German Potato Pancakes

Germans know a thing or two about potatoes. And while there are many ways to prepare potatoes, few are as delicious as German potato pancakes. Also known as Kartoffelpuffer, these thin, crispy pancakes are the perfect way to enjoy potatoes any time of day.

So next time you’re feeling potato-y, ditch the French fries and give German potato pancakes a try. They’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.

The key to making the perfect potato pancake is to use starchy potatoes that will hold together when grated. I also like to add a little onion for flavor. The final step is frying the pancakes in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Now that you know how to make delicious German Potato Pancakes, there’s only one thing left to do: try the recipe!

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Why do I love this recipe?

• Crispy potato pancakes
• Great appetizer, snack, or side dish
• Seasoned lightly to allow the potatoes to stand out
• Dippable potato patties

Why is it called a German pancake?

This recipe is made originally in German. This is a pancake recipe that was eaten often and was so delicious and easy to whip up.

Hashbrown VS potato pancake?

You will use hashbrown-style potatoes to make these potato pancakes. Whereas hashbrowns are simply shredded potatoes that you pan-fry up into crispy potatoes.

These potato pancakes are patties that are pressed potato mixture that is going to give you that crispy outside and tender center.

The best way to grate potatoes for potato pancakes

You will find using a classic grater works, where you hand shred. But just know you can use a hand-turned grater as it will speed up the process tremendously for making these potato pancakes.

Give these sliced potatoes in a muffin tin a try, these are such a delicious side dish recipe to try out to go with your meal.

How can you keep potato pancakes from crumbling apart?

Making sure to press your potato pancakes together nicely is going to help the pancakes from crumbling and falling apart when you are searing them in a skillet.

This is going to help it hold together like a burger patty. Now if you find that you don’t press it together enough it can break apart as it fries up.

What to have with Potato Pancakes?

Want some ideas to pair with your potato pancakes? Here are some tasty main dishes for your dinner.

• Grandma’s Meatloaf
• Pork Tenderloin
• Chicken Fritters

What are the best potatoes for making Potato Pancakes?

You will find that Yukon gold or Russet potatoes work best. Other potatoes offer a different amount of starch so it is going to change up the texture. These two varieties of potatoes hold up the best.

Tips

• Make sure to grate your potatoes so they are thinly sliced.
• The onion needs to be thinly sliced or it will overpower the pancake flavor.
• Make sure you put pancakes in a heated skillet so it instantly sizzles.
• Depending on the size of the potato pancakes the cooking time will vary.

Variations

• Season the pancakes as you would like. Cajun seasoning, parsley, Italian seasoning, etc.
• Use gluten-free flour if you would like.
• Leave out the onion if you are not a fan of onion.
• You can use canola, peanut, or vegetable oil for frying.

Ingredients:

• Gold potatoes shredded
• Eggs
• Flour
• Pepper
• Salt
• Onion
• Baking powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to make German Potato Pancakes:

Step 1. Place 6 Gold potatoes shredded and 2 tbsp of flour into a bowl.

Step 2. Then, add ¼ tsp of baking powder.

Step 3. Then, add ½ cup of finely chopped onion.

Step 4. Then, add 2 large eggs, ¼ tsp of pepper, and ½ tsp of salt.

Step 5. Knead well with your hands until combined completely.

Step 6. Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.

Step 7. Add the potato mixture in small ¼ cup pancake shapes to the heated oil, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8. Place the potato pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

German Potato Pancakes

Servings: 15 pancakes

These German potato pancakes are the real deal! They’re nice and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. Yum! And they’re so easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients: potatoes, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. That’s it!

4.20 from 5 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 6 Gold potatoes , shredded
• 2 Eggs, Large
• 2 Tbsp. Flour
• ¼ tsp. Pepper
• ½ tsp. Salt
• ½ C. onion, Finely chopped
• ¼ tsp. Baking powder
• ¼ C. Vegetable oil , for frying

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Instructions

• Place the potatoes, eggs, flour, pepper, salt, onion, and baking powder into a bowl, and knead well with your hands until combined completely.
• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
• Add the potato mixture in small ¼ cup pancake shapes to the heated oil, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
• Place the potato pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Author: Laura

THANKS FOR PINING!

How to store and reheat German Potato Pancakes?

You will want to store your potato pancakes in an airtight container or a sealed bag in the fridge. Just let the pancakes cool a bit before you go and refrigerate them.

Then to reheat you can warm it in a skillet on the stovetop, or for a quick reheat do the microwave. Either method works well, but you will find a skillet will get your potatoes somewhat crispy again, whereas the microwave will be a bit soggier.

Can I freeze these German Potato Pancakes?

After your pancakes have cooled you can flash-freeze the German potato cakes on a cookie sheet. Then place in a freezer container or freezer bag and freeze for 3-4 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven, microwave, or a skillet on the stovetop.

Can I make this German Potato Pancakes recipe in advance?

I recommend making these fresh as you will find if you are using freshly grated potatoes they will brown pretty fast once the air touches them. So you will find prepping them right before serving instead of in advance is best.

German Potato Pancakes

Top with sour cream, dip in ranch or sprinkle sea salt are all incredible ways to serve up this German potato pancakes recipe. Give it a try today, and see for yourself what you think.

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