the hybrid spanakopita latke recipe with fresh spinach and feta cheese.

If you are looking for ways to update the latke tradition this year during the Festival of Lights, check out our picks for 10 perfectly untraditional Hanukkah latkes.

Potato latkes are as exciting as vanilla ice cream. I'm sure there are the purists who believe it's best to stick with tradition, but I like to mix things up in the kitchen. This year, I'm giving the latke a serious makeover, starting with this recipe for broccoli Cheddar latkes! — Kosher in the Kitch!

For the Broccoli Cheddar Latkes recipe, click here.

I love the way the flavors come together in this recipe and just as important, it's easy to whip up! The two key ingredients can be found in the frozen section at your local grocery store. Throw it together with some eggs and seasoning and you get a fancy tasting, fast making latke! — Kosher in the Kitch!

For the Butternut Squash Hashbrown Latkes recipe, click here.

Because the squash is grated raw, the latkes remain light and slightly crunchy. The addition of the pan-roasted cumin seeds brings these lovely morsels an exotic flair, while the sour cream helps to pull the flavors together. — Viviane Bauquet Farre

For the Butternut Squash and Leek Latkes with Pan-Roasted Cumin recipe, click here.

These latkes are easy to make, have a beautiful orange color from the butternut squash, and just a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup-spiked mascarpone.

For the Butternut Squash and Sage Latkes with Maple Mascarpone recipe, click here.

Ever think of sushi and latkes on one plate? This recipe does, with crispy fried latkes rolled up with cucumber, rice, and nori. Think of it as a Jewish tempura roll. — Roger Mummert

For the Latke-Maki recipe, click here.

If you're looking to spice up your latkes, this Mexican-style recipe adds a bit of spice with jalapeño peppers. For a taste of freshness, they're finished with a cilantro sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. 

For the Mexi-Latkes recipe, click here.

The classic potato latke gets a makeover! Made with shallots instead of onions, these potato latkes are delicate and slightly sweet. Served with a dollop of apple confit spiked with calvados, and a buttery, crispy sage leaf, each mouthful of these latkes yields an explosion of flavor. — Viviane Bauquet Farre

For the Potato Latkes with Apple Confit and Crispy Sage recipe, click here.

A "Texican" take on traditional Hanukkah latkes, these are seasoned with smoky chipotle powder, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Top the latkes with brisket and quick pickled onions. — Tres Carnes

For the Smoky Poblano Latkes recipe, click here.

These latkes get a Greek treatment with freshly cooked spinach and feta cheese mixed into the batter. — Roger Mummert

For the Spana-Latke-Kopita recipe, click here.

Latkes usually aren't very healthy, but chef Nikki Cascone uses sweet potatoes to make them a little healthier and drains them well on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. — Nikki Cascone

For more great seasonal recipes, check out these  31 Simple Recipes Because the Holidays Are Difficult Enough.

For the Sweet Potato Latkes with Lime Crème Fraîche recipe, click here.