Build Your Own Latke Board

If you're looking for a new brunch board, look no further than this gorgeous Latke Charcuterie Board. Your guests can build their own latkes using a combination of toppings, sauces and proteins.

Growing up, my mom made a mean potato pancake. I'm sure it was a low-budget wonder, but to me, a warm latke topped with sour cream or applesauce was heaven. It might as well have been sous vide lobster tails in French butter.

In building this epic latke board, I channeled those classic latkes and traditional toppings of my youth...and I've added a few modern twists. The beauty of a charcuterie board is how perfectly customizable it is.

Assemble all your favorite sides and toppings...and all your favorite people...and serve this bountiful latke charcuterie board.

Let's talk about latkes!

Classic latkes are made from fresh shredded potatoes, along with matzo meal or flour, egg, salt and black pepper and oil (for frying). When prepared well, they are crispy on the outside, hot and tender inside, and the whole golden brown dream is seasoned perfectly. I prefer serving small latkes - about 2-3 bites each - on a charcuterie board. This allows guests to try a variety of topping combinations, which is the very best way to go!

I'm a huge fan of a homemade latke. For classic shredded potato latkes, I use Molly Yeh's recipe, and it never fails. Start with russet potatoes or Yukon golds, season well, crisp in a large frying pan and drain those beauties of any excess oil on a cooling rack over a baking sheet. Plate them with your favorite sides and toppings and let the party begin.

Crispy Mashed Potato Latkes are another great option for a latke board. And they have the added benefit of using leftovers as their main ingredient. I especially love making a batch the morning after a big holiday dinner when I still have a giant bowl of mashed potatoes in the refrigerator!

Sweet potato pancakes would add a delicious sweet treat to your latke charcuterie. If you're hosting a large family meal, you know the kiddos will be all over those sweet crispy treats.

Delicious Sides and Sauces for Board:

• Applesauce or apple slices
• Sour cream or creme fraiche
• Sour cream dill sauce
• Mardi gras mustard
• Caramelized mushrooms and onions
• Smoked salmon
• Smoked white fish
• Caviar
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Cucumber ribbons
• Cherry tomatoes
• Pickled onion
• Capers
• Soft boiled quail eggs
• Fresh dill and chives
• Fresh lemon wedges
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Taco Truck Green Sauce or bottled hot sauce
• Wrapped chocolate gold coins (for Hanukkah charcuterie boards)

How to Build Your Board

I have found latke boards to be one of the easier boards to build at home. Since latkes are the star of the show, you have one clear centerpiece. With a cheese board or full charcuterie board, it's more challenging to create balance. So here we go! Let's take it step by step.

Make a plan!

Here are my top considerations when I'm building a latke board menu:

MY GUESTS

What are their culinary preferences and what level of adventure do they bring to their food choices? Since latke charcuterie boards present each guest with a choose-your-own-adventure dining experience, we want to create a spread that meets your guests where they are, and introduces a new flavor or concept without overwhelming them.

THE SEASON

What is sweet and juicy and fresh at the market? What kind of seasonal fruits could you add as a sweet surprise on the board? How about pumpkin butter instead of applesauce in the fall? Find a way to incorporate the season onto your latke board.

THE MENU

Is this latke charcuterie spread the main event or the warm-up act? Are you serving it with Smoked Salmon Quiche or Spinach and Feta Croissants, or do you want your guests to fill up on the latkes? This question will drive the size and complexity of your board.

Once you've set your menu, make a plan for how you'll present the latke board. Choose your board or tray, your small bowl(s) for dipping sauces and toppings, and plan how you'll arrange your items on the board.

Make a Scene!

When your big day arrives, it's time to build the board. Because latkes taste best when fresh, have all of your supporting menu items standing by in their bowls with serving spoons, ready to hit the board as soon as the potato pancakes are ready.

Once the latkes are ready, lay them down the center of your board. They are the star, so give them a good amount of the real estate! If serving multiple varieties of latkes, arrange them on different corners of the board.

Next, add the major supporting components like smoked salmon, whitefish, or hard boiled eggs.

Then, add your sides and condiments. Caramelized mushrooms and onions, fresh vegetables, pickled onions, apple sauce, sour cream dill sauce and mardi gras mustard. Choose all your greatest hits.

Finally, add garnishes. Fresh dill, diced chives and fresh lemon wedges or slices add the perfect touches of flavor and color. Edible flowers are a beautiful touch if you're in the mood for a party!

FAQ's and Serving Suggestions:

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