Gluten-Free Latke Recipes For Your Hanukkah Party

Although most people this time of year are decorating sugar cookies and making arrangements for a carved roast beef, those who celebrate Hanukkah know that latkes are really where it’s at when it comes to holiday treats. However, since latkes are usually made with flour, which contains gluten, it’s necessary for those gluten-free folks to have some gluten-free latke recipes on hand.

You be surprised to find out that potatoes were never actually started out as the main ingredient for latkes. Turns out, as PBS points out, latkes were originally made from cheese in honor of a Jewish heroine named Judith. Long story short, back in the day, Judith brought wine and salty cheese to the Assyrian army’s general in order to get him drunk and behead him so her people could surprise attack the Assyrian army. People would eat dairy products during Hanukkah in her honor.

So, latkes originally descended from Italian pancakes that were made with ricotta cheese. However, in the mid-1800s, there was a series of crop failures in Poland and the Ukraine that led people to grow massive amounts of cheaper potatoes instead. Since potatoes were easy to come by, latkes were soon made with them, and now they're seen as an essential ingredient.

So, if you’re about to throw a massive Hanukkah party, or just want to be that friend at the holiday party bringing some of your own tradition (and need it to be gluten-free), these recipes are exactly what you need:

Gluten-Free Crispy Yukon Gold Latkes

Latkes can sometimes be baked (or flipped), but these bad boys by Tori Avery are the real thing! A great crispy snack to start the party off right.

Mini Red Potato Latkes

Most times latkes are made with gold or white potatoes — but this particular recipe calls for mini red potatoes! Also, this recipe by Gluten Free Canteen has you measure out a bit of gluten-free flour, so make sure you’re stocked up.

Spaghetti Squash Latkes

Want to swap the starchy potato for something a bit lighter? This recipe by The Kitchn has you working with spaghetti squash instead! It also calls for a good amount of grated Pecorino Romano cheese, chickpea flower, green onions, and parsley.

Cheese Latkes

These particular latkes are made with whole milk ricotta cheese and flipped like pancakes! Even better, for gluten-free folms, Tori Avery recommends you throw in gluten-free multi-purpose flour. It will take a bit longer for the latkes to cook, but it's well worth it! Serve with a little honey or real maple syrup.

Latke Pizza

Why eat one little latke when you can put all of your favorite ingredients on a pizza? Amy from What Jew Wanna Eat actually has you creating a potato crust!

Sweet Potato Latkes With Brown Sugar Syrup & Candied Pecans

This recipe by Tori Avery (aka latke queen) seriously sounds like a sweet dessert, with brown sugar and cinnamon-y goodness.

Zucchini & Dill Latke Waffles

Looking for a savory waffle that could technically be served for dinner? This latke waffle calls for potatoes, zucchinis, onions, eggs, and gluten-free flour (or tapioca starch, which is also gluten-free). Top with a dollop of horseradish sour cream, or — as Cara from Cara’s Cravings does — silken tofu blended with lemon juice, salt, and horseradish.

Apple Cheddar Latkes

Satiate your craving for both the sweet and savory with these apple cheddar latkes by A Cozy Kitchen.

Potato Latkes With Jalapeño Dill Sauce

This particular potato latke by A Spicy Perspective calls for cornmeal instead of flour, which is a great flour alternative to anything gluten-filled. These latkes are fried, and served with a jalapeño dill sauce that will have you screaming.

Images: Giphy; Tori Avery, Gluten Free Canteen, The Kitchn, Tori Avery, What Jew Wanna Eat, Tori Avery, Cara's Cravings, A Cozy Kitchen, A Spicy Perspective