Latkes for party

[bbq_esq]

I host Christmas dinner, usually around 15 people. This year Christmas is also the first night of Hanukkah, so I'd like to make some latkes (grew up with both holidays) to go along with the usual Christmas dinner I prepare.

I have cooked latkes before, many times, but for a much smaller group. I'm trying to think of the best way to do this. Obviously, fresher the better, but frying up 30 or so latkes to order sounds like a nightmare.

Thoughts on frying earlier in the day and reheating on a rack in a very hot oven? Or just a bad idea?

[Huskee]

I have zero help with your actual question here, just wondering what recipe you use? Have you ever tried Meathead's? https://amazingribs.com/tested-recip...potato-latkes/

[bbq_esq]

I basically follow the Serious Eats recipe, which is fairly close to how my family made them when I was much younger (minus the food processor - which I have fortunately!).

[mgaretz]

I would suggest Trader Joe's frozen latkes. They are actually very good and you can just bake them.

[GolfGeezer]

+1 on this. And they are much better cooked in the oven rather than frying in oil as the package recommends.

[PGH_RAM]

I'd say reheating in a very hot oven is your best choice if you're making them from scratch. Otherwise, mgaretz's suggestion has real merit.

[Draznnl]

Don’t tell anyone, but when I’ve prepped latkes for a large group like that, I’ve been known to make them a couple of hours or so in advance and keep them on foil in the oven on 170 or 180. If anything, this crisps them up a bit without getting them overdone. Let me know if you want details.

Edit: BTW, my bubbie is the one who taught me this trick.

[Beefchop]

They are never as good reheated as they are fresh, but I've found that reheating them in the oven gives acceptable results when you are dealing with a crowd. Never tried the frozen Trader Joe's latkes but give it a whirl!

[Draznnl]

Or, you could try these muffin tin latkes:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/muffin-tin-latkes-17301938

[RichieB]

My wife makes them for Chanukah. Always early on same day. Fries them and in oven on low until ready to consume. Of course prior to being put in the oven someone has to do a quality test to assure certification

[Beefchop]

Sour cream or applesauce. Be careful how you answer.

[RichieB]

Her homemade applesauce. That and her chicken soup and matzaballs. Both game changers.

[Thunder77]

Both sour cream and applesauce!

[bbq_esq]

Thanks for the responses. We ended up having a smaller Hanukkah dinner a few days after Christmas, with only 4 adults to feed. I picked up a large electric skillet and just fried 6 at a time in the skillet, served 3 batches hot and fresh. They were insanely good. So, I basically dodged the serving a large party issue, but considering how good they came out I expect the party will grow next year.

[CaptainMike]

That's great, but who won at Dreidel?