Standing over the stove for hours frying latkes isn’t exactly my favorite activity, and probably isn’t yours either. But there’s nothing that quite compares with homemade fried potato latkes. (Though, yes, there are a number of pretty decent frozen latkes you can buy pre-made, and other latke hacks to try if making from scratch just isn’t your thing, no judgement).
But when it comes time to host a Hanukkah celebration, you may want to prepare your latkes ahead of time to avoid the lingering smell of fried potatoes, and so that you can actually enjoy your own party!
Luckily, latkes are one of the best Jewish foods to prepare and freeze ahead of time since they reheat beautifully. With just a few expert tips, your latkes will taste like you stood at the stove all day, but your house won’t smell like the inside of a deep fryer, and you will feel rested and ready to celebrate.
One more preparation tip: You can also make your applesauce and freeze that ahead of time, too!
TO FREEZE: Potato pancakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. First flash freeze by laying flat on baking sheet and placing in freezer for 30 minutes, and then transfer to a freezer-safe ziptop bag. Reheat in oven directly from frozen for 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Cool Completely Before Freezing
Whenever you freeze a baked good or anything cooked, always make sure to let the dish cool completely before placing in the freezer, otherwise you may trap extra moisture and liquid which will cause the latkes to become soggy. Cool latkes on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before freezing.
Slightly Undercook Your Latkes
If you are planning to reheat your latkes after freezing, you may want to slightly undercook your latkes — just so they’re a little less brown and crispy than you would prepare if you were serving them the same day. This will ensure when you reheat them, they won’t get too crispy or — God forbid — burnt!
Freeze Dried Potato Pancakes–WITH RECIPE! HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer
FAQ
Can you freeze and reheat potato pancakes?
How do you preserve potato pancakes?
How do you reheat potato pancakes so they are crispy?
What is the difference between potato pancakes and latkes?
Can you freeze cooked potato pancakes?
Cooked potato pancakes will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool the pancakes completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag or other airtight container. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Are fried potato pancakes healthy?
Pancakes with potato dough are an easy recipe, but should be consumed in moderation, as they are rich in carbohydrates. One tip is to replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes in the standard recipe.
How do you store potato pancakes in the freezer?
When storing the potato pancake packages in the freezer, there are a few key points to consider: Flat position: Place the packages in the freezer in a flat position. Laying them flat helps prevent any breakage or damage to the pancakes during freezing.
Can You reheat frozen potato pancakes?
Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, squeeze out excess air and seal. Store the frozen potato pancakes in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, reheat the frozen potato pancakes directly from the freezer by baking at 400°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.