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!
📖 Recipe:
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German Potato Pancakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These German Potato Pancakes, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, make for the perfect savory snack or breakfast. Easy to prepare, they are packed with flavor and customizable to suit any taste. Whether served with sour cream or applesauce, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite!
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
Instructions
- Peel and grate the potatoes, then place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out any excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix everything well.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet and flatten it into a pancake shape using the back of a spoon.
- Fry the pancake for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Notes
For a crispier texture, ensure the potatoes are as dry as possible before frying.
These pancakes can be easily customized by adding cheese, herbs, or spices to the mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 180 kcal
