Baby-Friendly Potato Latkes

This recipe is for 8 month baby & up

Hannukah is just around the corner and a traditional way to enjoy the holiday is with these delicious Baby-Friendly Potato Latkes. Potato Latkes is a simple potato pancake, made with just 3 ingredients! Traditionally, the potatoes are shredded and fried into crispy perfection, but might be too hard for little one’s to eat, this version is soft, gluten-free and made with a small amount of oil. They are perfect for tiny hands practicing baby-led weaning (BLW) and how to self-feed. By modifying the traditional recipe with thoughtful ingredient swaps and cooking methods, these latkes become a nutritious and enjoyable snack or meal option for your kids on Hannukah.

What is Potato Latkes?

Potato latkes are a type of fried potato pancake traditionally associated with Jewish cuisine, particularly during the celebration of Hanukkah. They are made from grated potatoes mixed with a binder like eggs and flour, often seasoned with salt, pepper, and onions. The mixture is shaped into small patties and fried in oil until crispy and golden brown on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.

Latkes are typically served with toppings like sour cream, applesauce, or both, offering a balance of savory and sweet flavors. Though traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah, they are a popular comfort food enjoyed by many year-round.

Why Baby-Friendly Potato Latkes are a Great Option:

-Potatoes are a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The texture of latkes can be adjusted to suit your child’s developmental stage, soft and easy to chew for babies or crispy edges for toddlers exploring finger foods.

-They are the best finger food! They are soft enough for babies practicing chewing but satisfying for toddlers developing more advanced eating skills. Versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome ingredients, these latkes are a nutritious and flavorful addition to your little one’s menu.

How to Serve:

Potato Latkes or potato pancakes are best served with unsweetened applesauce or sour cream. I know that applesauce might sound a little weird with potato, but I promise you it’s amazing! Your little one will have so much fun dipping it, making mealtime fun and exciting.

Substitutions:

Potatoes- You can use most potatoes for this recipe. Idaho, russet or gold potatoes all work.

Eggs- I haven’t tried this recipe with no eggs, I recommend swapping them with a plant-based egg alternative if needed.

Gluten free flour- This can be substituted with all-purpose flour if needed.

Avocado oil for cooking- Can be substituted with any neutral oil.

What you need:

Potato masher

Non-stick pan– I used Our Place Titanium non-toxic, non-stick.

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more recipes you should check out:

Mashed Potato Bites 

Vegan Veggie Fritters

Sweet Potato Broccoli Fritters

Apple Fritters