Ready for a seriously unique appetizer? Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip are the answer to all your crispy, spicy, and creamy cravings. This recipe gives a bold new life to the classic latke with the punchy heat of buffalo sauce and the tangy richness of blue cheese, making it absolutely irresistible for game day, holiday tables, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing bite. Whether you’re a potato aficionado or simply love a little heat, you’ll find that each crunchy bite dipped in that luscious blue cheese sauce is pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip lies in a handful of humble ingredients that transform into a flavor-packed dish. Each plays a key role in delivering that addictive crispiness, spicy zing, and creamy cool finish.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and shredded): The starchy structure is perfect for crispy-edged latkes.
- Small onion (grated): Adds savory depth and tender texture to your latkes.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the shredded potatoes and holding everything together.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Gives just enough structure for golden, sturdy pancakes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into sharper focus.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild bite that balances the richness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For an extra layer of savory flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smokiness that plays beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): You’ll need enough for a shallow fry, ensuring every latke gets super crisp.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/3 cup): The star of the show, delivering signature heat and tang.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds rich flavor and helps the buffalo sauce cling to each latke.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creamy base for the blue cheese dip that cuts through the heat.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Lends a silky, smooth texture to the dip.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/3 cup): Bold and tangy, it’s the key to an unforgettable dipping sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dip and balances the richness.
- Milk or buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Loosens the dip for the perfect dippable texture—choose buttermilk for extra tang.
- Chopped chives (1 tablespoon, optional): For a fresh, oniony garnish on the dip, totally optional but delightful.
How to Make Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Onions
Kick off your Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip adventure by grabbing your shredded potatoes and grated onion, piling them into a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze like you mean it to get rid of as much moisture as possible—this is the secret to that signature crunch in every bite. Damp potatoes can turn your latkes soggy, so don’t rush this step; your efforts will be totally worth it!
Step 2: Mix the Latke Batter
Transfer the dry potato-onion mixture to a large bowl. Add in the eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is evenly coated and clings together. The batter will look rustic—that’s just what you want for hearty, homey latkes with a ton of flavor.
Step 3: Fry to Crisp Perfection
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers (test it by dropping in a tiny bit of batter—it should sizzle instantly), scoop in big spoonfuls of your latke mixture. Flatten each mound a little with your spatula. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to fuss—they need that uninterrupted time to get those golden, crunchy edges.
Step 4: Drain and Sauce
When your Buffalo Latkes are beautifully crisp on both sides, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. While they’re resting, gently heat the buffalo sauce and melted butter together in a small saucepan until just warmed through. Drizzle this glorious sauce over the hot latkes or toss them very gently to coat—just be careful not to lose that crispy exterior!
Step 5: Make the Blue Cheese Dip
In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, and your choice of milk or buttermilk until thick and creamy. Stir in the chives if you like a fresh bite. This dip is wonderfully tangy and cooling—the ideal partner for spicy buffalo flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Bring your Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip to the table immediately for maximum crispiness. Let everyone dive in, dunking each spicy, crunchy latke into that cloud-like blue cheese dip. Watching them disappear is almost as fun as making them!
How to Serve Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip
Garnishes
A little extra garnish can turn your Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip into a true showstopper. Sprinkle a few more chives or scallions on top for a fresh pop of green, or even a sprinkle of extra blue cheese for dramatic flair. If you like, add a dusting of smoked paprika before serving for a gorgeous color contrast and a hint of added smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
These latkes shine brilliantly as an appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with crunchy celery and carrot sticks, echoing the classic buffalo combo. To round out a meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing, or pile onto a platter with other game-day favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many fun ways to present Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip! Try stacking them high on a platter with tiny skewers for easy grabbing, or nestle each latke in a lettuce leaf cup for a fresh bite. You can even make them bite-sized for cocktail parties, serving the dip in individual ramekins for extra flair. Let your imagination (and appetite) lead the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip keep surprisingly well. Let the latkes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container, and store the blue cheese dip separately in the fridge. The dip holds beautifully for up to three days, while the latkes are best enjoyed within two days for optimal crispiness.
Freezing
To freeze your latkes for future cravings, arrange cooled latkes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment between them to prevent sticking. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months, but be sure to make the blue cheese dip fresh for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
The best way to revive leftover or frozen Buffalo Latkes is in a 400-degree oven. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 5–10 minutes, until heated through and crisp again. Steer clear of the microwave if you can—it tends to zap away that beloved crunch. Refresh the dip with a quick stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip gluten-free?
Yes, you can absolutely swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or potato starch. The results are still crispy and delicious, so everyone can dig in, regardless of dietary needs.
What’s the best way to keep latkes crisp for a party?
Keep your finished latkes warm and crisp by placing them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven. This way, any steam escapes and the bottoms don’t get soggy, meaning every single latke is just as crunchy as the first.
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like blue cheese?
Of course! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try substituting with feta or even a mild goat cheese for a similar tang. The dip will still offer a cool, creamy counterpoint to the spicy latkes.
Can I prepare the latkes ahead of time?
While Buffalo Latkes are best fresh, you can fry them a few hours ahead and re-crisp them in the oven just before serving. Make the blue cheese dip a day or two in advance—it actually gets even better as the flavors meld.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Buffalo wing sauce brings a pleasant heat, but the cool blue cheese dip balances it out beautifully. If you prefer less spice, choose a mild buffalo sauce or simply use less when tossing the latkes.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip are a memorable twist on tradition that’s guaranteed to spark smiles, second helpings, and a handful of recipe requests. Whether you make them for a party or your own personal treat, don’t be surprised if they become a new classic in your kitchen repertoire. Give them a try—you’re in for a seriously delicious ride!
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Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 latkes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Latkes with Blue Cheese Dip are a delightful twist on classic potato pancakes, featuring a spicy kick from buffalo sauce and a creamy tang from the blue cheese dip. Perfect for game day or any gathering, these crispy latkes are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Latkes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and shredded)
- 1 small onion (grated)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Latkes: Squeeze excess moisture from potatoes and onion, mix with eggs, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Fry spoonfuls in hot oil until golden.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: Warm buffalo sauce and melted butter in a saucepan.
- Prepare Blue Cheese Dip: Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, and milk until creamy. Add chives if desired.
- Assemble: Drizzle buffalo sauce over latkes or toss them in the sauce. Serve with blue cheese dip.
Notes
- For extra crispy latkes, avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure the oil is hot.
- The blue cheese dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latke with dip
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
