Name: German Potato Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and grated; 1 small onion, grated; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Crispy and golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, these German potato pancakes are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and full of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how simple and delicious these German potato pancakes are. The combination of crispy edges and soft, flavorful interiors is simply irresistible. I find that they’re perfect for any time of day—whether it’s a savory breakfast, a side dish, or a light snack. The best part? They are incredibly versatile, and I can easily adjust the seasonings or toppings to suit my mood. Plus, they’re made with just a few pantry staples, so I can whip them up on a whim without any fuss.

Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and grated

1 small onion, grated

2 large eggs

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

First, I peel and grate the potatoes, then place them in a clean kitchen towel. I give them a good squeeze to remove any excess moisture—this helps the pancakes stay crispy.

In a large bowl, I combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if I’m using it). I stir everything together until well mixed.

Next, I heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the skillet and use the back of the spoon to flatten it into a pancake shape.

I fry each pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, I remove the pancake from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

I repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

I can easily customize these German potato pancakes by adding different ingredients or toppings. Here are a few ideas:

Cheese: I can mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.

Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill can add a nice touch of freshness.

Spices: A dash of paprika or cayenne pepper can give them a little heat if that’s my thing.

Toppings: These pancakes are delicious served with sour cream, applesauce, or even smoked salmon.

Storage/Reheating

If I have any leftovers, I store the pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until they’re hot and crispy once more.

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FAQs

How can I make these pancakes crispier?

To make the pancakes even crispier, I make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Additionally, I use a little extra oil in the skillet and cook them on medium-high heat.

Can I make these potato pancakes ahead of time?

Yes! I can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat them in a skillet when I’m ready to serve them. They’ll still taste great!

Can I freeze German potato pancakes?

Yes, I can freeze the cooked pancakes. After frying, I let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, I transfer them to a freezer bag for easy storage. To reheat, I bake them in the oven or fry them again for a crispy finish.

What can I serve with German potato pancakes?

I love serving them with sour cream, applesauce, or even a simple green salad. For a more hearty meal, they go great with a side of sausages or bacon.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free without compromising the taste or texture.

Conclusion

These German potato pancakes are a simple yet satisfying dish that I always turn to when I want something crispy, savory, and comforting. Whether I’m serving them for breakfast, as a side, or just for a snack, they never disappoint. With their golden exterior and tender interior, I can’t resist making them again and again!

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