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 latkes, be sure they are completely cool; place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. Once frozen, the latkes may be transferred to a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag.
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!
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.
BEST Latkes Recipe! Make Ahead and Freeze, HANUKKAH Cooking with Caraway!l
FAQ
Can cooked latkes be frozen?
Do potato pancakes freeze well?
How do you reheat frozen latkes in the oven?
Can latkes be prepared ahead of time?
Can you freeze latkes?
Place the baking sheet and latkes in the freezer. Pop the covered baking sheet into the freezer and wait at least 4-5 hours for latkes to freeze. Transfer to a resealable bag or container. This step is optional and not necessary if you’d like to place the pan of latkes directly in the oven, such as at a dinner party.
How do you store frozen latkes?
Place the latkes on the baking sheet in a single layer and cover with plastic wrap. The latkes should be evenly spaced and not crowded on the baking sheet or plate. Covering with plastic wrap will help to keep the latkes from shifting during transfer to the freezer.
Can You refrigerate latkes?
Rule # 1. Don’t refrigerate latkes. You’ll end up with gummy-tasting latkes. If you want to prepare lakes ahead of time but not freeze them, you can fry them (about 2-3 hours before) and leave them at room temperature. Then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a hot preheated oven at 400ºF until warm.
Can frozen latkes be reheated?
Too much oil or moisture from steam can cause frozen latkes to become soggy upon reheating. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Be sure to use a baking sheet that is small enough to fit in your freezer. If you do not have a pan in the right size, you can use a plate or large glass dish as an alternative.