Crunchy & Savory: Potato Chip Latkes Recipe

Latkes, traditionally made with shredded potatoes and fried to golden perfection, are a Hanukkah staple. But what if we took this classic dish and gave it a fun, modern twist? Enter: Potato Chip Latkes! This recipe replaces shredded potatoes with crushed potato chips, resulting in an unbelievably crispy and flavorful latke that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. So, ditch the grater and grab a bag of your favorite potato chips – it’s time to elevate your latke game!

## Why Potato Chip Latkes?

You might be wondering, “Why potato chips?” Well, there are several compelling reasons:

* **Ultimate Crispiness:** Potato chips are already fried, so they create a latke with an unparalleled crispy texture. Every bite is a satisfying crunch.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The inherent flavor of the potato chips infuses the entire latke. Experiment with different flavors like sour cream and onion, barbecue, or salt and vinegar for a unique twist.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Forget grating potatoes and squeezing out excess moisture. Crushing potato chips is significantly faster and easier.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Let’s be honest, kids love potato chips! This recipe is a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen and introduce them to a new take on a traditional dish.
* **Unexpected & Delicious:** These latkes are a conversation starter! They’re a delightful surprise that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

## The Ultimate Potato Chip Latkes Recipe

This recipe is straightforward and adaptable. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and potato chip flavor to your liking.

**Yields:** Approximately 12-15 latkes
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups (approximately 1 large bag) plain potato chips (kettle-cooked or regular), crushed into coarse crumbs. Avoid overly fine crumbs for best texture.
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or matzah meal for a gluten-free option)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion (optional, but adds a nice savory element)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder (this contributes to a lighter, crispier texture)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, depending on the saltiness of the potato chips)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch depth in the pan)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, applesauce, chopped chives, everything bagel seasoning

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Potato masher or rolling pin (for crushing the potato chips)
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Spatula
* Paper towels
* Slotted spoon or spider

**Instructions:**

**1. Crush the Potato Chips:**

* Pour the potato chips into a large resealable bag. Remove excess air and seal the bag tightly.
* Use a potato masher, rolling pin, or even your hands to crush the chips into coarse crumbs. You want a texture that’s similar to breadcrumbs, but with some larger pieces for added crunch.
* Alternatively, you can pulse the potato chips in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder. Pulse only a few times until you reach the desired consistency.

**2. Combine Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed potato chips, beaten eggs, flour (or matzah meal), chopped onion (if using), baking powder, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the potato chips are coated with the egg mixture. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour or matzah meal.
* Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the potato chips to absorb the moisture. This will help the latkes hold their shape during frying.

**3. Heat the Oil:**

* Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Use a high-sided pan to minimize splattering.
* Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of potato chip into it. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

**4. Form the Latkes:**

* Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the potato chip mixture and gently form it into a patty. Flatten the patty slightly to ensure even cooking.
* Don’t make the latkes too thick, or they may not cook through in the center. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

**5. Fry the Latkes:**

* Carefully place the latkes into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* Fry the latkes for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
* Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the latkes from burning. If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium. If they are not browning enough, increase the heat slightly.

**6. Drain and Serve:**

* Remove the latkes from the pan with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
* Serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

**7. Add Toppings & Enjoy:**

* Top with your favorite latke toppings, such as sour cream, applesauce, chopped chives, or everything bagel seasoning.
* Serve warm and enjoy the crunchy, savory goodness of your potato chip latkes!

## Tips for Perfect Potato Chip Latkes

* **Choose the Right Potato Chips:** Plain potato chips work best, but feel free to experiment with different flavors. Kettle-cooked chips tend to be sturdier and hold their shape better during frying. Avoid using chips that are too thin or brittle, as they may fall apart easily.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy latkes. Work in batches to ensure that each latke has enough space to cook properly.
* **Maintain the Oil Temperature:** Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy latkes. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Press Gently:** After forming the latkes, gently press down on them with a spatula to flatten them slightly. This will help them cook evenly and become extra crispy.
* **Don’t Flip Too Early:** Be patient and wait until the bottom of the latke is golden brown and crispy before flipping it. Flipping too early can cause the latke to fall apart.
* **Drain Thoroughly:** Drain the latkes thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess oil. This will help them stay crispy and prevent them from becoming greasy.
* **Serve Immediately:** Potato chip latkes are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They can be reheated, but they will lose some of their crispiness.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Add some garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the potato chip mixture for an extra kick.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute matzah meal or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Storage:** While best eaten immediately, leftover latkes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore some crispness.

## Variations and Adaptations

* **Flavor Infusions:**
* **Sour Cream & Onion:** Use sour cream and onion flavored potato chips for a tangy and savory twist. Add a dollop of sour cream as a topping for extra flavor.
* **Barbecue:** BBQ flavored chips will give your latkes a smoky and sweet flavor. Serve with a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
* **Salt & Vinegar:** For a tangy and puckery flavor, use salt and vinegar chips. This variation pairs well with a creamy dipping sauce.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use jalapeno-flavored chips for a spicy kick.
* **Everything Bagel:** Mix in everything bagel seasoning into the batter. This adds a delicious garlicky and savory flavor.
* **Cheese Please:** Add shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan) to the potato chip mixture for a cheesy and melty latke.
* **Herbaceous Goodness:** Mix in fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or dill for a fresh and aromatic twist.
* **Sweet Latkes:** For a sweet treat, use cinnamon sugar potato chips and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mixture. Serve with applesauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Veggie Boost:** Add finely grated zucchini or carrots to the potato chip mixture for added nutrients and flavor. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Get creative with dipping sauces! Some suggestions include:
* Spicy mayo
* Sriracha aioli
* Horseradish cream
* Guacamole
* Chutney

## Serving Suggestions

Potato chip latkes can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Traditional:** Serve with sour cream and applesauce for a classic latke experience.
* **Brunch:** Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a festive brunch spread.
* **Party Appetizer:** Arrange the latkes on a platter and serve with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive appetizer.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Use latkes as a crispy and flavorful filling for sandwiches or wraps.
* **Latke Bar:** Set up a latke bar with a variety of toppings and dipping sauces, allowing guests to customize their own creations.

## Potato Chip Latkes: A New Tradition?

Potato chip latkes are a fun and unexpected twist on a classic dish. They are easy to make, incredibly crispy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a new Hanukkah tradition or simply want to try something different, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab a bag of your favorite potato chips and get ready to enjoy the crunchiest latkes you’ve ever tasted!

Enjoy your Potato Chip Latkes! They are a unique and flavorful treat that will add a touch of fun to any occasion.